Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
Having played in Dublin’s 3 Arena the previous night, Bryan Adams has arrived in Sunny Belfast. It’s a beautiful warm day and the eager fans are gathering to queue already at the front of the SSE. We couldn’t help giggle when the Cool FM van was blasting Bryan’s Christmas songs on a hot Wednesday evening in May. The fans gathered in their droves with scores of Bryan Adams t-shirts on display. The atmosphere was electric as everyone eagerly awaited the opening of the doors.
The band consisted of Bryan, Paul Sidoti on Guitar (Taylor Swifts Guitarist – in place of Keith Douglas Scott – referred to as the Canadian singer’s right hand man). Unfortunately Douglas had to fly home for a graduation however, Sidoti filled his shoes rifftastically well. Gary Breit on Keyboards and Pat Steward on Drums.
Once inside we made our way to our seats with great anticipation. We were delighted to find our seats had a great side view of the stage, we were treated to various lively songs to keep us entertained such ‘Tutti Frutti’ by Little Richard and ‘Johnny b goode’ by Chuck berry. The large screen contained a QR code which fans could scan to make requests. The arena began to fill with excited fans and there was a great vibe amongst everyone.
The arena lights dimmed and the sound of a boxing bell rang throughout the arena and the crowd cheered with glee. The figure of a man with a boxing robe on with his back facing us appeared on the screen. Numerous characters, including a judo fighter, an old man in a wheelchair pulling a car, a dancer to mention but a few moved around the figure. Eventually a number of rugby player’s appeared in a scrum and knocked over the robed figure.
When the figure stood up and faced the crowd we could instantly identify that it was Bryan and the crowd cheered. Next Bryan was punched in the face – a homage to his newest Album cover – he then growled at the audience and the band appearing on stage, met with rapturous applause and cheers from the Belfast audience.
A huge inflated silver punching glove appeared from the right-hand of the stage. Powered by four drones it floated above the fans and stage capturing everyone’s attention. The band began the night’s entertainment with ‘Roll with the Punches’ which, released as a single, was also the first track off his sixteenth studio album. The video for the song played on the large screen whilst the boxing glove continued to circle around the arena. The fans sang along with enthusiasm.
The Groover from Vancouver then treated us to ‘Run to You’ which had the crowd rocking and singing along. Next up the anthemic ‘Somebody’ which had everyone harmonising with the chorus. 18 til I Die saw the numbers appearing on the large screen with Adam’s pointing to the 65 (original lyrics 55 – 65 is Adams current age). By now everyone is rocking out and enjoying the moment Adams is a charismatic and humble showman. Introducing ‘Make Up Your Mind’ Adam’s explains this song is about Exes which was received with a jovial booing from the crowd.
Adam’s enjoyed the banter with the crowd mentioning Exes later in the show to poke fun. ‘Heaven’ saw the loved up amongst the audience cuddling and enjoying the romantic moment. Adam’s gave a heartfelt tribute to Tina Turner, when introducing ‘It’s Only Love’, he attributed her support and taking him on tour as the reason he is playing in Arenas and Stadiums. Adam’s reflected that it was a dream to write for her, never mind record and support her live. He reminisced on the passing of a dear friend.
You belong to me/Blue Suede Shoes was introduced by Adams with him suggesting that the audience twerk when the crowd laughed he then suggested that we could remove our tops if we wished instead. A brave lady near the front did just that and it appeared on the large screen and was met with applause and cheers. The band launched into song then followed a series of woman and men taking off their tops and waving them in the air. The cameras would focus in on the willing participants and the crowd were loving the craic and energy. One lad in particular, near our seated area, dominated the screen for the longest time as he swung his top with glee; loving life and entertaining everyone in the arena. Adams certainly knows how to keep his audience enthralled and amused.
Adams continued on the rockabilly theme with ‘Twist and Shout’ (The Top Notes Cover). Adams had us enthralled with his contagious energy and boy is he a talented musician switching between bass and acoustic and electric guitar and harmonica. There is clearly no end to this man’s talents. I had naively expected a night of ballads but Bryan Adams performance is so much more. My expectations were well and truly surpassed. ‘Can’t Stop This Thing We’ve Started’ kept the crowd jumping and dancing along. ‘Please Forgive Me’ saw the crowd use their torches to light up the arena whilst our singing nearly drowned out Adams and the band. ‘Go Down Rockin’ saw Adams enthral us yet again with his harmonica. ‘Shine A Light’ an upbeat and positive song had the crowd wanting more.
Adams explained the story behind the beautiful video for ‘Here I Am’ (acoustic) which he recorded for the Spirit movie, joking that when he reached out to the youtuber to record the video on DM she thought it was a spammer. Breit joined Adams to beautifully perform this poignant track. ‘When You’re Gone’ (acoustic) had the crowd chanting along. Sidoti changed to Spanish Guitar to beautifully execute ‘Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?’ Steward’s drumming was flawless and dynamic especially his solo during ‘The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You’. Adams and his band have showcased their versatility perfectly this evening delivering a setlist encapsulating many genres and a great mix of rock tunes and ballads.
Adams then takes to the island with the fan request list. He reads out some of the requests such as Another Brick in the Wall and Teenage Kicks, but he then decides to treat the fans to the requested ‘Heat Of The Night’ followed by a second request, ‘Whiskey In The Jar’, (Audience Request – Thin Lizzy Cover) the crowd sang along in harmony with such passion I’m sure it gave everyone Goosebumps. We were treated to ‘(Everything I do) I Do It For You’. Then an inflatable car with lights operated by drones, with the words ‘So Happy It Hurts’ emblazoned on the side appeared and hovered above the crowd and band as they blasted out yet another feel good tune. Nearing the end of the set Adams delivered more classic hits such as ‘Summer of ’69’,’ Cuts Like a Knife’, and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli cover) with great passion. Adams then made his way to the back of the arena, stood on a small platform and played ‘Straight From The Heart’ (acoustic) and ‘All For Love’ (acoustic) to the audience at the back. Adam’s joked that if he knew the audience at the back were the better singers he would have performed there all night- ever the joker.
Adams and the band left the stage leaving a very contented and happy audience. Everyone filed out into the warm evening air talking about their favourite moments and songs. Tonight was truly special. Bryan Adams concerts are definitely not to be missed – the man is a powerhouse but he delivers the goods with such humility and feeling. By the end of the night my perception of Bryan mainly delivering Ballads had changed!
