Veteran rocker Bryan Adams is one of the most beloved singers around. The Grammy-winning 67-year-old has a reputation for being hard-working and humble, and, as he releases new album, How’s It Goin’, tells us he’s enjoying making music more than ever.
People the world over still associate him with hits like his 1984 smash Run To You , the 1985 ode to teen nostalgia Summer Of ’69 and 1991 ballad (Everything I Do) I Do It For You , the theme to Kevin Costner blockbuster film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves .
The latter spent a record-breaking 16 consecutive weeks at No1 in the UK, topped the charts in nearly 20 countries and sold more than 15 million copies – although Bryan initially didn’t think much of his “pretty love song”.
These tracks may have cemented his musical legacy, but is there a small part of him that wants to run for the hills when he hears them played anywhere? “No,” he laughs. “I love them more than ever.”
Another ear worm that’s stood the test of time is 1998’s When You’re Gone , Bryan’s catchy pop-rock duet with Melanie C, which the Spice Girl later credited with giving her the confidence to go solo.
It’s been said that Bryan originally wanted Sheryl Crow to sing with him, but after bumping into Mel in a hotel lift in LA, he immediately asked her to join instead.
Almost three decades later, are they still good pals? “I absolutely adore Mel,” he says. “We’re very good friends, and the serendipity of how we met was pure magic. I keep banging on that she needs to make a rock record. Please tell her I said so when you next speak to her.”
Over the course of such a long career, there will inevitably have been highs and lows. Bryan is philosophical about them, but takes no prisoners.
He says, “Like everyone in this business, I’ve had some proper let-downs with people in the music industry. It’s all sweet until you sign a deal and then they don’t live up to their end of the bargain. It’s basically thievery.”
Talking about his new album, Bryan, who was born in Ontario, says it’s “a love letter to Canada”. He was inspired by the deep dive he’s been doing for the documentary Canada’s Wild Eastern Edge .
“Earlier in the year, I’d been asked to write a song for this documentary on the Maritimes, and in the process I researched the Canadian east coast and knocked around a few song ideas,” he says.
“Once I’d finished the song, I went back and looked at the other ideas and ended up writing the track When Canada Joined Newfoundland . After that, the ball was rolling and I started thinking about the whole country.”
The title track would suggest Bryan, who describes himself as “self-deprecating, unable to take a compliment and stubborn”, can be quite tongue-in-cheek when he wants to be.
He says, smiling, “Of course! Sarcasm and irony are part of my day-to-day life. Not all of my lyrics are like that. But having a laugh is important. The title track is a good example of that.”
Bryan, who has teenage daughters Mirabella and Lula with his partner of 17 years Alicia Grimaldi, has lived in London since the 90s, but he’s proudly Canadian, especially when it comes to how his native land is treated on the international stage.
He says, “Put it this way, the album came together quickly because it’s a subject I’m interested in, particularly the social commentary.”
The protest song 51st State is a response to US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada. Of that, Bryan simply says, “I think musicians spoke clearly to the invitation of the anniversary of the Freedom 250th concert at the White House. Everyone bailed.”
Another standout track on the album is The Ballad Of Terry Fox , and Bryan’s eyes light up when we ask him about the national hero that inspired it.
“Terry Fox is a legend in Canada,” he says. “He lost his leg to cancer and at 21 decided to make the best of his disability and created the Marathon of Hope, a run across the country to raise money for cancer research.
“He got halfway before the cancer spread and he sadly had to stop. But if you ask any Canadian, Terry made it all the way.”
Bryan has been in the business for more than 45 years now, but asked what his career highlights are and he’s as matter-of-fact as ever.
He says, “Paying my rent from making music is the biggest highlight. That and being able to take care of my parents throughout their lives. It was worth any struggle to be able to do that.”
Musically, you might think he’s done it all, but he does have one or two burning ambitions left. He says, “I’ve always wanted to do a duets album, but that may never happen. I would love to sing with Stevie Wonder. And I’d love to collaborate with Billie Eilish.”
Bryan is currently on the road with his Bare Bones acoustic tour, but, having just turned 67, has touring and performing got tougher for him?
“I still love it,” he tells us. “I’ve got an amazing team that makes it happen night after night. I could never do it without them. Sleep is the hardest thing to get when you’re travelling, but it’s OK, I’m kind of conditioned to sleep anywhere.”
The secret to keeping fit and healthy as the years roll by is simple, he says. “I keep busy, I keep moving, I eat right, and I get some great hugs. I’m 18 ’til I die!”
After more than four decades in music, is he not tempted to put his feet up and call it a day? “Nah, the opposite,” Bryan says. “In fact, I’ve just created my own record company, BAD Records. I’m having more fun than ever, making records and putting them out.”
He has played some epic gigs over the years, but there have also been some hilariously embarrassing moments he would rather forget, including one involving a certain flamboyant British music superstar.
Bryan recalls, “I remember I was in my dressing room after a gig years ago and a security guard knocked on the door. He said, ‘Bryan, Elton John is here to say hello.’ I told him, ‘F*** off, no he’s not.’ And then Elton walked in.”
Alongside music, another lifelong passion for Bryan is photography. He uses part of his Chelsea home as a photography studio and has snapped everyone from Sir Mick Jagger to the Dalai Lama. In 2002, he was even invited to photograph Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for the Golden Jubilee.
Bryan tells us, “I have exhibitions coming up in a few places. I have one in Rome in December and I’m totally going to continue to create images, make videos and shoot portraits. I love it.”
He was just 20 when his self-titled debut album came out in 1980 – and he doesn’t think he’s changed much since then.
“I’m basically the same as I was back then,” he muses. “As my father would say, I’m just older and uglier. If I had to choose between the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a cabin in the woods, I’d choose the cabin in the woods every time.”
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