Some insight

[Rockindeano]

Bryan Adams

Manager Bruce Allen would prefer that his long-time client Bryan Adams not be interviewed for his own Canadian Music Hall of Fame tribute piece -- understandably, of course.

It would be kind of pompous for the Canadian singer, guitarist and songwriter to talk about why he is so deserving of the honour, and Adams is a humble sort.

Instead, Allen and Adams' long-time guitarist Keith Scott share insight into the man to be inducted this weekend (April 2) at the Juno Awards ceremony in Halifax.

The accomplishments of Adams are innumerable, enviable, and admirable: staggering sales in excess of 65 million albums worldwide, wonderful portrait photography that is simple yet expressive, multiple Juno and Grammy wins and three Academy Award nominations. But Adams is more than just a successful recording artist. The Kingston, ON native is also an active humanitarian, recognized as such by his appointment to Officer of the Order of Canada.

There's another '-able' word Allen uses to describe his client of 28 years. "He's indefatigable. There's nobody in our organization that works as hard as he does as an artist," says Allen.

At this stage of his career, the 46-year-old Adams could very easily retire, slow down or at least leave many business details to others, but he doesn't. Prior to our interview, Allen had just had an hour-and-a-half conversation with him about the re-design of his web site.

"A lot of guys wouldn't even worry about it. They'd say, 'Take care of it, set me up a web site, here's what I want it to do, see ya later,' but he's into it," says Allen, still with a hint of amazement in his voice.

"He looks after all his merchandise. He wants to approve it. He wants to sit down and help design it, he does it. He wants to get involved in the lighting. He wants to get involved in the stage set, he does it. This is the furthest thing from a robot there is. He's in there doing all that stuff, hands on, his career, all the time."

That's what prompted Allen to start working with Adams back when the singer was just 18 -- an artist who would be as committed and hard-working as he is. Beyond writing great pop/rock songs and being a consummate entertainer with no need for pyrotechnics and dancing girls, what makes him so successful?

"Somebody said something about Bryan Adams one time which I've always filed at the back of my brain," recounts Allen. "If he made a decision in his younger years to be a neurosurgeon, he'd be the best neurosurgeon in the world. He just is that type of person --'If I'm going to do this, then I'm going to do this the best.'

"So he drives everybody to do things as well as he possibly can. He surrounds himself with those types of people. He takes a lot of risks, but he challenges all those around him to keep up with him. He's just driven to be excellent. It's unbelievable."

Scott, Adams' guitarist for the past 25 years, agrees. When asked what he has learned from Adams, he doesn't hesitate. "Most of all, he's got a terrific work ethic, loves to work," Scott says. "No matter what he embraces, he gives it his full all: photography, charity, touring, writing music, being a spokesperson. He really enjoys it. He just loves the work and, if anything, he's taught me that if you do put a little extra time into something, the results will be more fruitful."

He also talks of his friend/boss's generosity. When the public hears of Adams' great adventures, they seldom hear of the people he brings with him.

"I can't tell you how many times Bryan has involved me personally in something that he's been able to participate in," says Scott. "If it means dinner with Wayne Gretzky, he's invited me to just about everything he's been involved in, save the things that he knows I wouldn't enjoy. He's been incredible for that. 'Okay guys, I've got this opportunity go play for people in Pakistan, let's go,' and he invites us all, and he does it again and again.

"We were in India a few years ago in New Delhi and he said, 'I want to see the Taj Mahal. I'm going to rent a little plane and we'll fly over to Agra and we'll go see it,' and he invites everybody to do it when he could have done it himself.

"He did that in Jordan as well," Scott continues. "He invited us to see Petra; we were joking about it. (I was) saying after the show in Jordan in Amman, 'I'm going to stay an extra day and drive down to Petra and see the city in the rock,' and he preempted me and said, 'No, I've rented a helicopter and when we land we're going to go down for the afternoon and then we'll come back and do the show that night.'

"Or I was in New York a few months ago and I said, 'Bryan, we've got the night off tomorrow; we're going to get a ticket to go see the Rangers play,' and he said, 'No, I've already called Bruce. We've got seats.' He loves to do that, including everybody in on it. It's a group thing. He's amazing for that."

One hears press reports about Adams' near fatal skydiving attempt in 1985 or a minor motorcycle accident in 2000, but while some songwriters might write about such personal incidents, Adams doesn't. Besides 1987's "Into the Fire," Adams' political and social beliefs come out more in his actions than his song lyrics, which are almost always about affairs of the heart. In rare interviews, his dedication to music is apparent, but his personal life remains rightfully out of the spotlight and his quick-wit and strong character easily deflects such talk.

So what irks his manager when he reads the press on Adams or hears people talking about him? What is it they always miss?

"I don't think he's ever got the credit for what he's done musically," says Allen, somewhat surprisingly, considering all his awards and this induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. "I think they miss that. Yes, they always begrudgingly recite the numbers about how many records he's sold, but they've never understood that he might be -- as Mutt Lange and Bob Rock, two of the greatest producers in the business, said -- the best white singer in the business today. He could sing the phone book, and they miss it."

And what of the fact that unlike other great songwriters, from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen to Eminem, one doesn't get a lot of Adams' personality from his lyrics -- his political and social views, his latest adventure?

"He's done so much in his career, done things that you can actually take a look and say, 'He was the first act to go to Pakistan; first in Vietnam; first in Turkey.' He believes that music breaks down all borders. That's what he really thinks about music.

"His actions speak louder than his words. He shows up. The money he's raised for cancer; he's the guy who got the whale sanctuary going in the southern hemisphere; he's built schools in Pakistan. He played Jordan on the last tour. Korea, Iceland, Egypt, Qatar, India, Chile, East Berlin, Russia -- a lot of people would never even go to these places.

"He does everything -- the first Amnesty tour, Live Aid, Live 8, the Prince's Trust two or three times, the Nelson Mandela Freedom Concert. He was a driving force behind 'Tears are Not Enough' and has played with Pavarotti in Italy, Smokey Robinson at the Apollo, McCartney in London, Streisand, Sting, Rod Stewart, Tina and the Who.

"He's Canada's number one ambassador by far," Allen declares. "There's nobody close."

[Deb]

Great read, thanks Dean. Cool to see what Bob Rock thinks of Bryan, I respect a lot of his opinions. They're right, Bob's one of the great ones in the biz.

LMAO, I remember way back when he was in Rock & Hyde, before he was a producer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5kLzAajFZQ

[Rockindeano]

How cool is this guy?

Always trying to be inclusive...a close group of friends and BA is always thinking of the band before himself.

Keith Scott:

Okay guys, I've got this opportunity go play for people in Pakistan, let's go,' and he invites us all, and he does it again and again.

"We were in India a few years ago in New Delhi and he said, 'I want to see the Taj Mahal. I'm going to rent a little plane and we'll fly over to Agra and we'll go see it,' and he invites everybody to do it when he could have done it himself.

"He did that in Jordan as well," Scott continues. "He invited us to see Petra; we were joking about it. (I was) saying after the show in Jordan in Amman, 'I'm going to stay an extra day and drive down to Petra and see the city in the rock,' and he preempted me and said, 'No, I've rented a helicopter and when we land we're going to go down for the afternoon and then we'll come back and do the show that night.'

"Or I was in New York a few months ago and I said, 'Bryan, we've got the night off tomorrow; we're going to get a ticket to go see the Rangers play,' and he said, 'No, I've already called Bruce. We've got seats.' He loves to do that, including everybody in on it. It's a group thing. He's amazing for that."

I don't see Schon or Friga doing this.

[Andrew]

BA is a top bloke. Hate his shitty ballads in recent years, but always a top bloke.

Brought his band back here (no one ever comes back after playing here once) and I told him backstage he was one of the rare people to ever come back when they said they would.
He says as much on stage for a big cheer...his band love him.

[Rockindeano]

BA is a top bloke. Hate his shitty ballads in recent years, but always a top bloke.

Brought his band back here (no one ever comes back after playing here once) and I told him backstage he was one of the rare people to ever come back when they said they would.
He says as much on stage for a big cheer...his band love him.

Dude, emailed Bruce today. Australia is ON the MAP for new CD push in late 2008. Shall I pimp Tasmania? He is doing NZ too! Adams is the best white singer in music.- Mutt Lange.

[*Laura]

How cool is this guy?

Always trying to be inclusive...a close group of friends and BA is always thinking of the band before himself.

Keith Scott:

Okay guys, I've got this opportunity go play for people in Pakistan, let's go,' and he invites us all, and he does it again and again.

"We were in India a few years ago in New Delhi and he said, 'I want to see the Taj Mahal. I'm going to rent a little plane and we'll fly over to Agra and we'll go see it,' and he invites everybody to do it when he could have done it himself.

"He did that in Jordan as well," Scott continues. "He invited us to see Petra; we were joking about it. (I was) saying after the show in Jordan in Amman, 'I'm going to stay an extra day and drive down to Petra and see the city in the rock,' and he preempted me and said, 'No, I've rented a helicopter and when we land we're going to go down for the afternoon and then we'll come back and do the show that night.'

"Or I was in New York a few months ago and I said, 'Bryan, we've got the night off tomorrow; we're going to get a ticket to go see the Rangers play,' and he said, 'No, I've already called Bruce. We've got seats.' He loves to do that, including everybody in on it. It's a group thing. He's amazing for that."

I don't see Schon or Friga doing this.

Bryan truly knows how to treat his bandmates.I guess that's the reason why he's had such a steady succesful career.
Back in 2000,he came to Romania and played to 4000 people - it was an amazing show.Doesn't matter for him if he plays a ginormous stadium or a tiny theater,he just gives all he has.

I couldn't be in Bucharest at the time of the show,but after BA left I talked to the guy who brought him here,and he told me similar things as I've read in that article.BA went everywhere with the band, at the restaurant or visiting places,attended the meet & greet - all together.They're really tight.

Truth is that true friendship off stage is what keep bands going.If they don't have that,things just don't work out.That's definitely onbe of the reasons why so many big acts (including Journey) are breaking up.

[Saint John]

How cool is this guy?

Always trying to be inclusive...a close group of friends and BA is always thinking of the band before himself.

Keith Scott:

Okay guys, I've got this opportunity go play for people in Pakistan, let's go,' and he invites us all, and he does it again and again.

"We were in India a few years ago in New Delhi and he said, 'I want to see the Taj Mahal. I'm going to rent a little plane and we'll fly over to Agra and we'll go see it,' and he invites everybody to do it when he could have done it himself.

"He did that in Jordan as well," Scott continues. "He invited us to see Petra; we were joking about it. (I was) saying after the show in Jordan in Amman, 'I'm going to stay an extra day and drive down to Petra and see the city in the rock,' and he preempted me and said, 'No, I've rented a helicopter and when we land we're going to go down for the afternoon and then we'll come back and do the show that night.'

"Or I was in New York a few months ago and I said, 'Bryan, we've got the night off tomorrow; we're going to get a ticket to go see the Rangers play,' and he said, 'No, I've already called Bruce. We've got seats.' He loves to do that, including everybody in on it. It's a group thing. He's amazing for that."

I don't see Schon or Friga doing this.

India, Pakistan and Jordan??????? This dude is out of his mind. Not only are those places hellholes, but the smell had to be awful. Who the fuck would want to play for those fuckers? He's a good dude and all, but I don't find anything impressive about those tour stops.

[Rockindeano]

India, Pakistan and Jordan??????? This dude is out of his mind. Not only are those places hellholes, but the smell had to be awful. Who the fuck would want to play for those fuckers? He's a good dude and all, but I don't find anything impressive about those tour stops.

So people in other places aside from the US cannot enjoy BA's music? I knew you would find something bad to say about this. I mean after all, BA is a Liberal, so he must be off his rocker. JSS would play those places in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose.

[Saint John]

India, Pakistan and Jordan??????? This dude is out of his mind. Not only are those places hellholes, but the smell had to be awful. Who the fuck would want to play for those fuckers? He's a good dude and all, but I don't find anything impressive about those tour stops.

So people in other places aside from the US cannot enjoy BA's music? I knew you would find something bad to say about this. I mean after all, BA is a Liberal, so he must be off his rocker. JSS would play those places in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose.

I don't give a fuck where Jeff would play. It isn't pertinent to this discussion. I just don't find anything appealing playing for a bunch of dune coon, camel jockeys. I was thinking more along the lines of BA's safety than anything. I don't know why anyone would want to play for those dirty fuckers. Seriously, think how bad the smell had to be...120 degree heat and those fuckers have full body robes on with no deodorant. No thanks.

[Rockindeano]

India, Pakistan and Jordan??????? This dude is out of his mind. Not only are those places hellholes, but the smell had to be awful. Who the fuck would want to play for those fuckers? He's a good dude and all, but I don't find anything impressive about those tour stops.

So people in other places aside from the US cannot enjoy BA's music? I knew you would find something bad to say about this. I mean after all, BA is a Liberal, so he must be off his rocker. JSS would play those places in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose.

I don't give a fuck where Jeff would play. It isn't pertinent to this discussion. I just don't find anything appealing playing for a bunch of dune coon, camel jockeys. I was thinking more along the lines of BA's safety than anything. I don't know why anyone would want to play for those dirty fuckers. Seriously, think how bad the smell had to be...120 degree heat and those fuckers have full body robes on with no deodorant. No thanks.

Nice. Way to belittle your fellow man.

Your brain is scrambled.

[7 Wishes]

I just don't find anything appealing playing for a bunch of dune coon, camel jockeys. I was thinking more along the lines of BA's safety than anything. I don't know why anyone would want to play for those dirty fuckers. Seriously, think how bad the smell had to be...120 degree heat and those fuckers have full body robes on with no deodorant. No thanks.

Good Lord, dude. Come on. Not everyone in the Middle East is in al-Qa'ida or the Taliban. I have friends from all over the Middle East...they usually wear jeans and t-shirts.

[Rockindeano]

I just don't find anything appealing playing for a bunch of dune coon, camel jockeys. I was thinking more along the lines of BA's safety than anything. I don't know why anyone would want to play for those dirty fuckers. Seriously, think how bad the smell had to be...120 degree heat and those fuckers have full body robes on with no deodorant. No thanks.

Good Lord, dude. Come on. Not everyone in the Middle East is in al-Qa'ida or the Taliban. I have friends from all over the Middle East...they usually wear jeans and t-shirts.

He is a self centered close minded asshole republican who only gives a shit about his taxes and his next beer. Think of himself and fuck the rest. Fuck him.

[Saint John]

I just don't find anything appealing playing for a bunch of dune coon, camel jockeys. I was thinking more along the lines of BA's safety than anything. I don't know why anyone would want to play for those dirty fuckers. Seriously, think how bad the smell had to be...120 degree heat and those fuckers have full body robes on with no deodorant. No thanks.

Good Lord, dude. Come on. Not everyone in the Middle East is in al-Qa'ida or the Taliban. I have friends from all over the Middle East...they usually wear jeans and t-shirts.

He is a self centered close minded asshole republican who only gives a shit about his taxes and his next beer. Think of himself and fuck the rest. Fuck him.

1) I work 50+ hours every week. How many do you work?
2) I play AT LEAST 10 softball games per week. Don't really have time to drink. Maybe once a week, but lately it hasn't even been that.
3) I pay taxes like every other person in this country that works. No worries here.
4) I've coached inner city kids for almost 10 years. It's been an unbelievable experience. How many hours of your time have you donated?

[Rockindeano]

1) I work 50+ hours every week. How many do you work?
2) I play AT LEAST 10 softball games per week. Don't really have time to drink. Maybe once a week, but lately it hasn't even been that.
3) I pay taxes like every other person in this country that works. No worries here.
4) I've coached inner city kids for almost 10 years. It's been an unbelievable experience. How many hours of your time have you donated?

1- As many as you, and sometimes more. While at Amtrak I worked 60+ on the extra board.

2- Softball is for has beens, even though I play it, it is fun, because it's so easy to dominate. I play competitive ice hockey which is much tougher than softball

3- Whatever. You want a ribbon for paying taxes?

4-How many hours have I donated? Let's see; boys baseball, basketball, football, hockey, girls softball. Volunteered and went to Bay Sy Louis to help in Katrina aid. Volunteered in the Northridge quake in Los Angeles in 1994. I have donated my time to clean the beaches of Southern California, and also have donated time to educate kids on how to better take care of the environment. Go ahead and laugh.

I still would love to jam you in the fuckin face. After last night, 90% of you can kiss my ass.

[RedWingFan]

I still would love to jam you in the fuckin face. After last night, 90% of you can kiss my ass.

What happened last night? Am I on the shit list? Just wonderin'

[Liam]

I was kinda lost about last night until I read one of the locked threads in the Journey forum this afternoon. Pretty heated. I don't know if I should bring it here...so just look for the most recent locked thread. Pretty messed up.

[Saint John]

1) I work 50+ hours every week. How many do you work?
2) I play AT LEAST 10 softball games per week. Don't really have time to drink. Maybe once a week, but lately it hasn't even been that.
3) I pay taxes like every other person in this country that works. No worries here.
4) I've coached inner city kids for almost 10 years. It's been an unbelievable experience. How many hours of your time have you donated?

1- As many as you, and sometimes more. While at Amtrak I worked 60+ on the extra board.

2- Softball is for has beens, even though I play it, it is fun, because it's so easy to dominate. I play competitive ice hockey which is much tougher than softball

3- Whatever. You want a ribbon for paying taxes?

4-How many hours have I donated? Let's see; boys baseball, basketball, football, hockey, girls softball. Volunteered and went to Bay Sy Louis to help in Katrina aid. Volunteered in the Northridge quake in Los Angeles in 1994. I have donated my time to clean the beaches of Southern California, and also have donated time to educate kids on how to better take care of the environment. Go ahead and laugh.

I still would love to jam you in the fuckin face. After last night, 90% of you can kiss my ass.

I'll be in South Bend. You're more than welcome to come and take a swing. We'll see how tough you REALLY are.

[Rockindeano]

[Saint John]

Why would I want to go to a shithole like South Bend, with a bunch of people who hate me., to see a concert that frankly isn't very good? Besides, I am smarter than you, and am not going to jail for any reason. You really are a big dumbshit.

PS- I am plenty tough Dan. Get the fuck out of this forum and go back to that cesspool Journey forum and sing the praises of Jeremey. What a complete joke this has become.

For Andrew's sake I'll bail out of this forum. I'm just surprised YOU'RE here. Didn't you quit these boards last night, last week, last month AND last year? The invitation to SB remains open. "Talk" to me there. Bye.

[7 Wishes]

Meyers is the real enemy here, guys...it's a SJ/RD double tag-team match against Meyers and Tickner.