Bryan Adams
Pula / Arena / Croatia
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Bryan Adams is a man who doesn’t know the meaning of standing still. He runs on full throttle — bursting with ideas, plans, and drive! The iconic Canadian poet and songwriter shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. His reputation stretches to the far corners of the galaxy. He remains firmly in the sights of world rock ‘n’ roll! He has nothing left to prove — he achieved it all a long time ago. And yet his constant stage presence, carried by that vast musical persona of his, matters enormously even now, when the audiences coming to his concerts are new generations whose parents and grandparents were teenagers in the mid-eighties. That was the period when Bryan broke through commercially with those unforgettable hits that still form the backbone of his setlist today — not to mention their eternal radio life. Which is exactly why a Bryan Adams concert always pulls together at least three generations in one place. But to keep that going, you have to keep grinding. And the 65-year-old Bryan — radiating that permanent aura of an untameable young man — knows that better than anyone, and he delivers.
It was one of those rare dry days at the tail end of a July that had been drowning in toxic downpours, so the drive to the Pula Arena — a place we always head to with genuine joy — felt like a huge relief and a genuine pleasure. We were a little late, and by some stroke of luck (and for next to nothing!!!) we found parking close to the venue, where crowds were streaming in along every road. A gorgeous day, gorgeous energy. A parade of relaxed faces, full of smiles. The vibes were already broadcasting loud and clear that this was going to be an unforgettable concert night. And you could reach that conclusion before a single note had been played. Based on past encounters with Bryan and the lasting impressions his concerts leave, it was obvious this would be yet another completely winning spectacle. It was that launchpad — that catapult — that you occasionally stumble onto, and it fires you far, far away from the daily grind you’re otherwise buried in.
The concert kicked off just after half past eight and ran for exactly two hours! In the time since December 2023 — when we caught him at the Zagreb Arena — Bryan had put together enough material for a new studio album, “Roll With The Punches”, which had already been the focus of a run of European summer shows. All of this before the album’s official release, currently scheduled for the end of August this year.
So at half past eight, the packed Arena erupted. The moment the band hit the first note, it was immediately clear that the sound was nothing short of brilliant. Full, organic, with contrasts dialled in just right. Bluntly put — powerful and welcoming all at once. And it stayed that way for the entire concert. Compared to the last time we saw this musician back in December 2023, Bryan had made a few changes for the new tour. Not just to the setlist — which is to be expected — but also to the lineup. He trimmed it from a quintet down to a quartet. So for a large chunk of the show, Bryan played bass alongside singing, with the inevitable switches to electric and acoustic guitar (it’s simply impossible to picture Bryan without a guitar in his hands). Then there’s his inseparable companion Keith Scott, who has stood by Bryan’s side through thick and thin, more or less without interruption since 1976, and who, just days before arriving in Pula, quietly turned 70. The legendary guitarist holds a special place in Bryan’s world, and you could feel that again during the concert — Keith was repeatedly thrust into the spotlight as an equal, right alongside his famous employer. Rounding things out are Gary Breit on keys and drummer Paul Steward. Sol Walker stayed home, since as mentioned, Bryan himself took on bass duties for the majority of the show.
After the brief opening Kick Ass, two evergreen hits came in quick succession and blew the crowd into the stratosphere — Run To You and especially Somebody. And then? Enormous balloons printed with the cover of Bryan’s latest single Roll With The Punches were launched from the stage into the crowd, and during the performance Bryan relentlessly urged everyone to punch the balloons hard enough to send them soaring over the arches of the Pula Arena. Of course it was impossible. Though one balloon did manage to fly over the edge of the stands and right out of the Arena. It was returned.
During the show Bryan also distinguished himself as a remarkable conductor. He had everything under control. The crowd was eating out of his hand again, and he even directed the camera operators — literally deploying and steering them mid-concert, telling them where to point their cameras. Naturally the most intense moments were when he appeared alone on the catwalk, or when Bryan and Keith stood there shoulder to shoulder. The four newest singles hold their own brilliantly in the programme and signal that “Roll With The Punches” is going to be an excellent album. “Reckless Love” and “Cuts Like A Knife” delivered all the required hits, and it was great to finally hear some material from the excellent album “Into the Fire” performed live (they played the title track). Before It’s Only Love, Bryan allowed himself a mischievous address to the crowd. He dedicated the song to Tina Turner, of course, but noted that he’d be taking on her vocal parts this time — and drove it home with: “…so be kind!” Then added: “You didn’t manage to get those balloons over the arches either!”
Bryan delivered everything you come to one of his concerts for. Not a single slip! It was a full-throttle assault on the stage. Even at this point in the musician’s career! Whether backed by his exceptional team or completely alone with an acoustic guitar — nothing slipped from his grip. He remains an extraordinary concert conductor. Vocals, interpretation, charisma. It’s all there. It doesn’t fade; if anything, it matures like a fine old wine. His self-assurance when commanding a crowd of several thousand entirely on his own is simply remarkable. He has a whole arsenal of tricks he deploys with great cunning to win the crowd’s affection, but above all it’s his infectious sense of humour that does the work — and there was plenty of it at every turn this evening too!
The man already has a confirmed run of European “Roll With The Punches” tour dates lined up for this December. The closest he’ll get this time around is Vienna, but given how popular and in-demand he is, I’m confident we won’t be waiting long before the man swings through our region again! In short, Bryan Adams at the Pula Arena was something special — for him and his team, and for his fans. Unique and unforgettable. It was once again one of those gatherings that recharges your batteries. With good cheer and bubbling optimism. Something we tend to forget in the daily grind, yet it should always come first — or as Bryan’s hit puts it: “(Everything) Is only love!”
Photos: Edita Klemen & Aleš Podbrežnik
Author: Edita Klemen & Aleš Podbrežnik
Bryan Adams – setlist:
1. Kick Ass
2. Run to You
3. Somebody
4. Roll With the Punches
5. 18 til I Die
6. Take Me Back
7. Go Down Rockin’
8. It’s Only Love
9. Shine a Light
10. Heaven
11. Into the Fire
12. Make Up Your Mind
13. You Belong to Me / Blue Suede Shoes
14. Twist and Shout (orig. The Top Notes)
15. A Little More Understanding
16. When You’re Gone
17. The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
18. Never Ever Let You Go
19. (Everything I Do) I Do It for You
20. Back to You
21. Cuts Like a Knife
22. Summer of ’69
23. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (orig. Frankie Valli)
—encore—
24. Straight From the Heart (Acoustic)
25. All for Love (orig. Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart & Sting)
