Whilst creative ways to make the launch of new albums have been a part of the music industry pretty much since the first vinyl was printed, in recent years the intimate album launch show seems to have become not just a staple but an almost expected part of the promotional cycle. And whilst the format varies – from full album play backs, standard concert sets or sometimes a slightly cheeky half a dozen songs then off, the opportunity to see often major stars performing in significantly smaller venues than usual in an enticing one.
Even so, it was a major surprise when Leeds’ Brudenell Social club announced that Bryan Adams would be coming to their four hundred capacity venue to launch his sixteenth studio album, Roll With the Punches. Yes, that Bryan Adams… the one who has sold out Wembley Stadium multiple times during his career, the one who seemed to spend pretty much all of 1991 one atop the singles charts with Everything I Do (I Do it for You), the one who wrote arguably the most classic of soft rock classics in Summer of ’69. And somehow, conjuring up all my savvy from years of ticket buying know how I was one of the lucky few who managed to acquire a ticket (even if two further shows were added to the day).
Queuing up in typical Yorkshire August weather (i.e. constant drizzle) there was a slight air of disbelief amongst those waiting to see a global megastar at such a venue. Adding to the surreality of the evening was the fact that fans had been pre-warned that there was a strict no photos or videos rule for the evening, with attendees having to queue first to have their phones locked up before they were allowed into the main concert hall. Pics or it didn’t happen seems a pretty cruel phrase when you aren’t allowed to capture such a unique event.
The closest to photographic proof that it happened (thrice actually) that exists
It was clear that something different was afoot upon finally entering the Brudenell’s main room. The stage was decorated with half a dozen guitars, each of which you’d guess was worth more than the entire gear of many of the bands who would have graced the stage on recent times. And to the side of the stage was a dedicated mixing desk brought along specially for the night. There may have been no chance of leaks coming from the night, but Bryan’s professionalism meant he wouldn’t be settling for anything but top quality sound.
The easy way out at such an event would be to come out, knock out the album and a few greatest hits and then call it a night. But no… whether anybody tried to explain what a Yorkshire crowd would be like or not is unclear, but the format of the night was to play a couple of songs then open the floor up to whatever questions the crowd had and to repeat until the album was done. And those in attendance were going to make sure they took their chance to interact with a global star. Amongst the standard fare of ‘Do you remember playing Leeds in 1989?’ (Answer: Yes, as long as there are no further questions) and begging for a plectrum, the wags in the audience had a night to remember, asking amongst others whether he liked kebabs (not really) and when was the last time he watched Robin Hood Prince of Thieves* (only once, back when it was released). Thankfully, despite often looking like this wasn’t quite what he’d signed up for, Bryan took it all in his stride, although wasn’t overly impressed when a punter got his wording wrong and asked why he thought a recent album had flopped.
As for the music… well it sounded exactly like you’d like expect a new Bryan Adams album to sound like in 2025 – if you enjoy his output it will have sat nicely amongst his back catalogue but was unlikely to inspire new devotees. Whilst Bryan, playing bass pretty much throughout the show, was clearly the focal point of the performance, it was his longterm guitarist Keith Scott who truly stole the show. Clearly a guitarist’s guitarist, he avoided the showy histronics of some of his peers from the eighties with his honed craft, each note played for good reason and none of them superfluous to the flow of the song.
Was it a night that will live long in the memory of all that were there? Most definitely yes. For a casual fan would throwing in a few hits have made it a more enjoyable evening? Yes. Am I glad to say that I watched Bryan Adams perform an entire set from barely a metre away? Yes. Would this post be a bit more interesting if there were some photos to prove that the whole evening ? Most probably.
* The Robin Hood Prince of Thieves question may have been asked by my good self.
Bryan Adams performed:
Roll With the Punches
Make Up Your Mind
Never Ever Let You Go
A Little More Understanding
Life Is Beautiful
Love Is Stronger Than Hate
How’s That Workin’ for Ya
Two Arms to Hold You
Be the Reason
Will We Ever Be Friends Again
Alex Reviews Gigs 
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