As a lifelong fan of Bryan Adams, I can vividly recall the moments that his music accompanied significant milestones in my life. From belting out “Summer of ’69” during road trips to swooning over “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” in my teenage years, his songs have been the soundtrack to my memories. So, when the opportunity arose to interview him for Financial Express, I was on cloud nine. I couldn’t believe I would be speaking with the voice behind some of my favorite tracks. It felt surreal—a true fan-girl moment!
During our conversation, Bryan was warm and candid, sharing insights about his upcoming tour in India, the timeless relevance of his music, and his creative process. Here’s an exclusive look at our interview:
How excited are you about your upcoming tour in India? What aspects of the tour are you most looking forward to?
BA: So excited, we’re playing in cities I’ve not visited before so that makes the tour even more interesting. We always try and add a new place to the tours we do.
Have you noticed the huge fan base you have in India?” Summer of ’69” is still a hit even with Gen Z. How does it feel knowing the song has remained relevant over the years?
BA: It could be the most gratifying thing for a songwriter to think that their music has transcended the decades and continues to inspire people.
What inspired you to write “Summer of ’69”? What was life like back then?
BA: All of the tunes I write use the same principle: keep things simple. I always try to write songs that I can identify with, songwriters need to write their truth.
Do you feel a lot of pressure when creating new music, knowing it has to measure up to your classic hits before you can perform it live?
BA: I’m not the kind of person who dwells on the past but rather lives for the moment. Once a song has gone out into the world, it’s time to write another. Sometimes you get it right sometimes you don’t.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process? How do you go from an initial idea to a completed song?
BA: It’s quite easy to write songs, it’s just hard to write good ones. I will tell you the process has to be a disciplined one, for me at least. I know if I don’t sit down and work on things, they simply don’t happen. I’m not the kind of songwriter who wakes up in the night with a hit song in my head.
What are some of the biggest influences on your music, both in terms of other artists and personal experiences?
BA: I’m still influenced by the bands that were usually 4 piece, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. When I was growing up, the louder and hairier the bands were the happier I was. I was headbanging before it was a thing.
How do you think your music has evolved over the years? Are there any particular changes or developments that you’re especially proud of?
BA: I think from a technical standpoint I’ve improved as a musician, and a lot of that is because I spend so much time touring and recording. I inevitably suppose. I tend to reference the Beatles a lot when I’m looking for a chord or Led Zeppelin when I’m looking for a drum attitude.
You’ve collaborated with a wide range of artists over the years. Are there any future collaborations you’re excited about or dream collaborations you’d still like to explore?
BA: I haven’t thought about it much, I like Miley Cyrus a lot, and I’d love to work with her one day.
How do you prepare for a live performance, and what do you find most rewarding about connecting with your audience on stage?
BA: Usually, I just put the kettle on and have a cup of tea to get ready. But I find it enormously gratifying to be able to go out and sing songs around the world and have people sing them back. What could be better for a songwriter than that?
How have your personal life and experiences shaped your music and career? Are there any particular life events that have had a major impact on your work?
BA: I think it’s quite normal that you look at your personal experiences for inspiration because it is the source of your truth. You cannot try and put yourself in a different state of mind when writing for someone else, but in the end, you always go back to your source: You.
When you think about your legacy, what do you hope people remember most about your work and your contributions to music?
BA: He wrote a few decent tunes, did a few decent shows and we all had a bit of a laugh.
How do you feel about the role of technology in the music industry today? Has it changed the way you create or distribute your music?
BA: Well it’s a lot easier to make records now than it used to be when I started. The recording studio was enigmatic, and then computers came along and we could all record in our front rooms. It’s brilliant and I embrace it.
You’ve been involved in various charitable causes over the years. Can you share more about why philanthropy is important to you and how you choose the causes you support?
BA: Everyone who gets into public life ends up being asked to contribute to others, it’s quite normal. I decided I would start a small foundation to support the causes I get asked to contribute to and to also create opportunities to help others whenever possible.
Have you faced any significant creative challenges or obstacles in your career? How did you overcome them?
BA: Of course, that’s also quite normal when you decide to start in the music world. And like everyone that goes into this business, I got ripped off, but I take a look around and things are okay.
What are you most looking forward to about performing in India? Have you had a chance to explore Indian culture or music before?
BA: I can’t remember exactly how many tours we’ve done in India but it must be around seven, and each time we come I try and make sure we play a different city. Naturally, I’ve always loved Indian music. Last month, I bought an electric sitar!
Are you looking forward to food in India? Anything in particular?
BA: I nice bowl of dahl would be lovely.
Do you watch Bollywood movies or if you have any favourite actors or singers?
BA: I’ve seen some Bollywood films and have always admired the amazing dances and costumes. I don’t know enough about them to be able to say I like this actor or that one more.
Can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can expect from your setlist for the upcoming concert? Are there any special songs or surprises planned?
BA: I promise there will be some surprises, but mostly we will be playing all the songs you know and love
Is there any aspect of Indian music or culture that has influenced you or your music in any way?
BA: I love Indian music when I hear it, and wish I could sing like Indian singers but I’m way too westernised as a singer. I listened to far too many rock bands
How do you prepare for a show in a new country? Do you adapt your performance or setlist to fit the local audience?
BA: Usually the show is based entirely on the songs people know, but as far as prep is concerned, I try and sleep and do a bit of yoga every day.
Are there any Indian artists you admire or would like to collaborate with in the future?
BA: The only one I know is AR Rahman, and I would welcome the chance to work on a film with him.
How do you see music as a bridge between different cultures? Can you share an example of a time when your music helped connect with people from diverse backgrounds?
BA: I once played an acoustic show in Syria and invited local Syrian musicians to play with me, it was quite beautiful as neither of us knew what was going to happen. The result was a standing ovation from the crowd as I believe they too could tell it was very impromptu.
Your knack for collaboration shows a real curiosity on your part. While “Everything I Do” is a standout, do you have an instinct for when you’ve created a surefire hit?
BA: I wish I knew the secret sauce recipe, but it comes down to being open to working with different artists from different areas of music. There have been some exciting and very odd ones, for example singing in Italian live on Italian television with an opera tenor. What was I thinking? But it turned out great.
What inspired you to explore professional photography?
BA: I kind of started by documenting my work, then at some point decided I liked the work enough to use it for my album covers.
From there I started getting calls from magazines. In 2003 I started Zoo Magazine, an art/fashion magazine. That became my playground.
What brings you the most joy in music these days?
BA: Well now that I’m an independent artist I’m more inspired than ever to create, in fact I’ve put out more music in the past couple of years than I have in the past twenty years!
Which of your songs are you most proud of?
BA: I like the new ones like “So Happy It Hurts,” but I’m always happy to see the next song on the live setlist. It’s amazing to me that a lot of them started in a basement.
You’ve written music for films as well as for other artists—does the writing process differ between these projects?
BA: I’ve had fun working with so many great film composers, and what is interesting about that is they have all come from a very academic background, whereas I’ve been self-taught. And I think there is something to say for both sides of the coin musically, one can help the other.
What’s more in store for us?
BA: I’ve got a new box set of live recordings from the Royal Albert Hall coming out in November, and next year 2025, I will have a new album called Roll With The Punches.