Rock Icon Bryan Adams Returns to Iceland: Prepares for Two Sessions Filled to Capacity and Films a Music Video
Rock icon Bryan Adams is still going strong, performing in Iceland for two sold-out shows at Harpa's Eldborg Hall, April 22. Excitement abounds as he returns to a country he hasn't played for over a decade, smiling when saying, "When the opportunity came up, I didn't have to think twice."
Times are a-changin': Bare Bones Tour
Currently on his Bare Bones tour, Adams is going back to basics with just a guitar, pianist, and himself. This departure from his full band setup is a breath of fresh air for the veteran artist. "This format gives me freedom," he explains. "It's not always easy to bring a full band everywhere, and I've always wanted to play in as many places as possible. This setup allows that."
Another change is just around the corner: Adams' upcoming Roll with the Punches tour, starting in May, coincides with the launch of his new album, set for release in August.
Iceland in focus once more
Adams isn't just here for the performances – he plans to film a music video while in Iceland. "I've done that before," he says, referring to his 1992 video for "Do I Have to Say the Words?," partially shot here.
On Iceland's famed light, Adams quips, "I won't say. It was dark and pouring rain both times I've been here with a camera. But that's fine – that's a kind of light too." Hopefully, this time around, the weather will be more cooperative, making the video even more exciting.
Movie star to music maestro
A career shift came in late 2023, as Adams parted ways with his longtime manager, Bruce Allen, after 44 years. He also established his own label, Bad Records, under which Roll with the Punches will debut. "Now I'm an independent, self-directed artist," he says with pride. "Exciting times ahead."
From the '60s to 2025, and beyond
When asked about his love for touring, Adams doesn't hold back. "I enjoy it more now. I've got more songs, more experience... and I've gotten a lot more handsome," he jokes. "But seriously, traveling and performing have always been a huge part of my life. I've been lucky to be good at it, and I think that's why my songs have lasted."
Rock n' roll will never die
Adams candidly discusses why he remains relevant: "Ugh, I have no idea. Don't even try asking me. Who cares?" But about the future of rock, he's hopeful: "I'm still touring. So are a lot of my peers. Rock is still alive and well."
While younger generations might prefer screens over strings, Adams encourages perseverance: "They'd rather play video games than guitars. But we can't let that get to us – we've just got to keep going."
The power of voice and vision
Musical influences from the '60s and '70s shaped Adams' career, with singers like Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, and soul legends Sam Cooke and Ray Charles inspiring him. Beyond music, Adams has excelled in photography, even shooting his own album covers, portraits, and tour photos. His latest book, Shot by Adams, will be released later this year.
The road ahead still calls
Based in Canada, Adams is currently caring for his 97-year-old mother. Though family comes first, the road still calls. "I certainly hope to keep writing and performing," he says with a grin. "I feel like I've still got a few good years left in me – and I'm not turning off the tap. The ideas are still flowing."
- Bryan Adams, returning to Iceland after over a decade, is probably going to film a music video during his stay.
- Despite the change in his tour setup to a more intimate performance, Adams enjoys it more now due to the freedom it provides him.
- Adams' upcoming Roll with the Punches tour, coinciding with the release of his new album, will debut under his own label, Bad Records.
- Adams, still going strong in his career, encourages persistence in the face of younger generations preferring screens over strings, believing that the future of rock is still alive and well.
