Back in high school, I must have been 15 or 16 when Bryan Adams performed live in the Canary Islands. Unfortunately, he chose the wrong island. I remember feeling both extremely excited and deeply disappointed about him being so close yet so far at the same time. I remember seeing his picture on the front page of the local newspaper the next day, which I immediately asked my parents to buy for me.
Fast forward almost at least 15 years later, at the beginning of this year, I wasted exactly zero seconds after being notified by Spotify about his upcoming concert in Basel. I immediately secured my place and spent months eagerly anticipating this one evening, which did not disappoint.
At 65 years of age, his professional experience, passion and confidence shone through his commanding stage presence, flawless live vocals, and youthful energy. With an audience whose average age was about twice mine, I initially felt coy and reserved. But even the most conservative concert-goers were progressively swayed by Adams’ incredible music, standing and jumping more with every song. This allowed me to let go of any inhibitions I’d felt at the start. By the end, I was jumping, dancing, and singing more freely and passionately than I ever had at any other concert I’ve ever been to.
That evening was an absolute dream come true. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to see him live. I will forever absolutely adore his voice, his unmistakable style, his guitar solos and heartwarming lyrics. Nobody speaks to the hopeless romantic in me the way he does.
PS.: I may or may not have already purchased front-row tickets to one of his upcoming concerts in Spain.