He’s known as the “Groover from Vancouver,” having maintained a music career for half a century. Now, the Canadian rock musicianBryan Adams is launching his 17th album,Roll with the Punches,and this one is especially unique – particularly because of his long-time companionElizabeth Hurleycelebrities in the music video for his newest track,Never, Ever Let You Go.“It was truly simple and enjoyable,” he says.HELLO! In this special interview, “Liz has a wonderful sense of humor, which is why we’ve always been friends. I remember we met in Vancouver in the 1990s, when she was searching for music for a movie.”
The record is the first one to be released via Bryan’s own independent label,Bad Records, marking the first time the 65-year-old singer has had complete authority over his music since departing from a major record label. “It wasn’t easy to break free from the business ties I had,” the 65-year-old artist says. “The only path forward was to get back on your feet and keep moving. It’s a lesson for all of us.”
These experiences, he mentions, served as a source of inspiration for the new album. “Some of it came from becoming an independent musician, as I was no longer bound by a major label and I began handling my own management, along with the challenges and difficulties that come with it.”
Family talent
As Bryan’s fans look forward to his upcoming album, there are two individuals in his life who call him Dad: his daughters, Mirabella, aged 14, and Lula, aged 12, along with his partner, Alicia Grimaldi. “If I attempt to sing around them, they jump on me to make me stop,” he says with a laugh, although it’s evident they have developed a love for music just like him. “Both of my daughters enjoy music. Whether they decide to pursue it is entirely their choice – I’m allowing them to discover their own path.”
Actually, Bryan mentions that he was approximately the same age as Mirabella when he began performing. The position of lead singer, however, wasn’t something he had considered. “We didn’t have a singer for the basement band I started, so I ended up being the unofficial singer until we could find someone. We never did,” he explains.
Jump ahead to 1985 and the debut of a fan favoriteSummer of ’69. Interestingly, for Bryan, it didn’t gain traction in Britain. “I believed it was an excellent track, but it never even reached the charts in the UK, which is hard to believe,” he remembers. “It eventually became a success years later. Even without any promotion, the fans helped make it a hit.”
His standout track was released in 1991, when(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,the opening song of the movieRobin Hood: The Prince of Thieves,reached the top of the UK charts for 16 weeks. It continues to hold the record for the longest uninterrupted stay at number one.
I cherished those moments,” Bryan says. “I didn’t take a break from touring for four years following the album.Waking Up the Neighboursemerged in 1991. It’s somewhat hazy now, looking back.”
Famous collabs
He is also well-known for numerous successful partnerships, particularlyAll for Lovealongside Sting and Rod Stewart in 1993 andWhen You’re GoneWith Spice Girls singer Mel C in 1998. How did he manage to get them to comply? “They all happened because I requested it,” he states.
Bryan is set to perform a series of UK shows, starting at Warwick Castle on August 28th, followed by a stop in Sheffield, then moving on to smaller performances in Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool, Norwich, and Kingston. The tour concludes with an appearance at BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford on September 6th.
It’s great to return and perform in these types of shows; that’s how I began when I was 15,” he says. “I used to have a bouncer take me to the stage because I was too young to be performing in bars.
A strict no-phone rule will be enforced. “I wanted to create a unique experience, without people being distracted by their phones, since the venues are quite small,” the celebrity explains, sharing that his pre-show routine involves a quick soundcheck and a cup of tea.
Beyond music, Bryan has established himself as a sought-after photographer. He photographed Queen Elizabeth II for her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and has recently published his new book,#shotbyadams, which features intimate portraits of the Dalai Lama, Joni Mitchell and Pamela Anderson.
Although he has had an outstanding career, Bryan still has one goal remaining – will he ever take the stage at Glastonbury? “I would love to! Please mention me,” he says.
Roll with the Punches is scheduled for release on August 29.
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