Bryan Adams rocks Vancouver with punchy anniversary show
Canadian icon Bryan Adams turned back time in Vancouver with his Roll With the Punches Tour, thrilling fans at Rogers Arena on Sept. 12.
A historic moment at Rogers Arena
Adams’ return carried extra weight. Nearly three decades after opening the arena in 1995, the rocker was honoured with a special banner commemorating the milestone. The moment was punctuated by Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane, who joined Adams onstage to unfurl the tribute. With his 97-year-old mother watching from the crowd, the North Vancouver native admitted, “I’m speechless,” before launching into 18 Til I Die.
A career-spanning setlist
From the stripped-down opener Straight From the Heart to the acoustic finale All for Love, the night was a marathon of 29 songs. Fans were treated to classics like Run to You, Summer of ’69, and Cuts Like a Knife, alongside fresh material such as A Little More Understanding. Each track blended nostalgia with proof that Adams remains a powerhouse songwriter.
Bandmates bring the fire
The energy was driven by longtime collaborators. Drummer Pat Steward kept relentless momentum, while guitarist Keith Scott’s solos, particularly during It’s Only Love, reminded the audience why he’s regarded as one of Vancouver’s finest musicians. Keyboardist Gary Breit shone during an elegant acoustic rendition of Here I Am, balancing the show’s mix of uptempo rockers and heartfelt ballads.
Engaging the fans with humour
Adams kept things light between songs, poking fun at old music videos and encouraging fans to dance during You Belong to Me. The laughter peaked when he warned the crowd not to mock his ’90s hair, a request promptly ignored. His banter only deepened the connection with the thousands singing along to every lyric.
The Sheepdogs open the night
Saskatoon’s The Sheepdogs set the stage with their Southern-rock inspired sound. With shaggy hair, vintage vibes, and triple-guitar harmonies, the band delivered a lively warm-up that felt tailor-made for arena rock nostalgia.
A triumphant return
By the time the final chords of All for Love echoed through the venue, it was clear Adams had delivered more than a concert. It was a celebration of a career still burning bright, a hometown hero’s triumphant return, and a reminder of music’s power to unite generations.
