Bryan Adams is a Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, activist and philanthropist. He rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Summer of ’69”, “Heaven” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”. Adams has sold over 100 million records worldwide making him one of the world’s most successful music artists. Even after over 40 years in the music industry, Adams remains active as a musician and creative force. So what is Bryan Adams up to now in 2022? Let’s take a closer look at what projects and activities Adams is currently focused on.
New Album
In March 2022, Adams released a brand new album titled So Happy It Hurts. This is Adams’ 15th studio album and represents his first major release in over 5 years. So Happy It Hurts features 12 new songs written and produced by Adams in collaboration with producer Jeff Lynne. The album’s title track was released as the lead single and was co-written with Ed Sheeran.
So Happy It Hurts debuted at #1 in Canada which marks Adams’ seventh chart topping album in his home country. The album also reached the top 10 in several other countries including the UK, Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Reviews for So Happy It Hurts have been generally positive with critics praising the energetic, retro-rock feel of the music. The release of a strong new album proves that over 40 years into his career, Adams is still a vital, relevant voice in the world of rock music.
Upcoming Stadium Tour
On the heels of his new album, Adams announced a major 2023 worldwide tour. The tour is slated to kick off in Europe in January before heading to North America in February. The North American leg of the tour includes massive shows at stadiums like AT&T Stadium in Dallas and State Farm Stadium in Phoenix. Long-time collaborator Keith Scott will join Adams on tour as lead guitarist.
This global stadium tour will be Adams’ biggest in over a decade. The tour reflects Adams’ enduring popularity as a live performer able to sell-out huge venues. Fans can expect to hear new songs from So Happy It Hurts as well as classics from Adams’ extensive back catalogue spanning his many hit albums. There will likely be some surprises and special guests throughout the tour as well. Bryan Adams’ 2023 tour will give tens of thousands of fans all over the world a chance to see one of music’s premier rock stars doing what he does best.
Las Vegas Residency
In addition to touring stadiums next year, Bryan Adams will also be setting up shop for a Las Vegas residency in 2023. He recently announced a six-show residency at the prestigious Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. Adams will be performing at Encore in February and May 2023.
Landing a Las Vegas residency is a big milestone for many music artists. These types of residencies have become a hot trend in Vegas with stars like Adele, Katy Perry and Usher setting up multi-date concert runs in recent years. Adams’ shows promise to provide fans a more intimate, electrifying experience than his larger arena and stadium performances. The residency also demonstrates that Adams’ music has secured its place in the canon of timeless rock hits worthy of being showcased in Vegas.
Photography and Activism
While Adams remains busy with music, he is also actively pursuing his other passions like photography and social activism. Adams has been a dedicated photographer for decades now, having first picked up a camera on tour with Tina Turner in the late 80s. He has published several photography books and had his work exhibited in galleries around the world.
Adams’ most recent published photo collection is Homeless, which highlights stories of displaced people in locations like London, Los Angeles, Dublin and New York City. His photography often focuses on highlighting social issues like homelessness, veterans affairs, and endangered wildlife.
Adams also makes time for activism and philanthropic endeavors. He has supported causes like prostate cancer research, disaster relief and veterans services. Adams has been an outspoken advocate for several charities including the Bryan Adams Foundation which aims to improve education for underprivileged children worldwide. Whether with his camera or his voice, Bryan Adams stays committed to making a difference through his artistry.
Other Projects
In addition to his current major initiatives in music and photography, Adams remains involved in various other creative projects. He continues to collaborate on the occasional film soundtrack such as writing and performing the song “Do You Feel Me” for the 2022 animated film DC League of Super-Pets.
Adams is also dabbling in stage musicals. He collaborated on the score for the Tony Award nominated Broadway show Pretty Woman: The Musical which is based on the hit 1990 romantic comedy film. With his versatile talents, Adams is able to stay busy with all manner of artistic endeavors outside of just recording and touring as a musician.
Looking Ahead
As he nears his mid-60s, Bryan Adams shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for music and creativity remains strong. The icon seems energized by his latest album and tour announcement rather than content to simply rest on past laurels and greatest hits. He continues to push himself into new endeavors like photography books and Broadway scores rather than play it safe.
There is certainly excitement that Adams still has more great rock anthems left in him as a songwriter. With his new album generating buzz and a full slate of tour dates lined up, the legendary singer appears primed for a major comeback moment. Of course Adams has never really gone away, maintaining a steadfast presence through decades of hitmaking. But with a revitalized focus on his music career, Bryan Adams seems ready to soar back to the top in the 2020s.
Conclusion
Although decades have passed since he first broke through commercially, Bryan Adams remains a vibrant, compelling artist in 2022. His talents as a songwriter, performer, producer and photographer all seem reenergized lately. Adams continues to have wide-ranging passions from making chart-topping rock albums, to exposing social issues through his camera lens, to taking the stage at packed stadiums for rousing concerts. The new album So Happy It Hurts and the upcoming world tour are clear signs that Adams is still happiest when being creative and connecting with fans old and new. At nearly 63 years old, Bryan Adams is staying relevant, busy and wildly productive. With his latest projects generating major excitement, the music legend seems ready for a big comeback. But in truth, Bryan Adams never really went away. He clearly still has that old “Summer of ’69” magic and plenty more hitmaking days ahead.