Bryan Adams, James Arthur @ Entertainment Centre, Adelaide 7/2/2025
Bryan Adams rocked the Adelaide Entertainment Centre this weekend with a high-energy set of timeless hits, rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. His So Happy It Hurts Tour has again proven that his legend status lives on.
With a smooth, somewhat understated set, the winner of the ninth series of The X Factor UK, English singer songwriter James Arthur, opened the night’s entertainment. Professing to be “the starter” to Adams’s “main course,” he wowed fans with his vocal range through the eight-song set. Bitter Sweet Love, Sermon, Lasting Lover, Can I Be Him, Empty Space, and Train Wreck generated whoops and many a “we love you, James” from the thousands that were already present. However, it was A Thousand Years and Say You Won’t Let Go, the UK’s most streamed song in 2016, that produced the most excitement. The low-key performance oozed talent and gratitude from an artist whose star continues to rise.
When Adams blasted onto the stage, he was a machine gun of energy, firing off one hit after another without missing a beat. Kick Ass, Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, Somebody, 18 til I Die, Please Forgive Me, and new song Roll With The Punches came thick and fast, whipping everyone up in a frenzy. Adams wasn’t messing around.
“Hi, my name is Bryan,” he sheepishly said after the initial burst of electrifying action. The crowd were instantly swept up in his charisma.
The Canadian rocker, whose career spans fifty years, confirmed it would be a big show with lots of songs to get through. He wasn’t wrong.
With long-time collaborators Keith Scott (guitar), Pat Steward (drums), and Gary Breit (keys), Adams continued with Shine a Light, which saw the Entertainment Centre illuminate with phone lights. It was an ideal precursor to crowd favourite Heaven and its wave of dreamy nostalgia that washed over everyone. While Go Down Rockin’ brought back the fire with an epic Scott guitar solo.
The stage setup was just as impressive as the performance itself. A massive screen showcased live shots and vibrant pre-recorded visuals, adding a dynamic layer to the show. The sizable lighting rig on the roof bathed the entire venue in colour, amplifying the high-energy atmosphere throughout the night. The addition of blow up objects— Punchy the boxing glove and a car—added to the whimsicality.
An ode to the late, great Tina Turner followed as Adams launched into It’s Only Love. A mini medley of Simply the Best and What’s Love Got to Do with It elevated the moment, highlighting his versatility and stage presence.
You Belong to Me descended into a chaotic dance contest streamed live on the screen. Well, less of a dance contest and more a strip tease. Actually, less of a tease and just guys taking their tops off and waving them in the air. I can’t comment on the song because, like so many others, I was uncontrollably laughing watching the crowd. The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You continued the high energy and happy vibes. Just with less nudity.
Adams then slowed it down with an intimate solo pairing. Here I Am and When You’re Gone showcased the raw emotion in his voice. But when we thought the energy might dip, the band returned for Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman? and Adams poured every ounce of passion into the performance.
Always Have, Always Will transitioned into a moment of pure enchantment in (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. Everyone became immersed in the impressive, anthemic power of these ballads. Of course, no Bryan Adams show would be complete without Back to You and So Happy It Hurts. Songs that prove the man knows how to mix feel-good vibes with pure rock dynamism.
The crescendo of pop-rock nostalgia came in the form of Run to You, Summer of ‘69, and Cuts Like a Knife. The crowd sang every word, each note elevating them into an 80s dream.
If the show ended there, everyone would have left satisfied. But no, Adams did something few expected—Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli). It wasn’t just a cover. It was a triumphant twist on a classic that generated another big sing-along.
As if that wasn’t enough, Adams was joined by James Arthur for Rewrite the Stars. Their duet was a lovely addition to the evening. But the night wouldn’t end without a few more heartstrings being pulled. Moving over onto Stage B at the back of the arena, Adams’s solo encore of Straight from the Heart and All for Love wrapped up the night with an emotional punch that left the crowd screaming for more.
Bryan Adams delivered an unforgettable night of rock, romance, and iconic tunes. His show proved he isn’t just a legend of the past; he’s an icon who can still deliver the goods. Adams left us all So Happy It Hurts.
Live Review By Anita Kertes