The Adelaide Entertainment Centre was packed to the brim on Friday (7 February), as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of rock legend Bryan Adams.
With a crowd that seemed completely sold out, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Before the main event, the audience was treated to an incredible opening performance by James Arthur, whose powerful vocals and engaging stage presence set the tone for an unforgettable night.As a longtime fan of Arthur's, hearing him perform live was an absolute treat. He sounded just as flawless as he does with his studio recordings, effortlessly delivering hit after hit. A standout moment for me was his cover of 'A Thousand Years' – a song that carried a wave of emotion through the audience.
While he didn't rely on elaborate jokes, James' easy-going humour and casual one-liners kept the crowd entertained between songs. The audience responded enthusiastically, singing along and showing immense appreciation for his talent.
Then came the main event – Bryan Adams: A rock legend in his element. For someone whose music I grew up hearing thanks to my parents, I wasn't sure what to expect from a live show.
However, whatever expectations I had were completely shattered in the best way possible. From the moment Adams stepped onstage, he dominated the crowd with an effortless energy that made it clear why he's still selling out arenas after decades in the business.
The set list was packed with classics, and the production was nothing short of spectacular: bright lights and mesmerising visuals, even a giant inflatable boxing glove floating through the crowd during 'Roll With The Punches'.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was 'Summer of '69'. It didn't matter if you were a diehard fan or just someone who knew the song from the radio – every, single person in the venue was either singing or screaming the lyrics. The entire Entertainment Centre echoed with voices, making for a true goosebumps moment.
What stood out to me was the mixed crowd. While you'd expect an older audience for an artist like Bryan Adams, I was surprised to see such a wide age range, with even teenagers rocking out alongside longtime fans. It just goes to show that great music is timeless.
By the time the encore rolled around, featuring a cover of Frankie Valli's 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You', as well as Pasek and Paul's 'Rewrite The Stars' featuring James Arthur, before the grand finale of 'All For Love', it was clear that every single person had gotten their money's worth and then some.
If you've never seen Bryan Adams live, do yourself a favour and change that. Whether you've been a fan for decades or just love a good rock concert, his show is an absolute must-see. The energy, the musicianship, and the sheer joy of the crowd make for an unforgettable experience. Mind-blowing doesn't even begin to cover it – I'd go again in a heartbeat.
