Bryan Adams' Musical Journey: From Almost Giving Away a Hit to Collaborating with Legends
The Almost-Given-Away Hit
Bryan Adams, a renowned Canadian songwriter, has a fascinating story about almost giving away one of his biggest hits. During a recent interview, he recalled a time when he and his collaborator, Jim Vallance, were writing songs for various artists. They had a unique approach: they would write songs for specific artists, even if they didn't know how to get those songs to them.
One such song was 'Run to You,' which was written for the band Blue Oyster Cult. Despite Adams' efforts, the song never made it to the band, and the producer, Bruce Fairbairn, never played it for them. However, this song became the first single from Adams' fourth studio album, 'Reckless,' released in 1984.
'Reckless' was a massive success, selling over a million copies in Canada and achieving more than 10 times platinum certification in the area. It also marked a significant milestone for Adams, as it was the first album to sell over a million copies in Canada. The album's six singles, including 'Run to You,' all became Top 20 Billboard hits, with the song peaking at No. 6.
Interestingly, 'Run to You' was not the only potential hit. The band 38 Special also had a crack at the song, but they ultimately didn't take it. However, they did record other Vallance/Adams collaborations, such as 'Teacher, Teacher,' which became a Top 40 hit for the Jacksonville rockers after it was released as part of the soundtrack for the movie 'Teachers.'
Adams' guitarist, Keith Scott, was relieved that 'Run to You' didn't become a Blue Oyster Cult song. He recalled a phone call where Adams mentioned that he had written the song for Blue Oyster Cult but didn't think they would keep it. Scott begged him not to give it away.
Collaborating with Legends
Adams has a long history of writing songs for other artists, including Kiss, Motley Crue, and Joe Cocker. One of his notable collaborations was with Joe Cocker, for whom he wrote the song 'When the Night Comes.' This song became Cocker's last Top 40 hit and Adams' first big hit with the distinctive vocalist.
Adams has fond memories of working with Cocker, who he considers one of his heroes. He recalled going to the cinema with his friends to see 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen,' a documentary about Cocker's legendary performances. The experience was mind-blowing, and Adams was inspired to work with Cocker.
During the interview, Adams also discussed his collaboration with Roger Daltrey, the frontman of The Who. He wrote the song 'Let Me Down Easy' for Daltrey's 1985 solo album, 'Under a Raging Moon.' Adams' prolific songwriting during the early '80s is evident in this collaboration, as he also wrote 'Rebel' for the album.
A Newfound Freedom
Adams' latest album, 'Roll With the Punches,' released in late August, showcases his newfound freedom as an independent artist. He explained that he has become self-managed and has his own label, BAD Records. This shift has been liberating and inspiring, allowing him to extract himself from the past and move into the future.
The album title, 'Roll With the Punches,' is a fitting theme for the tour, as it reflects the idea of getting back up after being knocked down. Adams believes that this song resonates with anyone who has faced challenges and overcome them.
In conclusion, Bryan Adams' musical journey is a testament to his talent and versatility. From almost giving away a hit to collaborating with legendary artists, his story is an inspiring one that showcases his dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences across generations.
