BRYAN ADAMS

Just because you don’t particularly like an artist’s recorded output, it doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy them live. BRYAN ADAMS delivered a near perfect example at this afternoon’s matinee show. Not only am I mostly indifferent to his recorded work, the set is based almost exclusively on songs from his latest album, Roll With The Punches, which - whilst fitting perfectly into the Adams catalogue - hasn’t exactly excited me. Having been lucky enough to see Adams before, however, it comes as no surprise that he and the band deliver a thoroughly enjoyable performance.

Adams is in fine voice, plays decent bass and comes across as a good bloke, doing this for the right reasons. Guitarist Keith Scott has been by his side since the 70s and lays down some mean rhythm and lead. The link between the two is almost telepathic. Drummer Pat Stewart first played with Adams in ’84 and plays in a powerhouse style that wouldn’t be out of place in a metal band. Keysman Gary Breit fills out the sound with some neat flourishes.

Despite having only been out for a few days, a good section of the audience are word perfect on the songs from Roll With The Punches, all ten of which get an airing. Between songs, Adams takes questions from the audience, answering most with a professional charm. The best responses of the afternoon are reserved for a stomping Run To You, whilst an excerpt from Heaven - played for newly weds who had it as their first dance - produced the biggest singalong.

This wasn’t a life changing gig, I doubt anyone would go home saying it was the best thing they had ever seen, some of the lyrics are cloyingly sentimental - I’m looking at you Two Arms To Hold You - but Adams has delivered a heartfelt, entertaining hour or so that leaves the audience more than happy and that is plenty good enough for me.