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Bryan Adams his old ‘Reckless’ self again
By John Benson
All around the world, the kids wanna rock.
While that was true early on for Bryan Adams, today the Grammy Award-winning singer is playing his ’80s pop rock hits – “Cuts Like A Knife,” “Summer of ’69,” and “[Everything I Do] I Do It For You” – for baby boomers and Gen Xers.
The Canadian platinum artist is currently touring his latest effort, “Get Up.” Adams’ 13th studio album was produced by Electric Light Orchestra frontman Jeff Lynne.
The bill rolls into Youngstown Tuesday for a show at Covelli Centre.
The Vindicator talked to Adams via email about his latest album, Jeff Lynne and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Q. Congrats on “Get Up.” Going into the project, where did you want to take the material?
A. There wasn’t really a conscious decision to take it anywhere. It was just the songs that were coming out. Some of them were inspired by the fact that we were on the way to finishing a new album. Some were even written for a TV show that never happened.
Q. Sonically speaking, how does the album differ from your previous studio effort, “11?”
A. This record should have come out 25 years ago. I really wish it had. It’s almost a regret. It would have been the perfect release after “Reckless.” This is tried and true Bryan Adams all the way down the pike.
Q. What are a couple of songs that define the new album?
A. Certainly “You Belong To Me” is the one song that defines the album. It’s up and rocking and sets the tone. After that, you can pick any one. They all work great live. It’s as if they were always in the set.
Q. What was it like working with Jeff Lynne?
A. Simply brilliant working with him. I’m a fan, and we’d met a few times in the past. He really added the sparkle that was needed for our average demos. His input was remarkable.
Q. The “Don’t Even Try” video is hilarious. Do you own a double-neck guitar?
A. Thanks. I don’t own a double-neck guitar. It was rented from the shop around the corner for the video. It’s perfect for the silliness of this clip. Glad you liked it.
Q. What’s the next hill Bryan Adams wants to climb?
A. I’m working on writing a musical adaptation of ’90s film “Pretty Woman” with my co-writer Jim Vallance. It will come out in 2018.
Q. Finally, does Bryan Adams ever get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
A. Posthumously maybe, but only maybe.