Bryan Adams @ The LG Arena, 4th December 2011
Without an empty seat within the whole arena, tonight it’s time for Bryan Adams to plug back in and rock the stage. The Canadian singer songwriter has won awards galore due to his popular rock anthems, and even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tonight is billed as the Anniversary of Waking up the Neighbours Tour, in celebration of the number 1 album; featuring mega hit (Everything I Do) I Do It For You. It’s time for Bryan to let his hair down, as last year’s “Bare Bones” tour highlighted a more mellow/acoustic side to his songs.
With a well paced set, it began with House Arrest and took in many twists and turns throughout the night, from Here I Am, Summer of 69 and Heaven. Backed by a fabulous band, with as much charisma as the main man himself, all were excellent musicians highlight their skills through a peculiar drum solo on pots and pans which added a comedic but skilful twist to the evening. Guitarist Keith Scott had a lot of energy himself, constantly fooling and laughing around with Adams, and sometime almost taking the spotlight. Adams proved himself a welcoming and engaging host to the 15,000 fans as each song was met with wide applause and familiarity from the crowd. Playing behind him was a huge monochrome screen which suited the atmosphere well and complemented the songs greatly. A wide range of instruments were used, with Bryan playing guitar for himself but also taking the role of harmonica during I’m Ready.
Staying on stage whilst the rest of the band left, Adams performed a further acoustic set consisting of Straight From The Heart and All For Love, further proving the ability, talent and presence that a man of such composure and likeability can perform with.
Setlist:
House Arrest
Somebody
Here I Am
All I Want Is You
Can’t Stop This Thing We Started
I’m Ready
Thought I’d Died And Gone To Heaven
Hearts On Fire
Do I Have To Say The Words?
18 Til I Die
Back To You
Summer Of ’69
Is Your Mama Gonna Miss You? / If You Wanna Leave Me (Can I Come Too?) / Touch The Hand
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You
Cuts Like A Knife
It’s Only Love
Depend On Me
When You’re Gone
Heaven
The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You
Run To You
There Will Never Be Another Tonight
Cloud Number Nine
The Way You Make Me Feel
Straight From The Heart
All For Love
Review — Dan Earl
Photos — Ken Harrison