Bryan Adams @ le Zénith, Paris - September 30th, 2024

Bryan Adams returned to Paris with a familiar set, having not released a new album since his last visit nearly two years ago. Consequently, his show remains largely unchanged, with only a few adjustments to the setlist. A couple of songs have been swapped out, but the core of the performance remains the same. And as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, why fix it?

One notable difference this time is the absence of a dedicated bassist, with Adams himself handling bass duties for most of the night. When he's not, keyboardist Gary Breit steps in to cover the low end. Pat Steward delivers a steady, reliable beat on drums, giving lead guitarist Keith Scott the freedom to shine with his signature melodic solos and hummable riffs, which complement Adams' perfectly crafted pop-rock anthems.

The setlist is a non-stop barrage of hits, a testament to Adams' impressive catalog. Few of his contemporaries—certainly not Richard Marx or Def Leppard—can boast such an array of chart-toppers. The crowd was treated to iconic tracks like "Run To You," "Cuts Like a Knife," "Summer of '69," "Somebody," "Can't Stop This Thing We've Started," "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You," "Back To You," "It's Only Love,"and "Kids Wanna Rock." And, of course, the ballads that defined a generation: "Heaven," "Please Forgive Me," and the timeless "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You."

Each song landed with the force of a classic, and Adams delivered them all with humor and class, knowing full well that these are the hits his audience demands. An evening of kick-ass rockin' music with a kick-ass rockin' band.