A short but sweet correspondence with Bryan Adams
Conducting even just an email interview with Bryan Adams seems to say a lot about him and his music.
CBy NR RAMOS onducting even just an email interview with Bryan Adams seems to say a lot about him and his music. As people put it, “How you do anything is how you do everything” and going by his one-liner responses, Bryan really is your no-frills rocker who’d rather let his music – raspy voice, roaring guitar, rumbling bass lines and all – do the talking for him.
His achievements speak volumes, too. Since making it big worldwide in 1984 with the album “Reckless,” Bryan has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. With 21 top ten hits, seven number one singles and topping the charts in more than 40 countries around the world, Adams is rightfully touted as Canada’s ambassador to the world.
Some of his biggest hits are “Summer Of ’69,” “Heaven,” “Straight From The Heart,” “Please Forgive Me,” “All For Love,” “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman,” “Do I Have To Say The Words,” and “I Finally Found Someone.” That song from “Robin Hood” by Bryan’s titled “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” still holds the record for the longest run at number one in the charts in British music history.
As one of the biggest rock superstars of our time, Adams has been the recipient of the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada; been nominated for three Academy Awards and five Golden Globes; and received 18 Juno Awards, an American Music Award and five ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards.
Wilbros Live is bringing Bryan Adams to the Araneta Coliseum on Jan. 18, 2017 for a concert that’s part of his “Get Up!” world tour (tickets available at ticketnet. com.ph).
Below is Bryan’s correspondence with Bulletin Entertainment: You moved around a lot as a kid. How did it influence your music?
“Any time you travel you get influenced, hearing different music, witnessing different cultures it’s the best education you could have.”
You started your music career fairly young at 15. What prompted this?
“It’s what I wanted to do, I just followed my gut.”
Legend has it that you signed your first record deal (with A&M Records) for one dollar. Is this true? Can you expound?
“It’s true, I needed to prove myself to them, I was 18.”
You were a teen pop idol in Canada prior to you making it big worldwide. How did it feel growing up as your generation’s Justin Bieber?
“I wasn’t even close to being as big as our Justin.”
How was it hearing “Straight From The Heart” on the radio for the first time 33 years ago?
“I can’t remember, but I always love hearing my songs on the radio.”
1984 was your breakthrough year with several singles off “Reckless” making it to the higher echelons of the US pop charts and you were just 25. Could you recall how you felt at the time?
“I’d been touring and recording so much in those days, I hardly had time to reflect. However, I did feel as though we were onto something, and the songs were great to play live then as they are now. We went on tour, and never came home for two years.”
The ’90s saw you charting some of the most memorable movie tracks. Which ones are your favorites and why.
“I like them all, because they are great songs.”
Outside of music you are known for your photographic work. What does it fulfill in you that music seemingly can’t?
“Making images is a big part of the music, whether it be videos or stills, so being able to create things that work with the CD’s and live show is great fun.”
You were awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia for your contributions to popular music and philanthropic work. In 2011, you were inducted into the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Only last year you were given an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in London for your work in photography. Do you still have any unfulfilled career wishes at this point in your life?
“Just making sure I’m a good dad to my girls.”
This is the first time in 23 years that you are going to stage a concert in Manila. Why only now?
“It’s a long way to come, when you travel with a road crew of 40 people.” (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)