Legendary rock star Bryan Adams sets foot in Iceland once more, securing two sold-out shows and filming a music video.
Rewritten Article:
Hear that? Canadian music icon Bryan Adams is back on the scene, and he ain't slowing down anytime soon! With nearly five decades under his belt, the rock star is hitting Iceland for two sold-out performances at Harpa's Eldborg Hall, happening on April 21 and 22.
Sitting down with Morgunblaðið ahead of the concerts, Adams shared his excitement about returning to a country he haven't graced with his presence for over a decade. "When the opportunity came knocking, I knew it was a no-brainer," he said. "And it's no secret why it's a double header this time."
Minimalistic and Intimate: The Bare Bones Experience
As part of his current Bare Bones tour – a stripped-down, acoustic show, featuring just Adams, a guitar, and a pianist – Bryan is swapping the spotlight for a more intimate setting. While details about a full-scale Roll with the Punches tour, set to kick off in May and coinciding with the release of his new album of the same name, due out this August, remain scarce, there's no denying his enthusiasm for showcasing his soulful tunes in an unplugged format.
Speaking on the freedom this setup offers, he explained: "It ain't always easy to bring a full band everywhere, but this format allows me to reach more places. I've always been a believer in breaking boundaries and pushing the envelope."
Pure Icelandic Beauty: The Perfect Backdrop
If anything, Adams isn't just flying to Iceland for the adoring fans – he's also planning to shoot a music video during his stay. "I've held a soft spot for Iceland ever since my first visit, and I've been dying to capture its breathtaking landscapes on film again. When the right time comes, it's gonna be magical," he said, leaving us all eagerly waiting.
Though he acknowledges Iceland's famed light can be elusive, he laughs it off, saying: "Who needs sunshine when you've got a canvas like Iceland? I'm open to all kinds of light, as long as it helps tell the story I want to share."
An Unstoppable Force: Overcoming Obstacles
In late 2023, Adams made a massive career move, parting ways with his longtime manager of 44 years, Bruce Allen. Now managing his own affairs and at the helm of a new label, Bad Records, he's striking out on his own with unshakable resolve. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a tough decision, but I knew it was time to move on to the next chapter. I'm fearless, and I ain't afraid to take risks. I'm your typical independent artist at heart," he boasted.
Timeless Tunes and Unforgettable Memories
When asked whether the endless touring still appeals to him, Adams didn't hesitate. "You bet your bottom dollar it does! I think it's the unique experiences – you never know what kind of adventures await. I've been fortunate enough to tour India, Australia, and the Middle East in just the past year. And I ain't stopping anytime soon."
The Heart of Rock 'n Roll
Adams is refreshingly candid when asked about the secret to his longevity in the music industry. "To be honest, I don't have the answer. Don't even bother asking me. If it works, it works. But one thing's for sure - rock is alive and well, and I'm just one of its many champions."
He admitted, however, that the younger generation seems more interested in screens than strings. "They'd rather play video games than play guitar, but we can't let that discourage us. We just gotta keep pushing, keep creating, and find new ways to captivate audiences."
Inspired by Legends
Adams's love for music was shaped by the powerful voices of the '60s and '70s. "Artists with soul stood out to me – people like Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Steve Marriott, Rod Stewart, and soul legends like Sam Cooke and Ray Charles. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say Ray," he mused.
In addition to music, Adams has also built a respected career in photography, often documenting his own album covers, portraits, and tour photos. His latest photo book, Flashes, is set to be released later this year.
"Music and photography aren't so different – they're both forms of storytelling, seeking to capture moments in time and evoke emotions. You start with an empty canvas, add heart, and voila – magic happens," he shared.
Setting Sights on the Future
Based in Canada, Adams is currently tending to his 97-year-old mother. But he's undoubtedly itching for the day he can pack his bags and hit the open road again. "I'm Audie Murphy tough – I can handle a little heartache. I'm still writing, still performing, and I ain't done yet. The ideas are still flowing, and I'm ready to roll with the punches whenever they come my way."
Roughly translated from a longer interview by Dóra Ósk Halldórsdóttir [email protected].
- Bryan Adams, the Canadian music icon, is returning to Iceland, probably due to the double-headed concert scheduled for April 21 and 22 at Harpa's Eldborg Hall.
- Unlike his full-scale tours, Bryan Adams's current tour, the 'Bare Bones' tour, offers a more intimate setting, with just Adams, a guitar, and a pianist.
- Besides the concerts, Bryan Adams plans to shoot a music video during his stay in Iceland, hoping to capture the country's breathtaking landscapes on film again.
- Despite parting ways with his longtime manager, Bryan Adams continues to make waves in the music industry, showcasing his soulful tunes with unshakable resolve and managing his own affairs under the new label, Bad Records.
