By Our Special Correspondent
At 51, Bryan Adams is widely travelled and the busiest of musicians we have today. The Canadian singer, song writer, composer and guitarist also dones the hat of a philanthropist when not strumming. His passion for photography is well documented and his 18 Till I Die is indicative of his energy. Admired by generations of music lovers in India, Bryan Adams could reach out mainly because of his heart-warming lyrics, husky voice and magical guitar prowess. No rock concert winds up without the evergreen summer of 69 being sung. His Here I am, Run to you, forgive me, and heavens still ride the popularity charts. Hyderabadis await the man in sheer euphoria, when he performs at Hitex grounds on February 16. Ahead of the Micromax Bryan Adams Live in Concert India Tour, the legendary singer shares a few thoughts on the tour, the country and the music scene in India.
This is your fourth visit to the sub-continent. Any special relation you attach to India?
Well as you can see, it’s my fourth tour of the country and this is due to the following we have here which is fantastic.
I am continuing to discover India. This tour takes me and my band to places we’ve never been, or should I say not many bands have been. This is one of the exciting things about music – getting to see the world.
Anything special/specific planned for the Indian Concerts?
The most exciting thing is spreading out to new cities. It was one of the criteria of the tour, we need to see more. I was hoping to get to Calcutta, but it wasn’t possible to arrange logistically. I hope to get there one day. It’s simply a matter of finding a place to put the show on.
Are you familiar with the Indian music scene? What are your thoughts on the same?
I am quite familiar with Indian music, mostly due to Ravi Shankar’s sitar. The Beatles and the concert for Bangladesh in the 60s was what made me aware of it. Plus you’ve had some amazing international stars like Freddie Mercury from Queen being from an Indian heritage.
A.R. Rahman is doing amazing work, he’s incredible. It seems to me Indian musicians have the best of both worlds, being able to draw on the melodies of Indian music yet having access to the West as well.
What inspires you about India?
It’s the people. One thing you become aware of the more you travel is how people respect each other, and even with the hardships that preside over billion plus people living together, there is still a lot of harmony. This is amazing.
Any plans to collaborate with Indian musicians for future albums?
No plans, but please give AR my number.
What would you consider as the best song you have ever composed/sung…
18 Till I Die
Summer of 69 has been an anthem for generations and nothing has equaled it ever since. Was it a spur of the moment thing or once in a lifetime inspiration?
There is something lovely about looking back on a summer of making love… everyone at some point in their lives will have felt that. I think its for this reason that the song carries on… it strikes a chord
The dog featured in ‘please forgive me’ belongs to you?
He’s famous from that video. He was a Belgian Shepherd, and belonged to the studio
I was working at in Paris. He would basically hang with anyone that would feed him and give him a cuddle. That happened to be me at the time…
Ever considered any movie roles?
Oh no, it’s quite enough being a musician thank you!
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