An introduction for Bryan Adams is the very definition of redundancy , for there are few who cannot identify the distinct grain of his all-too-familiar voice . His music is often a constant companion of adolescence , and a definite ingredient in nostalgia-driven mixtapes , reunion bands and all things related to memory lanes . However , the prolific hit maker is entirely averse to ideas of retirement and intends to keep his mind bristling with musicianship , touring and general immersion in all things that bring joy .
As one of the world ' s most recognizable musicians , Adams has long become good at toeing the line between gaining fame and giving back love . Though listing his musical accomplishments would take up a substantially thick scroll , a couple of them seem too significant to deserve silence . His global breakthrough Reckless was birthed when he was 25 . In 1991 , he began the Waking Up the World tour which brought him to parts of the world that Western artists were still yet to visit . India was among these parts . In 2006 , he co-wrote " Never Gonna Break My Faith " which was sung by the likes of Aretha Franklin and Mary J . Blige In 2011 , he became the first international artist to play in Nepal . He has been playing sold-out shows and walking up to cheering crowds for as long as anyone can remember .
Adams is equally defined by his focus on humanitarian efforts . The Bryan Adams Foundation aspires to do all it can to facilitate education for children across the world . Adams is a regular name in concerts and activities undertaken to provide aid across the world . He has helped raised money for underprivileged kids in Pakistan , for Palestinian refugee children , and for victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami ( among many , many others ). He has also successfully campaigned for the creation of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary .
With The Score Magazine , he took the time to let us glimpse into his mind , and answers some questions about how he sees himself , how he loves what he does and what keeps him going at the speed of light .
Have you ever been tired of performing a certain song ? Never
Of all your collaborators , was there anyone who changed your fundamental outlook to music ?
I have to give credit to Jim Vallance for that , he was the one that initially inspired me to write better songs .
Do you think there is any medium that can offer you the same creative freedom as music ?
Music is a powerful thing , and as I look back on my life , music is symbolically intertwined like a calendar . I can remember where I was from a song , or an album .
How much fun do you still manage to have on stage ?
It ’ s always different , no matter how many shows we have done , each night is unique , and the best fun comes from the crowd interactions .
How often are you surprised by your audience ? I ’ m always humbled by the reaction we get .
How does one last as long in the business as you have ?
I get asked this all the time , and I can only answer it by saying that I take care of myself . I ’ ve got a great team , and we try to have a laugh whenever we can .
Have you ever thought of doing something else ?
I ’ ve always loved creating things and I get a bit anxious if I ’ m not busy making something from nothing . It ’ s the process I love . Creating a team , making magic happen .
Is there a single idea that drives you to keep creating music and taking it to the World ?
I still love what I do more than anything . I ’ m really grateful and privileged I can still go out there and play and sing , and I can kind of feel like we are better than ever .
What is the best compliment you have ever received ?
I got a message from someone saying thanks for the music because she ’ s got depression and it ’ s helped her . This is the best message any musician could ever get . Even in my own lifetime , I ’ ve tackled sadness with music .
What principles would you never compromise ?
I ’ ve never got to the point where I ’ ve taken for granted the fact that music puts a roof over my head .
What do you think was the best decade in music ?
The ‘ 60s . There was so much great music and it was so innovative — there was the Beatles , the Stones , Woodstock , and Zeppelin — I can go on and on . The ‘ 70s were amazing , too . I actually thought maybe the ‘ 70s might have been the greatest , but it was only because I was sort of just waking up in the ‘ 70s to what music was for me .
What are the memories you most associate with your early days as an artist ?
The fridge was empty at home , I had to go to work . It was strange but fun to be working the bars and clubs from 15 , and I worked for years without a pay cheque , totally ripped off . But once I was able to pay my rent , I was even more grateful for the times I ’ d had struggling . Back in 1977 , my father and mother had both put $ 1,200 away for my university education , but they didn ’ t count on me dropping out at 15 . So I asked my mom , I said , ‘ Listen I ’ ve seen this piano in the window , do you think we can put that $ 1000 toward that piano ’ She agreed .
My dad wasn ’ t really around and didn ’ t have much to say , but when he did finally catch up , I think he was quite curious about what I was going to do for a real job .
What is a fact about you that you think your fans would be surprised by ?
I learnt pretty early on that I shouldn ’ t be driving I have no capacity to drive long distances , as I fall asleep .
Who are you listening to these days ? Drake , Chris Martin
What do you think about the shift of music onto the digital realm ? Do you ever get nostalgic for the LPs , CDs and DVDs ?
For sure the companies that control music are doing fine , I ’ m pretty sure the artists and songwriters aren ’ t getting the best deals . This is predominately because songwriters and artists don ’ t get together to try and change things , and most of them have given their control to other people .
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