Bryan Adams returns to Iceland: Two sold-out shows and a music video in the making
Bryan Adams is not slowing down after almost half a century in the business.
The ideas are still flowing for Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams. Nearly 50 years into his music career, he’s showing no signs of slowing down — and this week, he's back in Iceland for two sold-out performances at Harpa’s Eldborg Hall, the first was last night and the second is tonight, April 22.
Speaking with Morgunblaðið ahead of the concerts, Adams shared his excitement about returning to a country he hasn’t performed in for over a decade. "When the opportunity came up, I didn’t have to think twice,” he said. “And it's no wonder it's two concerts this time."
Stripped-down and intimate: The Bare Bones Tour
Adams is currently on his Bare Bones tour — a stripped-down, acoustic show featuring just himself, a guitar, and a pianist. It’s a contrast to his upcoming Roll with the Punches tour, which kicks off in May and coincides with the release of his new album of the same name, out this August.
“This format gives me freedom,” he explains. “It's not always easy to bring a full band everywhere, and I’ve always wanted to play in as many places as possible. This setup allows that.”
Iceland as a backdrop — again
Adams isn’t just here to perform — he's also planning to shoot a music video during his stay in Iceland. “I’ve actually done that before,” he says, referencing the 1992 video for Do I Have to Say the Words?, partially filmed in Iceland.
Asked about the famed Icelandic light that photographers rave about, he jokes: “I won’t say. It was dark and pouring rain both times I’ve been here with a camera. But that’s fine — that’s a kind of light too. I’m hoping for some variety this time. That’ll just make the video more exciting.”
Still rolling with the punches
In late 2023, Adams made a major change in his career — he parted ways with his longtime manager of 44 years, Bruce Allen, and is now managing his own affairs. He also founded a new label, Bad Records, under which Roll with the Punches will be released.
“Now I’m an independent, self-directed artist,” he says proudly. “Exciting times ahead.”
From the 1960s to 2025 — and beyond
When asked whether he still enjoys touring after all these years, Adams doesn’t hesitate. “I enjoy it more now. I’ve got more songs, more experience… and I’ve gotten a lot more handsome,” he jokes.
“But seriously, traveling and performing have always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been lucky to be good at it, and I think that’s why my songs have lasted. In the past year alone, I’ve toured in India, Australia, and the Middle East. I still love it — that’s why I keep going.”
What keeps rock alive?
Adams is refreshingly candid when asked what keeps him relevant after all these years. “Ugh, I have no idea. Don’t even try asking me. Who cares?” he laughs.
As for the future of rock? He’s optimistic: “I'm still touring. So are a lot of my peers. Rock is still alive and well.”
He does admit, though, that the younger generation is more drawn to screens than strings: “They’d rather play video games than guitars. But we can’t let that get to us — we’ve just got to keep going.”
Inspired by voices — and vision
Adams’s love of music was shaped by the powerful voices of the ’60s and ’70s. “Singers with character stood out to me,” he says. “Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Steve Marriott, Rod Stewart… and soul legends like Sam Cooke and Ray Charles. If I had to pick a favorite, it’d probably be Ray.”
In addition to music, Adams has also built a respected career in photography, often shooting his own album covers, portraits, and tour photos. His latest photo book, Shot by Adams, is set to be released later this year.
“Music and photography aren’t so different,” he reflects. “You start with nothing, then you tinker — and hopefully end up with something cool.”
Looking ahead
Adams is currently based in Canada, caring for his 97-year-old mother. But the road is still calling.
“I certainly hope to keep writing and performing. I just roll with the punches,” he says with a grin, nodding to his upcoming album title. “I feel like I’ve still got a few good years left in me — and I’m not turning off the tap. The ideas are still flowing.”
Loosely translated from a longer interview by Dóra Ósk Halldórsdóttir doraosk@mbl.is
