Bryan Adams

This article is about the Canadian singer and songwriter. For other uses, seeBryan Adams (disambiguation).

Not to be confused withRyan Adams.

Bryan Guy AdamsCCOBC(born November 5, 1959) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and photographer. He is estimated to have sold between 75 millionand more than 100 millionrecordsandsinglesworldwide,placing him on thelist of best-selling music artists.Adams was the most played artist on Canadian radio in the 2010sand has had 25 top-15 singles in Canada and a dozen or more in the US, UK, and Australia.

Bryan Adams OCOBCFRPS
Adams in 2024
Background information
Birth name	Bryan Guy Adams
Born	(1959-11-05)November 5, 1959 Kingston, Ontario,Canada
Genres	Rock pop rock soft rock arena rock heartland rock
Occupations	Musician singer songwriter record producer photographer
Instruments	Vocals guitar bass guitar
Years active	1975–present
Labels	A&M Polydor Universal BMG
Website	bryanadams.com

At age 20 hiseponymous debut albumwas released. He rose to fame in North America with the 1983 top ten albumCuts Like a Knife,featuring its title track and the ballad "Straight From the Heart",his first US top ten hit, which he wrote at age 18. His 1984 Canadian and US number one album,Recklessbecame the first album by a Canadian to be certified diamond in Canada and made him a global star with six charting singles including "Run to You"and"Summer of '69",both top ten hits in the US and Canada, and the power ballad"Heaven",a US number one hit.His 1987 albumInto the Fire,with its US and Canadian top ten song, "Heat of the Night",rose to number two in Canada and the top ten in the US and several other countries.

In 1991, Adams released "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You",which went to number one in at least 19 countries, including for 16 straight weeks in the UK.It is one of thebest-selling singlesof all time, having sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. The song was included on Adams'Waking Up the Neighbours(1991), a worldwide number one album that sold 16 million copies, including being certified diamond in Canada.Another major hit off the album was the Canadian number one and US number two hit "Can't Stop This Thing We Started",which also went top ten in several other countries. Beginning in 1993, Adams' hits were mostly ballads, including the worldwide number one or two hits"Please Forgive Me"(1993);"All for Love"(1993); and"Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?"(1995), the latter two topping theU.S.BillboardHot 100.Adams' 1993 greatest hits compilation album,So Far So Good,topped the charts in numerous countries selling 13 million copies worldwide, including being certified 6× platinum in Canada, 5× platinum in the US, and 14× platinum in Australia. In 1996, Adams'18 til I Diewas a top five album in many countries, but only reached number 31 in the US. He did duets withBarbra Streisand( "I Finally Found Someone"(1996), his last US top ten hit) andMelanie C( "When You're Gone"(1998), an international top five hit). In the 1990s, Adams had six European Radio Airplay number one songs for 32 weeks, the fourth and third most, respectively; and three number one songs on theEurochart Hot 100 Singlesfor 29 weeks total, the most weeks of any artist. Since 1999, Adams released eight albums, three reaching number one in Canada, and the last three reaching the top three in the UK, Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Adams is ranked 48th on the list of all-time top artists on theBillboardHot 100.Adams has won 20Juno Awardsand aGrammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Mediaamongst 16 Grammy nominations, and has been nominated for fiveGolden Globe Awardsand threeAcademy Awardsfor his songwriting for films.Adams has been inducted into theHollywood Walk of Fame,Canada's Walk of Fame,theCanadian Broadcast Hall of Fame,theCanadian Music Hall of Fameand the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.On May 1, 2010, Adams received theGovernor General's Awardsin Performing Arts – Lifetime Artistic Achievement for his 30 years of contributions to the arts.

Biography

Early life

Bryan Guy Adams was born on November 5, 1959, inKingston, Ontario,the son of Elizabeth Jane (née Watson) and Conrad J. Adams, an English couple who emigrated to Canada fromPlymouth,South West Englandin the 1950s.One of his grandmothers and his great-grandmother was fromFloriana,Malta.His father, an officer from theRoyal Military Academy Sandhurstin theBritish Army,joined theCanadian Armyand later worked as aUnited Nationspeacekeeping observer and Canadian foreign service diplomat.

Adams travelled with his parents to diplomatic postings inLisbon,where he attended St. Columban's school in Lisbon, Portugal,andVienna,where he attended theAmerican International School Vienna,in the 1960s, and a Scottish Missionary school, The Tabeetha School in Jaffa, Israel in the early 1970s.Raised inOttawa,he attendedColonel By Secondary Schoolin theBeacon Hillneighbourhood of Ottawa.In 1974, Adams, his mother, and younger brother Bruce moved toNorth Vancouverwhile his father was posted abroad. While there, he attendedArgyle Secondary Schooland Sutherland Secondary School.

Early career

Adams bought his firstelectric guitarat the age of 10 inReading,an Italian brand from Gherson, based on aFender Stratocaster.In an interview with music magazineGuitar World,Adams said:

"I bought an imitation Les Paul at a Five and Dime store in Ottawa, Canada, in 1971," Adams recalled. "Before that, I had an imitation Strat which I bought in Reading, England in 1970. It felt real at the time to have a Les Paul, even though I'm a massive Ritchie Blackmore fan – still am. I was heavily intoHumble Pie'sRockin' the Fillmorealbum at the time, and bothPeter FramptonandSteve Marriottwere on Les Pauls. It's rock guitar heaven, that album. "

He left school to play in a group called "Shock" and used the funds his parents had saved for his college education to buy anEsteygrandpianoto tinker with.At one point he soldpet foodand worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant, which paid the rent.He grew an interest in bands such asCCRandDeep Purple,and attended concerts byLed Zeppelin,T. Rex,Elton John,andTina Turner.He started working in theVancouvermusic scene with bands and as a studio session singer. At the age of 15, he became the vocalist for glam rock bandSweeney Todd,replacing their original vocalistNick Gilder.

With Adams the band re-recorded "Roxy Roller", the Canadian hit single from theirfirst album,which came in at No. 99 on the US charts.The band then recorded their second albumIf Wishes Were Horses(1977) with Adams billed as "Bryan Guy Adams" on vocals.Adams left the band at age 16.In 1978, at age 18, Adams metJim Vallancethrough a mutual friend in a Vancouver Long and McQuade musical instrument store.Vallance was the former drummer and principal songwriter for Vancouver-based rock bandPrism,and had recently quit that band to focus on a career as a studio musician and songwriter. They agreed to meet at Vallance's home studio a few days later. This became the beginning of a partnership which was prolific and continuous through the 1980s, together they co-wrote for Adams and a long list of recordings for other artists, includingKiss,Tina Turner,Joe Cocker,Johnny Hallyday,Bonnie Raitt,Rod Stewart,Bonnie Tyler,Loverboy,Carly SimonandNeil Diamond,and while discontinuous, as of 2017,is still in existence.

Later in 1978, Adams signed to A&M records for one dollar.A&M remixed one of Adams' demos as a disco song "Let Me Take You Dancing",featuring Adams' vocals sped up to meet the 122 BPM dance tempo. The song made the CanadianRPMchart in March 1979 along with its B-side "Don't Turn Me Away".In 1979, he made an agreement with Canadian managerBruce Allen,who at that time also worked forBachman–Turner OverdriveandLoverboy.

1980s

Adams'sself-titled debut album,mostly co-written with Jim Vallance, was released in February 1980. With the exception of "Remember" and "Wastin' Time", most of the album was recorded in October and November 1979 at Manta Studios and co-produced by Adams and Vallance.The album was certified gold in Canada in 1986.Singles released from it included "Give Me Your Love", "Remember" and "Hidin' from Love", with the latter having the most success, reaching number 64 on the CanadianRPMCurrent Hit Radio chart; none reached the US Billboard Hot 100.

Adams's second album,You Want It You Got It,was released in 1981 and contained the FM album-oriented rock radio hit, "Lonely Nights", which reached number three on the US Album Rock Tracks chart.The same song was reinterpreted byUriah Heepfor the albumHead First,released in 1983.The most successful song off the album in Canada was "Fits Ya Good" which reached the top 30 on the RPM Top 40 Chart; it also reached number 15 on the US Album Rock Tracks chart. From January to May 1982, Adams spent months traveling on his "You Want It You Got It Tour"; within a few months the album had been picked up across the United States and Adams was soon on tour opening forthe KinksandForeigner.

Cuts Like a Knife,which was released in January 1983, was Adams's breakout album."Straight from the Heart"was the first single released from the album; it reached number 10 on theBillboard Hot 100,number 20 on the Canadian RPM Top 40 chart, and number one on the Canadian Adult Contemporary Chart.In September 1983,Bonnie Tylerreleased her version for the studio albumFaster Than the Speed of Night.The second single, "Cuts Like a Knife", rose to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, number six on the US Album Rock Tracks Chart,and number 12 on the Canadian RPM Top 40 Chart. The third single, "This Time",was also a top 30 hit in the US and Canada. Overseas, the latter two singles were both Top 20 hits in New Zealand, but there was little success in any other countries, aside from" Straight From the Heart "and" This Time "reaching the top 50 in the UK. Three other tracks," Take Me Back "," I'm Ready "and" The Only One ", also received substantial airplay on North American rock radio stations, each making the US Album Rock Tracks chart. The album peaked at number eight on both theBillboard200album chartand in Canada, achieving three times platinum status in Canada, platinum status in the United States and gold status in Australia.In October, Adams joinedJim Vallanceat the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan.TheMusic Expressnational popular opinion poll voted him Canada's best male singer for 1982. In 1983, Adams travelled to America, opening forJourneyand performing on over 100 dates in five months.On July 30, 1983, he performed atDay on the GreenatOakland Coliseum.

Recklesswas released in late 1984, and peaked at number one on both theBillboard200and the Canadian Album Chart, while reaching number two in Australia and number seven in the UK.The album featured six singles, all of which peaked in the Top 15 of the US Billboard Hot 100, only the third album to achieve this:"Run to You"(number six in the U.S., number 4 in Canada),"Somebody"(number 11 in the U.S.),"Heaven"(number 1 in the U.S., number 11 in Canada), written for the filmA Night in Heaven,"Summer of '69"(number 5 in the U.S., number 11 in Canada),"One Night Love Affair"(number 7 in the U.S.), and"It's Only Love"(number 14 in the U.S.), a duet withTina Turner.The album also did well in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, although "Summer of '69" did not do as well at first in the UK since it was not played often on the radio; however, it achieved success later on in the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium."It's Only Love" was nominated for aGrammy Awardfor Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1986. In 1986, the song won an MTV award forBest Stage Performance.Recklessalso earned Adams a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Performance.In December 1984, Adams embarked on a two-year world tour to launch the album. The tour included dates with Tina Turner for herPrivate Dancer Tour.Adams wonJuno Awardsfor Best Male Vocalist in each year from 1983 to 1987.Recklesseventually went Diamond in sales in Canada, the first album by a Canadian artist to do so, while reaching 5× and 3× Platinum in the US and UK.Recklesshas sold over 12 million copies worldwide, and won theJuno Award for Album of the Yearin 1985.

In February 1985, Adams recorded the charity single "Tears Are Not Enough"as a member of The Northern Lights, an improvised supergroup that also includedAnne Murray,Gordon Lightfoot,Burton Cummings,Joni MitchellandNeil Young,and other Canadian musical artists. Adams wrote the lyrics and the album; the mission was to raise funds to help the1983-85 famine in Ethiopia.The song was issued as a single byColumbia Recordsin March of that year,and reached number one on the CanadianTop 40chart. It also finished number one on the year-end Canadian charts for 1985. The song's video also received extensive airplay onMuchMusic.The single went triple platinum,although independently recorded by the USA for Africa project, it was included in the full-lengthWe Are the Worldalbum. In July 1985, Adams performed the song at theLive Aidconcert, at theJFK StadiuminPhiladelphia,in front of over 100,000 people.In September 1985, Adams co-wrote two tracks forRoger Daltrey's sixth solo albumUnder a Raging Moon:"Let Me Down Easy",originally written forStevie Nicks,and "Rebel". The album was a tribute toThe Who's drummerKeith Moon,who died in 1978.The track "Let Me Down Easy" was a Top 15 Hit onBillboard'sMainstream Rock Tracks.Nearly 30 years later, Adams released his own version of "Let Me Down Easy" on a 30-year anniversary version ofReckless.

In January 1986, Adams provided the ending background vocals to the song "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)"by Canadian rock bandGlass Tigerfor their debut albumThe Thin Red Line.It reached number one in Canada and number two in the United States.

His follow-up album toRecklesswasInto the Fire(1987), dealing with more serious subjects following "Tears Are Not Enough".This album contained the hit songs "Heat of the Night",which went to the top ten in both Canada and the US, and"Hearts on Fire".

In December 1987, Adams contributed the song "Run Rudolph Run"to the compilation albumA Very Special Christmas,a charity album to benefit theSpecial Olympics.The album received anRIAA certificationof 4x platinum by theRecording Industry Association of Americafor shipment of four million copies in the United States.It is ranked 19th on thelist of best-selling Christmas albums in the United States.In 25 years, it generated $109 million in royalties for the Special Olympics.

In May 1988,Tommy Mandeljoined the Adams band as newkeyboardist.

In the summer of 1989, Adams joined artists to provide backing vocals on a re-recording of theDeep Purplehit "Smoke On The Water"in aid of victims of the1988 Armenian earthquake.

In August 1989, he recorded the backup vocals for theBelinda Carlislesong "Whatever It Takes" from theRunaway Horsesalbum. Also during that time, Adams contributed toMötley Crüe's work on the albumDr. Feelgood,doing the backing vocals of "Sticky Sweet" andCharlie Sextondoing the backing vocals of "Don't Look Back" from theCharlie Sextonalbum.

Adams performed at "A Night for the Environment" to raise funds for environmental organizations.In November 1989, Adams attended Tina Turner's 50th birthday party at theReform Clubin London.OnNew Year's Eve1990, Adams performed at theTokyo Dome.

In December 1989,Live! Live! Live!,his first live album, was released. It was recorded live at theRock Werchterfestival on July 3, 1988, inWerchter,Belgium.

1990s

He returned to London and recorded the backing vocals for "Feels Like Forever", a song written by Adams forEric Carmen.In 1990, he received theOrder Of British Columbia.Adams added vocal tracks on the melody ofDavid Foster's "River Of Love" in his home studio inVancouver.On July 21, 1990, Adams performed the Pink Floyd tracks "Young Lust" and "Empty Spaces" atRoger Waters's concert production ofThe Wall – Live In Berlin,to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall eight months earlier.

In 1990, in a 45-minute songwriting session, Adams,Robert John "Mutt" Lange,andMichael Kamenwrote "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"for theRobin Hood: Prince Of Thievessoundtrack. Kamen sent his score to a number of different artists before Adams, includingKate Bushwho turned the score down."Everything I Do" was released internationally on June 12, days after the premiere of the film, with the initial shipment of 385,000 copies being the largest single shipment in the history ofA&M Records.It spent a record 16 consecutive weeks at Number One on theUK Singles Chartand seven weeks on top of theBillboard Hot 100.The song also gave Adams his firstGolden Globe Awardnomination forBest Song from a Motion Picture.

Adams and Vallance wrote "Nature Of The Beast", originally intended forTina Turner,but recorded byThe Law,featuring Adams on vocals and guitar tracks, in 1991.In May 1991, themusic videofor the song was created inSheffield,directed byJulien Temple.In June 1991, a video was shot for the first single, "Can't Stop This Thing We Started",directed byKevin GodleyatPinewood Studiosin London.

On September 24, 1991, the albumWaking Up the Neighbourswas released. Co-produced by Adams andRobert John "Mutt" Lange,it topped the charts around the world, including in the UK, Canada,Australia and Germany and reached number six on theBillboard200.It became Adams's second album to be certified Diamond in sales in Canada while being certified 5× platinum in the US. It went on to sell 16 million copies worldwide.Waking up the Neighborsbecame the first album by a Canadian since Neil Young's 1972Harvestto reach the top of the album charts in the United Kingdom. The album caused controversy in Canada due to theCanadian contentsystem, as the album was largely recorded in England and co-produced byRobert John "Mutt" Lange,originally fromZambia,making it not Canadian by the rules in effect at the time.Following Adams' complaints, in September of that year, theCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) announced that theCanadian contentrules would be expanded. The regulation at that time considered collaborative writing between Canadians and non-Canadians to be "Canadian" only where the lyricist and musical composer worked separately and at least one was Canadian. In protest, Adams briefly threatened to boycott Canada's annualJuno Awards,where his album was eventually almost completely ignored by the awards committee. In 1992, he won theJuno International Achievement Award,Canadian Entertainer of the Year(voted on by the public) andProducer of the Year Award.In September 1991, the regulation was amended to recognize collaborations in which two (or more) contributors each contributed to both lyrics and music, as was the case with Adams and Lange.

In addition to "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You",the album included"Can't Stop This Thing We Started"(number two in the US and number one in Canada), the ballad"Do I Have to Say the Words?"(number 11 in the US and in the UK and number one in Canada),"Thought I'd Died and Gone to Heaven"(number 8 in the U.S.), and"There Will Never Be Another Tonight"(number 2 in Canada). The album won many awards including theGrammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Mediain 1992.In July 1992, Adams performed atWembley Stadiumin front of 80,000 fans, the largest audience on his tour, withLittle AngelsandExtremeserving as opening acts.

In 1993, Adams collaborated withRod StewartandStingfor the single "All for Love"co-written by Adams for the soundtrack of the filmThe Three Musketeers.The single topped the charts worldwide.

In June 1993, Adams attended a tribute toSam Cookein which he played "Bring It On Home to Me"in a duet withSmokey Robinson.

In November 1993, Adams releasedSo Far So Good,acompilation albumthat was certified 6× Platinum in the US, 3× Platinum in the UK, 6× Platinum in Canada, and 11× Platinum in Australia.It included a new song called "Please Forgive Me",which peaked at number two in the UK,number 7 in the U.S.and was the 10th most popular song in Australia in 1993.

In 1994, Adams became the first Western artist to perform inVietnamsinceJames Brownplayed there in 1971 at the end of theVietnam War.

In October 1994, Adams sang one of his favorite songs, "Hound Dog",at theElvis Presleytribute concert in Memphis.

In September 1994, at thebenefit concertPavarotti & Friends,Adams sang "Please Forgive Me",and a version of"All for Love"featuringLuciano Pavarotti,Andrea Bocelli,Nancy Gustafson,andGiorgia Todrani.

In 1995, Adams released "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?".It was a number one in the US, Canada and Australia, as well as a top five hit in the UK and Germany. The single was nominated for theOscar,GrammyandGolden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

In June 1996, the album18 til I Diewas released. It contained the songs: "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You"(number 1 in Canada),"Let's Make a Night to Remember"(number 1 in Canada),"Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?"(number 1 in Canada),and "Star",which is included in the soundtrack of the filmJack.The album reached number 22 on the UK chartswhile also reaching number two in Australiaand number four in Canada. The album was less successful in the US only reaching number 31 on theBillboard200,but was certified platinum in the United States by theRIAA.18 til I Diewas certified three times platinum in Canada and Australia and two times platinum in the UK.

In November 1996, "I Finally Found Someone"was released, which was recorded by Bryan Adams andBarbra Streisandas part of the soundtrack of Streisand's self-directed filmThe Mirror Has Two Faces.The song was nominated for anAcademy AwardsandGolden Globe Awards.It peaked at number 8 on theBillboard Hot 100.

In November 1997, Adams penned new lyrics to theJean-Jacques Goldmansong "Puisque tu pars"also written that month, remade asLet's Talk About Loverecorded byCeline Dion.

In 1999, a demo version of Adams' translation appeared on the single CD "Cloud Number Nine"in 1999. In December 1997, Adams releasedMTV Unpluggedwith three new tracks: "Back to You","A Little Love "and" When You Love Someone "."Back to You"was the first single, followed by"I'm Ready",an acoustic version of the song from the albumCuts Like A Knife.The album was a top ten success in Germany while both singles reached the top 20 in the UK.

On a Day Like Todaywas released in 1998 and the release coincided with his contract being sold toInterscope Records.On a Day Like Todayenjoyed success internationally, entering the top five in Germany and Canada and was certified platinum in the UK. It generated two British top ten singles: "Cloud Number Nine" and "When You're Gone", which featuredMelanie Cof theSpice Girlsand peaked at number 3.The song has sold 830,000 combined equivalent-sales in the UK as of May 2019.

To commemorate the millennium, Adams releasedThe Best of Me,his most comprehensive collection of songs at that time, which included two new songs, the title track "The Best of Me" and "Don't Give Up"(number 1 in the UK).The album reached the top ten in Germany and was certified three times platinum in Canada and Platinum in the UK. The single from the album, "The Best of Me" was a successful hit with the exception of the US, where neither the single or the album were released byInterscope Records,the single peaked at 10 on theCanadian Singles Charton January 24, 2000.

Adams sang on the title track and the song "Without You" forTina Turner's albumTwenty Four Seven,released in October 1999. Adams attended Turner's 60th birthday party in London, at which they performed "It's Only Love ".It was released on DVD.

OnNew Year's Eve,December 31, 2000, Adams performed withCeline Dionat theBell Centerin Montreal.

2000s

In October 2000, Adams sang "Sad Songs (Say So Much)"withElton JohnatMadison Square Gardenfor the live albumElton John One Night Only – The Greatest Hits.

On August 26, 2000, he performed at theSlane Festivalin front of over 70,000 people, with special appearances byMelanie C,ChicaneandDavy Spillane.The concert was also released on CD/DVD asLive at Slane Castle, Ireland.

On November 27, 2000, Adams performed atThe Who & Special Guests: Live at the Royal Albert Hall,a benefit concert organized byThe Who,singing a song by the English band,Behind Blue EyesandSee Me, Feel MewithEddie Vedder.The concert was also released on CD asLive at the Royal Albert Hall.

Adams co-wrote and performed the songs for the DreamWorks animated filmSpirit: Stallion of the Cimarronin 2002. The songs were included on thefilm's soundtrack.The most successful single from the soundtrack was "Here I Am",a British top five and German Top 20 hit. Adams received his fourthGolden Globe Awardnomination forBest Song from a Motion Picturefrom the song.

In 2004, Adams was ranked 13th on the ARC Weekly chart of top pop artists of the last 25 years, with four number-one singles, ten top five hits and 17 Top-10 hits.

Room Servicewas released in September 2004. It topped the charts in Germany and Switzerland and peaked at number four in the UK, selling 440,000 copies in its first week in Europe and thus debuted at number one onBillboard's European album chart.The single, "Open Road",was the most successful single from the album and peaked at number one in Canada and number twenty-one in the UK. In May 2008, the album was also released in the US, charting at number 134 on theBillboard200.

From June to August 2005, Adams co-headlined a concert tour withDef Leppardthat took place atminor league baseballstadiums.In July 2005, Adams performed atLive 8inBarrie.

In 2006, Adams co-wrote and performed thetheme music"Never Let Go" which was featured in the closing credits of the filmThe Guardian.

In April 2006, he was inducted into theCanadian Music Hall of Fame.Also in 2006, Adams co-wrote theGrammy Award-winning gospel song "Never Gonna Break My Faith"forAretha Franklin.It was featured in the filmBobbyas a duet byAretha FranklinandMary J. Bligewith theBoys Choir of Harlemand earned him aGolden GlobeNomination in 2007.

On July 31, 2006, together withBilly Joel,he performed in a free concert with an estimated crowd of over 500,000 people inRomeatVia dei Fori Imperiali,with theColosseumas a background.

In May 2007, on the occasion of his 25th concert at theWembley Arena,he received the "Wembley Square Of Fame", a bronze plaque engraved with his name and handprints atWembley Park.

Also in 2007, Adams co-wrote two songs "A Place for Us" and "Another Layer" for the Disney filmBridge to Terabithia.

Adams released his eleventh album,11,internationally on March 17, 2008. The album was released in the US exclusively atWal-MartandSam's Clubretail stores on May 13, 2008.The first single released from the album was "I Thought I'd Seen Everything".In March 2008, Adams played an 11-day, 11-country European acoustic tour to promote the album.The album debuted at number one in Canada, making it his first album to reach that position sinceWaking Up the Neighboursin 1991, and reached number two in Germany. In the United States, the album charted at number 80. In June and July 2008, he toured the U.S., playing some shows withForeignerand on others withRod Stewart.

Adams was one of four musicians who were pictured on the second series of the Canadian Recording Artist Series to be issued byCanada Post stampson July 2, 2009, with estimated one and one-half million Adams stamps printed.

On June 26, 2009, he performed some of hits hits on an episode ofCMT CrossroadswithJason Aldean.

In November 2009, he co-wrote, produced, and performed the song "You've Been a Friend to Me"for the filmOld Dogs.

2010s

In February 2010, Adams released "One World, One Flame".On February 12, 2010, at the2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonyatBC Place Stadium,Adams performed "Bang the Drum",a duet withNelly Furtadoco-written withJim Vallancefor the event.

In May 2010, Adams was one of several Canadian musicians to visit Canadian Prime MinisterStephen Harperat his official residence. Originally, the visit was meant to be Adams's plea to the Prime Minister to change copyright laws;instead, Harper turned it into an informaljam session.

In November 2010, Adams released the acoustic albumBare Bones,a live project consisting of twenty songs, to celebrate thirty years of career.Gary Breitaccompanies on piano. Adams then embarked on "The Bare Bones Tour", an acoustic tour, and integrated acoustic concerts into other tours.

Adams performed at the opening ceremony of the2011 Cricket World Cupon February 17, 2011, inDhaka,Bangladesh.

On February 19, 2011, Adams and his band played inKathmandu,which was organized by ODC Network and made him the first international artist to perform in Nepal.

Adams andKeith Scottduring a concert in 2012

In August 2013,Live at Sydney Opera Housewas released on CD / DVD set or separately as a CD, DVD orBlu-ray;it was recorded during one of the 3 nights atSydney Opera House,in August 2011, during "The Bare Bones Tour".

In April 2013, Adams andMichael Bubléreleased "After All", a duet co-written by Adams withAlan Chang,Steven Sater, andJim Vallance.

In 2014, Adams signed arecording contractwithVerve Recordsand in September, he releasedTracks of My Years,an album ofcover versionscelebrating the 30th Anniversary ofReckless.The album reached number one on the Canadian album chart. The album contains cover songs and one original song co-written with Jim Vallance.

In July 2014, Adams filmedBryan Adams in ConcertforGreat PerformancesonPBS.It was recorded at theElgin and Winter Garden Theatresin Toronto and first aired on March 2, 2015.

Adams released his first album of all new material in seven years on October 16, 2015. The album, titledGet Up,was co-written with Jim Vallance and produced byJeff Lynne.

Adams performed at the2015 AFL Grand Final,along withEllie GouldingandChris Isaak.

On December 31, 2015, he performed at theCentral Hall WestminsterinLondonfor theBBC's New Year's Eve,which was broadcast live onBBC One.

On October 14, 2016, Adams released the Wembley 1996 DVD, the recording of his concert, as part of the 18 Til I die tour, held on July 27, 1996, at London'sWembley Stadium,in front of over 70,000 spectators. The DVD immediately ranked to the top of the Britishmusic videocharts.

Adams with longtime guitarist Keith Scott in 2017

In November 2017,Ultimate,a compilation album with two new songs "Please Stay" and the anti-war themed "Ultimate Love", was released.

In 2018, Bryan Adams performed "the Ultimate tour", touring Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, India, the US, and Canada.

Adams first approachedDisneyin 2009 to discuss writing the music for a possibleBroadway theatreadaptation ofPretty Woman.In 2016, when he found out that it was in production, he interviewed for the songwriter position with Jim Vallance and got the job. He worked with producerPaula Wagnerand directorJerry Mitchell,spending the next two years writing the music and lyrics, completing the songs in March 2018.Pretty Woman: The Musicalmade its debut on Broadway in August 2018 and opened in London'sWest End theatrein February 2020.

In August 2018, Adams performed a duet version of "Summer of '69" withTaylor Swiftduring herReputation Tourin Toronto, Canada.Adams released his fourteenth albumShine a Lighton March 1, 2019. The album features collaborations withEd SheeranandJennifer Lopez.The album debuted at number one on theCanadian Albums Chart,in the first week of its release, with 44,000 copies sold; its previous number one in Canada going back to theTracks of My Yearsalbum released in October 2014. This was his 11th album in the top ten and the fifth album at the top of the Canadian charts.It reached the second position in theUK Albums Chart,and it was his tenth album to enter the UK Top-10 albums chart.It also debuted in second position inSwitzerland,which was his 15th album to enter the top ten of the Swiss charts;second position inAustria;second position in theNew Zealandcharts; and the third position inGermany. Shine a Lightwas certified gold in Canada,and it won theJuno Awardfor "Best Adult Contemporary Album" in 2020.On June 19, 2020, on the 155th anniversary of the end ofSlavery in the United States,the unreleased solo version of "Never Gonna Break My Faith"byAretha Franklinwas released with the participation ofRCA Records,RCA InspirationandLegacy Recordings,featuring a music video that contained contemporary topics, including films aboutGeorge Floydand theBlack Lives Mattermovement.

Adams, while writing this song, did not think it would be performed by Aretha. He conceived something like a hymn and "so that it can express a sense of faith, and that even if you have lost something, there will always be an inner light to guide you." However, then Adams said:

"When the song was ready, I told the producers that Aretha was going to sing it – and she did. This solo version had been on my computer for years (about 15 years), and when I heard that the creative director of Sony Music, longtime producer and friend of Aretha's Clive Davis, was making a movie about his life, I sent him this version. The world hadn't heard her full performance yet and it really needed to be heard. I'm so glad it's being released, the world needs this right now."

Adams was among hundreds of artists whose material was destroyed in the2008 Universal fire.Adams told theTimesthat he had asked Universal for access to the master tapes forRecklessin 2013 while working on a remastered edition of the album, but had been told that the tapes could not be found.Adams eventually located a safety copy of the album to use on the remaster, and was not made aware of the fire until theTimes'initial report on June 1.On November 15, 2019, Adams released anEPdedicated to Christmas. TheChristmas EPcontains five tracks, the new track "Joe and Mary"and three previously released tracks:"Christmas Time","Reggae Christmas "and" Merry Christmas "; and a new interpretation of"Must Be Santa",a 1960s Christmas song, performed in 2009 byBob Dylan.At the end of November 2019, the albumThe Christmas Presentby the British singer-songwriterRobbie Williamsis released, Adams participates in the duet with Williams in the songChristmas (Baby Please Come Home).

2020s

Adams performing in 2022

On November 13, 2020, Adams was featured on "Stop Crying Your Heart Out"as part of the BBC Radio 2's Allstars'Children in Needcharity single.The single debuted at number seven on the Official UK Singles Chartand number one on both the Official UK Singles Sales Chart and the Official UK Singles Download Chart.On December 7, 2020, Adams announced a series of UK concerts following the long hiatus of the "Shine a Light Tour" caused by theCOVID-19 pandemicand the cancellation of a sold out 17-date tour withBon Joviin US arenas.

In July 2021, Adams signed a deal with Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) to release his next album.On October 11, 2021, Adams released the title track of his 15th studio album,So Happy It Hurts.The album was released in March 2022. Adams also announced dates for a worldwide tour starting in February 2022.The single So Happy It Hurts from this album was nominated in the Best Rock Performance category of the 2023 Grammy Awards.Shows in late 2021 were cancelled due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, viaYouTube,Adams released new versions of the 16 songs ofPretty Woman: The Musicalsung by Adams himself. The songs were co-written by Adams andJim Vallancefor the musical in October 2018.On April 1, 2022, Adams releasedClassic,an album of reworked and reimagined hits.This was followed on July 29, 2022, withClassic Pt II.

In December 2023, Adams split with his manager of 44 years,Bruce Allen,instead choosing to self-manage his career.

In August 2024, Adams launched his own record label, called Bad Records and released a double A-side single "War Machine" / "Rock and Roll Hell".

Artistry

Voice and timbre

Adams' voice has been described as a "sandpapertenorthat's a cross between Joe Cocker and Bruce Springsteen ".

Musical style

Adams has played various styles of rock, fromhard rockandarena rocktopop rockandsoft rock.During the first few years of his career in the 1970s Adams frontedCanadianglam rockbandSweeney Todd;the band playedhard rockas well asglam rock.His early songs were about kids and about the lives of young people, and he is known for his romanticballads.

Adams has discussed political or social issues, such as with songs such as "Native Son" and "Remembrance Day" from the albumInto the Fire,"Don't Drop That Bomb on Me" fromWaking Up the Neighbours,and "Ultimate Love" fromUltimate.In 1978, after meeting with the drummer and main songwriterJim Vallancefor CanadianrockbandPrismunder the pseudonym "Rodney Higgs",the initial course was quite difficult. Demos of Adams' early songs were rejected by numerous record companies.

In 1978, the Adams–Vallance duo managed to sign their record deal withA&M Recordsand released the single "Let Me Take You Dancing".It is notable for being Adams' first solo single and his first-ever release as a solo artist, when he was 19.The genre of the single wasdisco;the melody, a piano riff inspired byRobbie King,was composed by Vallance on his parents' piano during the Christmas holidays in 1977; Adams, meanwhile, helped turn the riff into a song. In 1982, Vallance and Adams received a call from producer Michael James Jackson to contribute some songs for the nextKissalbum. Although Vallance and Adams were not fans ofheavy metal,it was a golden opportunity for exposure for their songs by a world-class rock group. In collaboration withGene Simmons,the track "War Machine" and a rewrite "Rock 'n Roll Hell" were recorded by Kiss for the albumCreatures of the Night.Adams' first solo albums,Bryan AdamsandYou Want It You Got It,two clear-cutrockandhard rockalbums, respectively, indicated the styles that Adams would become famous for.In 1983, with the release ofCuts Like a Knife,RecklessandInto the Fire,their music was characterized by being hard rock with melodic overtones and powerful ballads (known as power ballads); the production of the first five albums was in cooperation with the Americanrecord producerBob Clearmountain.

In the 1990s, with the release ofWaking Up the Neighboursin 1991, produced byRobert John "Mutt" Lange,they left the hard rock sound and released an album closer to classic rock and roll, taking inspiration from the sounds of bands likeDef LeppardandForeigner.In 1996, with his album18 til I Die,Adams and Lange adopted a pop rock sound more in line with the style of the time. Many ballads were included, although it also contained some rock songs such as "18 til I Die"and"The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You".> The album includes the collaboration of Adams withGretchen Peters.In 1998,On a Day Like Todaywas released, co-produced by his compatriotBob Rock,he opted for a sound oriented topop rock,heavily influenced by contemporary bands.

Upon their return in 2000 with the albumRoom Service,Adams produced the album and co-wrote the songs with various co-writers, the themes of the songs being varied between street life, touring, truth, love and relationships. He again opted for a rock-oriented sound. In 2008, with11,produced by the same Adams with the collaboration of Mutt lange, he sees the return of his long-time collaboratorJim Vallanceafter more than 15 years, he has experienced a sound softer, combining songs fromsoft rock,pop rockand melodic rock.WithGet Upproduced entirely byJeff Lynne,they continued in the line of rock, with the strong influence of Lynne's fifty-year experience.In 2019, withShine a Light,he combinedrockwithpop rockandR&B.

Influences and favourite musicians

Among his youthful influences, the musician has often mentionedElvis PresleyandBob Dylanas well as all the pop and rock he heard as a boy on the radio. His main sources of inspiration also include guitarists, besides Blackmore, he was influenced by guitarists such asJimmy Page,Eric Clapton,Mick Ronson,Jeff Beck,Peter FramptonandEddie Van Halen.Other influential and favourite artists wereAlice Cooper,Black Sabbath,Humble Pie,Bob Marley,Bob Seger,Chuck Berry,David Bowie,Jackie Wilson,Joe Cocker,John Lennon,Led Zeppelin,Leonard Cohen,Ray Charles,Sam Cooke,The Beatles,The Who,The Beach Boys,The Rolling StonesandVan Morrison.

Impact and legacy

With the mainstream success ofRecklessin the 1980s, five times multi-platinum "Album of the Year" and in the top 20 in "The Best AOR Albums Of All Time" according toKerrang!Magazine,the true masterpiece of the Canadian rocker according to the Italian magazinePanorama,andWaking Up The Neighborsin the 1990s, having gained worldwide circulation, Adams' impact still persists today. Being one of the most popular rock artists of the 80s and 90s, the merit of having maintained a pure rock at that time as the world went intoHip hop musicandElectronic music.

He is known for his powerful rock songs and romantic ballads, and his music has appeared in dozens of films both as a singer and as a songwriter and co-writer since the early 1980s, includingClass,A Night in Heaven,Real Genius,Renegades,Pink Cadillac,An Innocent Man,Problem Child 2,Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,The Cutting Edge,The Three Musketeers,Don Juan DeMarco,The Mirror Has Two Faces,Jack,Red Corner,Hope Floats,Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,House of Fools,Devil's Gate,Racing Stripes,Color Me Kubrick,The Guardian,Bobby,Cashback,Bridge to Terabithia,Old Dogs,Jock the Hero DogandLegends of Oz: Dorothy's Return.

Success in India

Adams and his music are popular in India, where he is a household name for three generations of people, and many people say the first few English phrases mastered by many young Indians are "It was the summer of '69" and "Everything I do, I do it for you."Many music industry executives have said Adams is the most-known foreign music artist in India.He was one of the first foreigners to stage a large-scale concert in India in the early 1990s, and he has returned to tour India several times.Adams was on the cover of the September 2018 issue ofRolling StoneIndia;an article in the issue stated that Adams is "one rock legend whose concerts have created mass frenzy every single time in every single city he's played" in India.It is also reported that "Summer of '69" has been so popular in India for so long that it is "almost a Hindi song now", often the only "western" song that might be allowed to be played at a traditional Indian wedding.Adams toured India five times between 1994 and 2018 and has called himself an indophile.

Activism and humanitarian work

Humanitarian work

Most of Adams's philanthropic activity is through The Bryan Adams Foundation, which "aims to improve the quality of people's lives around the world by providing financial grants to support specific projects that are committed to bettering the lives of other people".The foundation is mostly funded by Adams himself.

Benefit concerts and humanitarian awards

Adams has participated in concerts and other activities to help raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. His first high-profile charity appearance came in 1985 when he opened the US transmission ofLive Aidfrom Philadelphia.In June 1986, Adams participated in the two-weekAmnesty International"A Conspiracy of Hope" tour alongsideSting,U2 andPeter Gabriel.In 1986, Adams performed at The Prince's Trust All-Star Rock Concert in Wembley Arena to celebrate first 10 years of the Trust and again in June 1987 at the 5th AnnualPrince's TrustRock Gala along withElton John,George Harrison,Ringo Starrand others.

On June 11, 1988, Adams performed at theNelson Mandelabirthday party concert atWembley Stadium.In June 1988, Adams andJoe Cockerplayed inWeißenseein front of a crowd of over 85,000 people.

In March 1989, Adams performed on theGreenpeacealbumRainbow Warriors,which was also released in theSoviet Unionon theMelodiyalabel. According to Greenpeace, worldwide sales raised more than $8 million for Greenpeace initiatives.

In July 1989, Adams committed to work on another charity record: the remake of theDeep Purpleclassic "Smoke on the Water"forRock Aid Armeniato obtain funds for the1988 Armenian earthquake.

Adams helped commemorate the fall of theBerlin Wallwhen, in 1990, he joined many other guests, including his songwriting partnerMichael Kamen,forRoger Waters'The Wall – Live in Berlin,in which he performed severalPink Floydalongside artists includingJoni Mitchell,Cyndi Lauper,Van Morrison,andPaul Carrack.

On March 2, 1993, Adams performed alongside artists includingTina Turner,James Taylor,George Michael,Tom JonesandDustin Hoffmanat that year's edition ofRock for the Rainforest,abenefit concertatCarnegie Hallhosted byStingand his wifeTrudie Stylerto benefit theRainforest Foundation Fund.It raised $800,000 for indigenous rights.

On April 24, 1993, he participated in the benefit concertFarm Aidat theJack Trice StadiuminAmes.

On December 10, 1997, Adams took part in a concert called "A Gift of Song", in celebration of the US Committee forUNICEF50th Anniversary, held at the Z-100 Jingle Ball Madison Square Garden inNew York City.

On January 29, 2005, Adams was one of 150 performers at "Canada for Asia", aCBCbenefit concert inTorontofor victims of the2004 Indian Ocean earthquake;the concert raised $4 million.

In July 2005, Adams played atLive 8 concert, Barrie,Ontario, to raise awareness about poverty.

In September 2005, he performed in Qatar to benefit "Reach Out To Asia" benefiting the underprovided in Asia and those affected by the2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.Adams organized acharity auctionof a whiteFender Stratocasterguitar signed by himself as well as other prominent guitarists includingMick Jagger,Keith Richards,Eric Clapton,Brian May,Jeff Beck,Pete Townshend,Liam Gallagher,andNoel Gallagher.The guitar raised US$2.8 million, also benefiting "Reach Out To Asia", and thus set a record as the world's costliest guitar.

Through the Rock by the River concert, held on May 25, 2005, Adams raised £1.3M with cousin Johnny Armitage, for theRoyal Marsden Hospitalin London.

In June 2008, he offered individuals from the public the chance to bid to sing with him live in concert at three different charity auctions in London. Over £50,000 was raised with money going to theNSPCC,Children in Need,and theUniversity College Hospital.On February 28, 2008, he appeared in One Night Live at theAir Canada Centrein Toronto withJosh Groban,Sarah McLachlan,Jann Arden,andRyanDanin aid of theSunnybrook HospitalWomen and Babies Program.

Adams in 2006

On January 29, 2006, Adams became the first Western artist to perform inKarachi, Pakistanafter theSeptember 11th attacksin conjunction with a benefit concert byShehzad Royto raise money for underprivileged children to go to school and to support victims of the2005 Pakistan earthquake.

On October 18, 2007, Adams was scheduled to perform inTel AvivandJerichoas part of theOneVoice Movementconcerts, hoping to aid in solving theIsraeli–Palestinian conflict;however, the concerts were cancelled due to security concerns.

On January 13, 2010, he received theAllan Waters Humanitarian Awardfor participating in numerous concerts and charity campaigns.

On January 13, 2011, he participated in the Concert for Killing Cancer at theHammersmith ApolloinLondontogether with the historic rock bandThe Who,Jeff Beck,Debbie Harry,andRichard Ashcroft.On October 22, 2013, he attended theTJ Martell Foundation's38th Annual Honors Gala inNew York CityforCancer Research.He performed alongsideSting.

On September 14, 2014, Adams was the first artist to sing at theInvictus Gamesorganised byPrince Harryin East London.Prince Harryreciprocated by attending Adams's exhibition on wounded soldiers in London.

In May 2015, he received the "Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award" in recognition of his social activism and support for various humanitarian causes, presented duringCanadian Music Weekat theCanadian Music Industry & Broadcast Awards Gala.In 2016, Adams canceled an April 14 concert atMississippi Coast ColiseuminBiloxi.From July 1, the state implementedthe Religious Liberty Accommodations Act,whereby religious groups and private companies can refuse to provide their services tosame-sex couples;after the example ofBruce Springsteen,who canceled his show inGreensboro,North Carolinain protest against thePublic Facilities Privacy & Security Actrequiring transgender people to use public restrooms reflecting the sex listed on their birth certificate, Adams also followed "the Boss".

On September 30, 2017, Adams, along withBruce Springsteen,met on stage at the2017 Invictus Games.The Paralympic Games for Military Veterans, now in its third edition, saw the two artists perform for the closing ceremony at theScotiabank ArenainToronto.They performed some pieces of their repertoire, to close in duet performing "Cuts Like A Knife"and"Badlands".

In November 2019, Adams gifted Park WalkPrimary SchoolinChelsea,England, with a new playground through his charityThe Bryan Adams Foundation.In previous years, Adams had built aplaygroundforAshburnham Community Schoolin theRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelseain London with his foundation.

For hisShine a Lightworld tour in 2019, Adams teamed up with shipping companyDHLfor an environmental project to plant a tree for every ticket sold during the course of the tour.In April 2020, he participates in the recording of the song "Lean on Me"together with an ad hoc supergroup of Canadian musicians accredited as ArtistsCAN, both in homage to the recent death ofBill Withersand for raise money for theCanadian Red Crossduring theCOVID-19 pandemic.

In November 2020, Adams participated with other artists in the song "Stop Crying Your Heart Out",proposed in a cover performed for the charitable cause ofChildren in Needunder the supervision ofBBC Radio 2.

Animal rights activism

During his tours of 1992–1994, Adams successfully campaigned for theSouthern Ocean Whale SanctuarywithGreenpeaceChairmanDavid McTaggart;the sanctuary was created by theInternational Whaling Commissionin 1994.

On November 10, 2002, Adams participated in the benefit concert at theRoyal Opera HouseinLondonfor theDian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.He played "Run to You"and"Crazy Little Thing Called Love"withBrian May.

In April 2019, while off the coast ofSt. Vincent and the Grenadines,Adams physically intervened to protect a whale from being killed when local whalers tried to harpoon it within a conservation zone.

Adams is the founder of theSt. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund,a non-profit company registered inSaint Vincent and the Grenadinesto support sustainable initiatives to promote the preservation of the beauty and natural value of the islands.

In May 2020, Adams was criticized for a profane social media post blaming theCOVID-19pandemic on "bat eating."Even though Adams did not single out any particular race in his remarks, online response was immediate and "Bryan Adams racist" began trending on social media.Adams later apologized for the comments stating, "To any and all that took offence...No excuse, I just wanted to have a rant about the horrible animal cruelty in these wet-markets being the possible source of the virus, and promote veganism. I have love for all people and my thoughts are with everyone dealing with this pandemic around the world."

Photography

Adams accepting a Lead Award for photography in 2006

Adams also works as a photographer. In 2002, Adams was invited, along with other photographers from theCommonwealth,to photographQueen Elizabeth IIduring herGolden Jubilee;one of the photographs from this session was used as a Canadian postage stamp in 2004 and again in 2005 (seeQueen Elizabeth II domestic rate stamp (Canada)), another portrait of both Queen Elizabeth II andPrince Philipis now in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

He won three Lead Awards in Germany for his fashion photography, most recently in October 2015 for his story in Helmut Berger, and previously in June 2012 and again in 2006.He founded the art fashionZoo Magazine,based in Berlin, for which he shoots regularly.

His first retrospective book of photos was released bySteidlin October 2012 titledExposed.Previous published collaborations includeAmerican Women(2005), for Calvin Klein in the United States; proceeds from this book went toMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerin New York City for their breast cancer research programs,andMade in Canada(1999) forFlare Magazinein Canada; proceeds went to theCanadian Breast Cancer Foundation.Both books were dedicated to his friend Donna, who died of the disease.

Adams supports theHear the Worldinitiative as a photographer in its aim to raise global awareness for the topic of hearing and hearing loss.Adams released a photography book entitledWounded – The Legacy of War(2013) to highlight the human consequences of war.

On September 16, 2015, he was given an Honorary Fellowship of theRoyal Photographic Societyin London for his work in photography. Adams has been published in BritishVogue,L'uomoVogue,AmericanVanity Fair,Harper's Bazaar,BritishGQ,Esquire,Interviewmagazine andi-D,and shot advertising and PR campaigns for Hugo Boss, Guess Jeans, Sand, Converse, Montblanc, John Richmond, Fred Perry, Escada, Gaastra, Zeiss, Joop, Zeiss AG, Schwarzkopf, Ermenegildo Zegna, AGL shoes, Windsor, Jaguar and OPEL cars.

In the summer of 2021, he shot the 48th edition ofPirelli Calendarin two working days in June inLos Angeles,where most of the cast met, followed by a day of work atCapriat the end of July. The Pirelli 2022 Calendar shot by Adams is called «On the road», portrays talents from the world of music that Adams has brought together in a journey through very different nationalities, musical genres, ages and professional paths. He photographedIggy Pop,Rita Ora,Cher,Grimes,Normani,Kali Uchis,Jennifer Hudson,Saweetie,St. VincentandBohan Phoenix.

Adams has also photographed many of his colleagues in the music business. Other album covers featuring work by Adams include those for:

• Annie Lennox–The Annie Lennox Collection
• Amy Winehouse–Lioness: Hidden Treasures
• Status Quo–Aquostic (Stripped Bare)
• Diana Krall–Wallflower
• Anastacia–Ultimate Collection
• Rammstein–Zeit

Other notable people that Adams has photographed includeHillary Clinton,Ben Kingsley,Katie Couric,Jennifer Aniston,Gwyneth Paltrow,Scarlett Johansson,Hilary Swank,Serena Williams,Venus Williams,Lindsay Lohan,L'Wren Scott,Julianne Moore,Jerry Hall,Heather Graham,Sean Penn,Wim Wenders,Danny Trejo,Christie Brinkley,Sarah Jessica Parker,Neve Campbell,Renée Zellweger,Monica Bellucci,Eva Riccobono,Elisabetta Canalis,Caterina Murino,Elle Macpherson,Eartha Kitt,Ray Liotta,Cindy Crawford,Tereza Maxová,Alice Sebold,Amber Valletta,Katie Holmes,Kate Moss,Eve Ensler,Helena Bonham Carter,Daphne Guinness,Aline Weber,Lucy Liu,Laetitia Casta,Tilda Swinton,Lauren Hutton,Muhammad Ali,Dustin Hoffman,Ben Kingsley,Lukas Podolski,Natalia Vodianova,Naomi Campbell,Louise Bourgeois,Nadja Auermann,Michael J. Fox,Mickey Rourke,Judi Dench,Justin Trudeau,Margaret Atwood,Linda Evangelista,Amanda Murphy,Mads Mikkelsen,and many more.

Books

• Made in Canada(1999)
• American Women(2005)
• Exposed(Steidl,2012)
• Wounded – The Legacy of War(Steidl,2013)
• Untitled(Steidl,2015)
• Canadians(Steidl,2017)
• Homeless(Steidl,2019)
• Hear The World(Steidl,2024)

Exhibitions

• Royal Ontario Museum,Toronto1999
• McCord Museum,Montréal2000
• Saatchi Gallery,London2000
• Photokina,Cologne2001
• Temple of Hadrian,Rome,July – 2006
• Fotografija Galerija,Ljubljana,Slovenia,November 2006
• PHotoEspaña,Madrid,Spain, May–July 2007
• Nunnington Hall,North Yorkshire, England, May–June 2007
• 401 projects,New York City,September–November 2007
• National Portrait Gallery,London, February–May 2008
• Haus Der Kunst,Munich,May 2008
• 14th Street Gallery, Hear the World Ambassadors Photo Exhibition,New York City,May 2008
• Saatchi Gallery,Hear The World Ambassadors,London,July 2009
• Calvin KleinAmerican women 2010, New York, September 2010
• Multimedia Art Museum,Moscow, July 2012 (Exposed)
• Goss-Michael Gallery,Dallas,Texas."Bryan Adams – Exposed" December 2012 February 2013
• Oklahoma Contemporary,Oklahoma City."Bryan Adams – Exposed" February – May 2013
• NRW-Forum,Düsseldorf, Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" February – May 2013
• Marfa Contemporary,Marfa,Texas. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" May – August 2013
• Ostlicht Galerie, Vienna, Austria. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" June – September 2013
• Akira Ikeda Gallery,Berlin,Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" September – November 2013
• Glenbow Museum,Calgary,Canada. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" February – May 2014
• Westlicht Gallery, Vienna, Austria. "Bryan Adams – Exposed"
• Stadtgalerie,Klagenfurt,Austria. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" July October 3–5, 2014: "Bryan Adams – Exposed"
• Stadthaus Ulm,Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" June – September 2014
• MNBAQ,Quebec City, Canada. "Bryan Adams s'expose" February June 19–14, 2015
• Somerset House,London, England. "Bryan Adams – Wounded: The Legacy of War" November 2014 – January 2015
• Centro Cultural,Cascais,Portugal. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" October 2014 – February 2015
• Young Gallery,Brussels,Belgium. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" September 11, November 28, 2015
• Center of Contemporary Art Znaki Czasu,Toruń,Poland. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" November 2015 – January 2016
• Fotografiska,Stockholm, Sweden. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" June 18, 2016 – September 25, 2016
• Vivacom Art Hall,Sofia,Bulgaria."Bryan Adams – Exposed" October November 11–12, 2016
• Werkhallen, Bonn, Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" February May 19–20, 2017
• Royal Ontario Museum,Toronto."Canadians" 2017
• Embassy of Canada,Washington."Canadians" 2017
• Photo Gallery,Halmstad,Sweden. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" January April 20–30, 2018
• Camera Work Gallery,Berlin,Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" December 8, 2018 – February 9, 2019
• Izzy Gallery,Toronto,Canada. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" July 2–28, 2019
• Fotografiska,Tallinn, Estonia. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" March September 6–20, 2020
• Gericke + Paffrath Gallery,Düsseldorf,Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" October January 2–31, 2021
• Leica Gallery,Munich,Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" October January 29–31, 2021
• Atlas Gallery,London,United Kingdom. "Bryan Adams – Homeless" April June 29–12, 2021
• IPFO House of Photography,Olten,Switzerland. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" November 18, 2021 – February 6, 2022
• Osthaus-Museum Hagen,Hagen,Germany. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" February April 20–10, 2022
• Leica Galerie,Milan,Italy. "Bryan Adams – Exposed" April July 21–9, 2022
• Atlas Gallery,London,"Bryan Adams In Colour", June 22 – August 31, 2023
• Leica Gallery,London,"Bryan Adams Classics", June 22 – August 31, 2023
• Galerie Camera Work,Berlin,"Bryan Adams In Colour", October 14 – November 18, 2023
• Günter Grass-Haus,Lübeck,"Bryan Adams Exposed/Wounded", October 15, 2023 – January 7, 2024
• Sala Magna of Pueblo Español,Palma de Mallorca,"Bryan Adams In Colour", December 21, 2023 – April 14, 2024
• War Memorial of Korea,Seoul,"Bryan Adams Exposed/Wounded", January 12 – April 14, 2024
• Ernst Leitz Museum,Wetzlar,"Bryan Adams Exposed", June 26 – September 22, 2024

Personal life

Adams became aveganin 1989, when he was 28 years old, and said that he has more energy as a result of the decision and says that his motto is "If you love animals, don't eat them."

Adams has never married. In the 1990s, for 12 years, he was in a relationship with Danish modelCecilie Thomsen.Thomsen said that he had an affair withDiana, Princess of Wales;Adams insists they were just friends.Adams and Alicia Grimaldi, his former personal assistant and now trustee and co-founder of his namesake foundation, had their first daughter in April 2011 and their second daughter in February 2013.He maintains homes inLondonandParis;the house in Paris was listed onAirbnb.

On October 30, 2021, Adams cancelled his participation in a tribute to singerTina Turner,just before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, after testing positive forCOVID-19.

On July 20, 2023, Adams was announced as co-founder ofScottishbased musicstart upSongBox, aweb applicationthat allows musicians and other audio content creators to securely store and share their files with anyone they choose.

Awards and honours

Main article:List of awards and nominations received by Bryan Adams

Adams' handprints atWembley Square of Fame

Adams's awards and nominations include 20Juno Awardsamong 56 nominations and 15Grammy Awardnominations, including a win forBest Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Televisionin 1992. For his songwriting for films, Adams has been nominated for three times forAcademy Awardsand fiveGolden Globe Awards.He was nominated for his fifthGolden Globein 2007 for songwriting for the filmBobby;the song was performed byAretha FranklinandMary J. Blige.

In 1990, Adams was awarded theOrder of British Columbia.On April 20, 1990, Adams was made a Member of theOrder of Canada,and on May 6, 1998, was promoted within the order to the rank of Officer of the Order of Canada.He received these awards for his contributions to popular music and philanthropic work via his foundation, which helps improve education for people around the world.

On May 1, 2010, Adams received theGovernor General's Performing Arts Awardfor his 30 years of contributions to the arts.On January 13, 2010, he received theAllan Waters Humanitarian Awardfor his part in numerous charitable concerts and campaigns during his career.

Adams has been inducted into theHollywood Walk of Fame,Canada's Walk of Fame,theCanadian Broadcast Hall of Fame,and theCanadian Music Hall of Fame.Adams is also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).In 2015, he was awarded anHonorary Fellowshipby theRoyal Photographic Society(FRPS).In 2023, Adams was nominated for induction into theSongwriters Hall of Fame.

Bryan Adams Band

Main article:List of Bryan Adams backing band members

Band lineup in 2013 (l–r): Adams,Gary Breit,Mickey Curry,Keith Scott,andNorm Fisher

Adams' backing band, known as "the Dudes of Leisure" or the "Bryan Adams Band", is composed of guitaristKeith Scott,Gary Breiton piano,Solomon Walker(2017–present) on bass, and drummerPat Steward.Former members of the band include bassistDave Taylor,keyboardistTommy Mandel,U.K. keyboardist John Hanaha (1981–1988), drummers Jimmy Wesley (1981–1983),Frankie LaRocka(1983–1985),Pat Steward(1985–1987) and Danny Cummings (1996–1998),Norm Fisheron bass,Mark Wilson(2016),Richard Jones(2016), andPhil Thornalley.

Discography

Main article:Bryan Adams discography

• Bryan Adams(1980)
• You Want It You Got It(1981)
• Cuts Like a Knife(1983)
• Reckless(1984)
• Into the Fire(1987)
• Waking Up the Neighbours(1991)
• 18 til I Die(1996)
• On a Day Like Today(1998)
• Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron(2002)
• Room Service(2004)
• 11(2008)
• Tracks of My Years(2014)
• Get Up(2015)
• Shine a Light(2019)
• So Happy It Hurts(2022)

Filmography

Cinema

• 1989 –Pink Cadillac,directed byBuddy Van Horn,starringClint EastwoodandBernadette Peters,Adams plays a gas station attendant.
• 1991 –Robin Hood: Prince of ThievesAdams played himself in the full length video for "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" playing out the end credits to the VHS release of the film.
• 2002 –House of Fools,directed byAndrei Konchalovsky,Adams plays himself and appears in the scenes in which the protagonist Zhanna (Julia Vysotskaya) dreams of marrying him.
• 2011 –Jock the Hero Dog,directed by Duncan MacNeillie. Features the voice of Adams as "Jock".

Television

• 2017 –Juno Awards of 2017the ceremonies were held at theCanadian Tire CentreinOttawaand televised onCTVwith Adams andRussell Petersas co-hosts.

Radio broadcasting

Radio programs

Between 2016 and 2019, Adams presented his favorite songs on several episodes ofBBC RocksonBBC Radio 2.

Concert tours

• You Want It You Got It Tour (1981–1982)(includes some dates withthe KinksandLoverboy)
• Cuts Like a Knife Tour (1983–1984)(includes some dates withJourneyandthe Police)
• Reckless Tour (1984–1985)(includes some dates withTina Turner)
• A Conspiracy of Hope(1986)(includes some dates withU2,Sting,Peter Gabriel,Lou Reed,Joan Baez,andthe Neville Brothers)
• Into the Fire Tour (1987–1988)
• Waking Up the World Tour (1991–1993)(includes some dates in Europe withZZ Topfor theRecycler Tour)
• So Far So Good Tour (1993–1994)(includes some dates in the United States withthe Rolling Stonesfor theVoodoo Lounge Tour)
• 18 Til I Die Tour (1996–1997)
• Unplugged Tour (1997–1998)
• White Elephant Tour (1999)(includes some dates in North America withthe Rolling Stonesfor theNo Security Tour)
• The Best of Me Tour (1999–2001)
• Here I Am Tour (2002–2004)
• Room Service Tour (2004–2006)(includes 26 dates in the United States withDef Leppard)
• Anthology Tour (2007–2008)
• 11 Tour / Acoustic Show (2008–2009)(includes some dates in the United States withForeignerandRod Stewart)
• The Bare Bones Tour (2010–2014)(includes some dates for the Waking Up the Neighbors 20th Anniversary Tour)
• Reckless 30th Anniversary Tour (2014–2015)
• Get Up Tour (2016–2018)
• Ultimate Tour(2018–2019)
• Shine a Light Tour (2019–2021)(includes some 2019 dates in the United States withBilly Idol)
• So Happy It Hurts Tour (2022–2024)(includes some 2023 dates in the United States withSoul AsylumandJoan Jett and the Blackhearts;some 2024 dates in the U.S. withDave Stewart)

See also

• Music of Canada
• Rock music of Canada
• List of animal rights advocates

Further reading

• Goode, Jay.Bryan Adams.Photographed by Al Purdi & Rick Stern. [s.l.]: Monarch Books, 1986.ISBN0-921183-01-1

External links

• Official website
• Bryan AdamsatIMDb
• The Bryan Adams Foundation
• Bryan Adams On A&M Records
• Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund
• Entry at canadianbands.comArchivedMarch 13, 2022, at theWayback Machine