Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams is performing once again in Manila.
Bryan will bring his Filipino fans on a trip down memory lane with his hits from the 1980s.
The Manila stop of his concert tour So Happy It Hurts, organized by Wilbros Live, will take place at the Araneta Coliseum on March 15, 2023.
On Saturday, March 4, 2023, the 63-year-old Canadian singer, who was in Tokyo for the Japan leg of his concert, spoke with local media, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), about his upcoming visit.
During the brief virtual press conference, Bryan revealed that he made certain to include the Philippines in the Asia leg of his concert tour.
He said, "I meet Filipino people all over the world and they always remind me of that they love the songs...
"So, when the opportunity came to play in Asia again, I say to my agent, 'Make sure the Philippines is on there.'"
BRYAN ADAMS: SO HAPPY IT HURTS
Given his live performance experience of almost five decades, Bryan ensures he is well-prepared for every concert tour that he embarks on.
He said, "Well, the preparations, we just carry on... We’ve been touring for the last year, and we’ve done over a hundred shows in the last year…
"And so it's kind of a well-oiled machine, we know what we’re gonna do, everyone knows their job, and it is by getting there and once we’re there we know what to do and it’s a lot of fun!"
Asked what his Filipino fans can expect from his concert this time around, Bryan answered, "We’ll be playing all the songs that you know and love like the Philippine national anthem 'Please forgive me.'
"And we’ll also be playing a couple of songs from the new album."
Anticipating a different vibe in contrast to his past concerts in the country, Brian expounded, "I love the idea that when you play a song live, it’s like playing again for the first time because something always happens...
"Whether it be something between the musician or the people singing the song back to you, all kinds of things happen."
Bryan will perform more songs from his 15th studio album So Happy It Hurts, which he hopes will convey an inspiring message as it was released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The "Summer of '69" singer explained, "Because I was feeling the world, I particularly needed to be writing music that was uplifting and positive…
"Because during that time I was able to put together so much music, and so much new material, and, that’s [what] I focused on, and I’m glad that you appreciate that fact that it’s uplifting."
FOUR DECADES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Bryan's eponymous debut studio album Bryan Adams released in 1980 captured the hearts of music enthusiasts with his emotionally charged raspy vocals.
Since then, he has released a number of hits, including "Straight from the Heart (1983)," "Heaven (1985)," "Cuts Like A Knife (1983)," "Please Forgive Me (1993)," and many others.
In his virtual interview, Bryan affirmed that his passion for creating and producing music has continued to burn as strong as it did almost five decades ago.
When asked about the secret to his enduring career, he shared it's been all about remembering how and why he started it.
Bryan said, "I think, looking after yourself is number one, making sure you keep fit and healthy...
"And, second of all, always remember where you came from, you know that where you come from is for me the biggest [source] of information…
"I've been able to work my way up to the top in my field, I’m extremely grateful for the fact that even after so many decades we’re still able to tour, record, and make new music, it’s amazing!"
Bryan went on to reminisce about the challenges he encountered during the early years of his career.
"It wasn’t easy because those days, were difficult days... Because it was literally one rejection after the other.
"Nobody wants to back my album, nobody wanted to support it, and it just took a lot of time and finally convincing somebody to give me a shot.
"And from there, once I had my foot on the door, I was able to maximize and prove to people that I was worth signing, and luckily there were a few more songs."
Amidst the rejections and challenges, Bryan is beyond grateful to everyone who stood beside him up to this day.
"And as I look forward, it’s always about the music, it’s always about the songs that I’m most grateful for…
"I’m grateful for my team and the ability that I have and to be able to see these places around the world because of music."
In terms of producing great music, Bryan limned the essential elements, "I can never sing a song unless the song comes from somewhere that I can relate to…
"I never sing songs that are out of my range, I never sing songs the lyrics I don’t believe, and so that’s where it comes from."
When asked if he would be open to collaboration with new artists, Bryan didn't quite answer.
He simply said, "Well, I got to be honest. I pretty much living [in] a bubble of my own music at the moment and there are singers I occasionally hear that I really like…"
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