The oft-repeated assertion that rock icons never fade away seemed surreal as 65-year-old Bryan Adams showcased his vibrant energy on stage, surprising everyone with his lively performance and commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle. Last night at Sant Jordi, he electrified the audience, urging the men to strip off their shirts while belting out the poignant You belong to me, creating a mesmerizing sight as diverse bodies—both fit and indulgent, youthful and aged—came together in a jubilant celebration, turning this concert into a cherished memory for all present. With undeniable charisma, a remarkable vocal range, and a stylish appearance, Adams proves that an impressive physical condition enables him to tour extensively, performing more than 80 concerts each year, an impressive feat considering he performs nearly once every four days with a slew of hits that have solidified his status as the king of rock ballads.
Last night’s excitement can be attributed to Adams’ return to Barcelona two years after his previous tour, specifically his rescheduled show to promote the album So happy it hurts, which had yet to be released during his February 2022 gig. That earlier performance took place under the shadow of Covid-19, limiting the crowd to a mere 10,000 and still abiding by safety protocols that regulated social distancing. However, as the curse of restrictions faded, the Sant Jordi arena welcomed an enthusiastic gathering of 17,000 fans ready for an evening filled with exhilarating rock ‘n’ roll, featuring timeless classics such as Heaven, Summer of 69, and the iconic All for Love. The show concluded predictably yet effectively, leaving the audience exhilarated.
The concert mirrored the festive spirit of his previous tour, providing a sense of bliss to the loyal fans, many of whom fondly remembered their younger days when Adams was one of the rock legends dominating the U.S. pop charts alongside peers like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Guns’n’Roses, and even Metallica. Known primarily for his soft rock ballads, he hasn’t shied away from releasing audacious rock tracks either, as exemplified by his recent powerhouse number, Kick Ass, which kicked off the night with a recorded message reminiscent of AC/DC’s energetic anthem, Let there be rock.
It became evident early on that the night’s intensity wouldn’t solely rely on hard rock beats when the opening chords of Can’t stop this thing we started reverberated through the arena. Adams has a remarkable talent for infusing pop sensibilities into rock, evident in tracks such as Somebody and 18 til I die, the latter being a nostalgic throwback as he sings about turning 18 while now facing 65 years old, his melodies aging like fine wine. To maintain this vibrant energy and irresistible charm, a seasoned and skilled band accompanied him onstage, with guitarist Keith Scott—his trusted partner since 1983—delivering solos that highlighted Adams’ unforgettable and slightly gritty vocal timbre, a perfect match for both heartfelt ballads and energetic rock rhythms that fans, even those who pretended otherwise during the ’90s, secretly adored.
Please forgive me radiated through the venue as the lights dimmed, casting the entire Sant Jordi into a shimmering sea of tiny lights held up by passionate fans. The emotional resonance surged as he performed significant hits, including Take me back, leading the audience to sing along fervently alongside a spirited guitar performance, and the exhilarating Kids Wanna rock, which ushered in the cathedral-like Heaven, the very song that shot him to heartthrob status back in 1983. The poignant performance of It’s Only Love, crafted in collaboration with the late Tina Turner, evoked memories and served as a tribute to the iconic rock queen who passed away last year.
The colorful tableaux of the evening featured diverse musical styles, showcasing the twangy country tones of You belong to me, a ZZ Top-inspired synthesizer echoing through The only thing that looks good on me is you, and the soulful blues harmonica in Go down rockin’. The hard rock flavor of Rock and roll hell, originally by Kiss, contrasted beautifully with the lyrical sweetness of numbers like Cloud number nine and (Everything I do) I do it for you. This created a two-hour and 25-minute journey through various musical landscapes, which also featured glimpses into his newer work, including Shine a light and So happy it hurts, titles from his latest album. Adams even took a moment for an intimate acoustic block, performing When the night comes by Joe Cocker and When you’re gone, captivating the audience as they joined in, illustrating the power of simplicity in his music.
As the concert reached its zenith, the Canadian cowboy of rock unleashed his most spirited tunes, delivering a rousing rendition of Run to you, complemented by an emotive performance of Have you ever loved a woman? that paid homage to flamenco great Paco de Lucía. The nostalgic resonance of Summer of 69 dominated the night as the anthem transported fans to a simpler time, perfectly encapsulating a night meant for singing along to unforgettable classics. Adams further tugged at heartstrings with Cuts like a knife, before returning to stage alone once more for a heartfelt rendition of Straight from the heart. As he bid his audience farewell with guitar in hand, he wore a broad smile and cherished the unwavering sea of glowing lights from fans who he reiterated he does it all for—love.
**Interview with Music Critic and Rock Enthusiast, Sarah Martinez**
**Editor:** Sarah, you were at Bryan Adams’ concert at Sant Jordi last night. What stood out to you about his performance?
**Sarah Martinez:** Absolutely, it was an unforgettable experience! Bryan Adams is such a powerhouse performer, and at 65, he brought a level of energy to the stage that was just incredible. The way he engaged the audience by encouraging them to strip off their shirts while singing ”You Belong to Me” created a wonderfully inclusive atmosphere. It felt like a celebration of life and music, with people from all walks of life coming together.
**Editor:** It sounds like a magical night. How did the larger audience compare to his previous show two years ago, especially considering those COVID restrictions?
**Sarah Martinez:** The contrast was remarkable. A couple of years back, the crowd was limited to 10,000, which felt so contained. Last night, with 17,000 fans, the arena was electric! The excitement in the air was palpable, and Adams really capitalized on that joy. The freedom to immerse ourselves fully in the experience without any safety protocols made it even more special. It felt like we were reclaiming that lost time.
**Editor:** You mentioned his commitment to his vegetarian lifestyle. How did that resonate with the audience?
**Sarah Martinez:** It added to his charisma. Adams is not just a rock star; he’s a person who stands by his beliefs, and that resonates with his fans. He exemplifies that you can thrive and remain vibrant at any age, particularly with his lifestyle choices, which might inspire many of his followers to embrace healthier habits. His performance was not just about nostalgia; it felt fresh, as if he’s living his values on and off the stage.
**Editor:** Bryan Adams is known for his soft rock ballads but also incorporates rock tracks. How did he balance these different musical styles in the concert?
**Sarah Martinez:** He masterfully entwined rock ballads and upbeat tracks. He opened the concert with “Kick Ass,” setting a high-octane vibe right from the start. But then he seamlessly transitioned into classics like “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” and “18 ’til I Die,” showcasing his ability to infuse pop sensibilities into rock music. It’s like he knows how to read the room—balancing the hard-hitting rock with heartfelt ballads, ensuring everyone felt included and engaged.
**Editor:** Were there any particular highlights or emotional moments during the show?
**Sarah Martinez:** Without a doubt! One poignant moment was when he performed “It’s Only Love,” which was a tribute to Tina Turner. The crowd responded with such warmth; you could feel the collective nostalgia and love for her. Furthermore, as the audience lit up the arena during “Please Forgive Me,” it created this beautiful sea of lights that was almost otherworldly. Those moments of connection—both between Adams and his fans and among the fans themselves—were truly emotional.
**Editor:** Lastly, would you say this concert solidified Adams’ place in the rock pantheon, especially considering his career longevity?
**Sarah Martinez:** Definitely! Bryan Adams continues to be an icon in the rock world. His ability to captivate audiences and maintain his vocal prowess at 65 is exceptional. His rich catalogue of hits and the passionate performances prove that rock legends can indeed endure and thrive through the years, continually evolving while keeping their essence intact. He remains a timeless figure in the history of rock music and undoubtedly left a lasting impression at Sant Jordi.
