History of Bryan Adams in Timeline

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Bryan Adams

Bryan Guy Adams is a highly successful Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and photographer. With estimated sales of 75 to over 100 million records globally, he ranks among the best-selling music artists. His music dominated Canadian radio in the 2010s, achieving numerous top-15 singles in Canada and significant chart success in the US, UK, and Australia.

November 5, 1959: Bryan Adams is Born

On November 5, 1959, Bryan Guy Adams, a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and photographer, was born.

1970: First Guitar

In 1970, Bryan Adams purchased his first guitar, an imitation Stratocaster, in Reading, England.

1971: First Les Paul Guitar

In 1971, Bryan Adams acquired his first Les Paul guitar, an imitation model purchased from a Five and Dime store in Ottawa, Canada.

1971: James Brown Performs in Vietnam

In 1971, James Brown made history by performing in Vietnam, becoming the first Western artist to do so.

1972: Neil Young's "Harvest" Tops UK Charts

In 1972, Neil Young's album "Harvest" reached the top of the UK album charts, a feat not achieved by a Canadian artist until Bryan Adams' "Waking Up the Neighbours" in 1991.

1974: Move to North Vancouver

In 1974, Bryan Adams, his mother, and his younger brother, Bruce, relocated to North Vancouver while his father was stationed abroad.

1977: Release of "If Wishes Were Horses" with Sweeney Todd

In 1977, Sweeney Todd, with Bryan Adams as vocalist, recorded their second album, "If Wishes Were Horses." This album marked the use of Adams' full name, "Bryan Guy Adams," in the credits.

1977: Inspiration Strikes During the Holidays

Jim Vallance composed a piano riff during the Christmas holidays in 1977, which would later become the melody for Bryan Adams' debut single, "Let Me Take You Dancing."

1978: Record Deal and Debut Single

At the age of 19, Bryan Adams signed his first record deal with A&M Records as part of the duo Adams-Vallance. They released "Let Me Take You Dancing," a disco track inspired by Robbie King, marking Adams' debut as a solo artist.

1978: Meeting Jim Vallance and Early Career Challenges

Bryan Adams met Jim Vallance and faced difficulties getting his early songs accepted by record companies.

1978: Partnership with Jim Vallance Begins

In 1978, Bryan Adams crossed paths with Jim Vallance, a former drummer and songwriter, at a music store in Vancouver. This encounter marked the start of their enduring musical partnership, leading to collaborations for Adams' music and compositions for other renowned artists.

1978: Signing with A&M Records

In a pivotal moment in 1978, Bryan Adams inked a deal with A&M Records for a symbolic one dollar, marking the beginning of his journey with a major label.

1978: Death of Keith Moon

The Who's drummer, Keith Moon, passed away in 1978, and the album "Under a Raging Moon" was a tribute to him.

March 1979: "Let Me Take You Dancing" Tops Canadian Charts

In March 1979, Bryan Adams' disco track "Let Me Take You Dancing" made its mark on the Canadian RPM chart, signaling his early foray into the music scene.

November 1979: Recording of Debut Album

Bryan Adams recorded most of his self-titled debut album during October and November 1979 at Manta Studios, co-producing it with Jim Vallance.

February 1980: Debut Album Release

In February 1980, Bryan Adams released his self-titled debut album, largely co-written with Jim Vallance.

1981: Release of "You Want It You Got It"

In 1981, Bryan Adams released his second album, "You Want It You Got It," featuring the hit song "Lonely Nights."

1981: John Hanaha Joins as Keyboardist

John Hanaha joined Bryan Adams' band as keyboardist in 1981.

May 1982: "You Want It You Got It Tour"

From January to May 1982, Bryan Adams embarked on his "You Want It You Got It Tour," promoting his second album. The tour's success led to wider recognition in the United States, eventually leading to opening gigs for established acts like The Kinks and Foreigner.

1982: Voted Canada's Best Male Singer

A Music Express poll voted Bryan Adams as Canada's best male singer in 1982.

1982: Collaboration with Kiss

Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance collaborated with Gene Simmons of Kiss to write and record two tracks, "War Machine" and "Rock 'n Roll Hell," for Kiss' album "Creatures of the Night."

January 1983: Release of "Cuts Like a Knife"

Bryan Adams released his breakthrough album, "Cuts Like a Knife," in January 1983.

July 30, 1983: Performance at Day on the Green

On July 30, 1983, Bryan Adams performed at the Day on the Green music festival held at the Oakland Coliseum.

September 1983: Bonnie Tyler Releases "Straight from the Heart"

In September 1983, Bonnie Tyler released her version of Bryan Adams's hit song "Straight from the Heart."

1983: Defining the Adams Sound

Bryan Adams cemented his signature hard rock style with melodic elements and power ballads in 1983 with the release of three albums: "Cuts Like a Knife," "Reckless," and "Into the Fire."

1983: Juno Award for Best Male Vocalist

Bryan Adams won the Juno Award for Best Male Vocalist in 1983.

1983: Jimmy Wesley Departs, Frankie LaRocka Joins

Drummer Jimmy Wesley left Bryan Adams' band in 1983, and Frankie LaRocka joined as the new drummer.

1983: Rise to Fame with "Cuts Like a Knife"

In 1983, Bryan Adams rose to fame in North America with his album "Cuts Like a Knife." The album featured the hit songs "Cuts Like a Knife" and the ballad "Straight From the Heart," which became his first US top ten hit.

1983: Ethiopian Famine

The Ethiopian famine, for which Bryan Adams and others recorded "Tears Are Not Enough," took place from 1983 to 1985.

1983: Uriah Heep Covers "Lonely Nights"

Uriah Heep reinterpreted Bryan Adams' song "Lonely Nights" for their album "Head First," released in 1983, showcasing the song's impact.

December 1984: Start of Two-Year World Tour

Bryan Adams embarked on a two-year world tour in December 1984 to support his album "Reckless."

1984: "Reckless" Achieves Diamond Status

Bryan Adams released his album "Reckless" in 1984, which became a massive success. It was the first album by a Canadian artist to be certified diamond in Canada. The album included popular singles like "Run to You," "Summer of '69," and the power ballad "Heaven."

February 1985: Recording of "Tears Are Not Enough"

As a member of the supergroup The Northern Lights, Bryan Adams recorded the charity single "Tears Are Not Enough" in February 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

July 1985: Performance at Live Aid

Bryan Adams performed at the Live Aid concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in July 1985.

September 1985: Co-writes Songs for Roger Daltrey's Album

Bryan Adams co-wrote two tracks, "Let Me Down Easy" and "Rebel," for Roger Daltrey's album "Under a Raging Moon" in September 1985.

1985: Juno Award for Album of the Year

Bryan Adams's album "Reckless" won the Juno Award for Album of the Year in 1985.

1985: Frankie LaRocka Departs, Pat Steward Joins

Frankie LaRocka left Bryan Adams' band in 1985, and Pat Steward took over as drummer.

1985: Live Aid Performance

In 1985, Bryan Adams showed his support for global causes by opening the US broadcast of Live Aid from Philadelphia.

January 1986: Collaboration with Glass Tiger

Bryan Adams provided backing vocals for the Glass Tiger song "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" in January 1986.

June 1986: Supporting Amnesty International

Bryan Adams joined Sting, U2, and Peter Gabriel on Amnesty International's "A Conspiracy of Hope" tour in June 1986, using his platform to advocate for human rights.

1986: Grammy Nomination and MTV Award Win

Bryan Adams received a Grammy nomination for "It's Only Love" and won an MTV award for Best Stage Performance for the same song in 1986.

1986: Debut Album Certified Gold in Canada

In 1986, Bryan Adams's debut album achieved gold certification in Canada, marking a significant milestone in his career.

June 1987: Performing for The Prince's Trust

Bryan Adams participated in the 5th Annual Prince's Trust Rock Gala in June 1987, alongside music legends like Elton John, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, to support the charity's work with young people.

December 1987: Contribution to "A Very Special Christmas"

Bryan Adams contributed the song "Run Rudolph Run" to the charity album "A Very Special Christmas" in December 1987.

1987: Release of "Into the Fire"

Bryan Adams released "Into the Fire," an album exploring more serious themes, in 1987.

1987: Juno Award for Best Male Vocalist

Bryan Adams won the Juno Award for Best Male Vocalist in 1987.

1987: Pat Steward Departs

Pat Steward left his role as drummer in Bryan Adams' band in 1987.

May 1988: Tommy Mandel Joins the Band

Keyboardist Tommy Mandel joined Bryan Adams's band in May 1988.

June 11, 1988: Celebrating Nelson Mandela's Birthday

Bryan Adams showed his support for Nelson Mandela by performing at his birthday tribute concert at Wembley Stadium on June 11, 1988.

June 1988: Concert in Weißensee

Bryan Adams and Joe Cocker performed together in Weißensee in June 1988 for a crowd of over 85,000 people.

July 3, 1988: Performance at Rock Werchter Festival

Bryan Adams performed at the Rock Werchter festival in Werchter, Belgium, on July 3, 1988, a performance later featured on his live album.

1988: Armenian Earthquake

A devastating earthquake struck Armenia in 1988, leading to widespread relief efforts, including the "Smoke On The Water" re-recording.

1988: John Hanaha Departs

John Hanaha left Bryan Adams' band as keyboardist in 1988.

March 1989: Supporting Greenpeace

Bryan Adams contributed to the Greenpeace album "Rainbow Warriors" in March 1989, which raised over $8 million for the environmental organization's initiatives.

July 1989: Rock Aid Armenia

In July 1989, Bryan Adams participated in the recording of "Smoke on the Water" for the Rock Aid Armenia project, which aimed to raise funds for the victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake.

August 1989: Collaborations with Belinda Carlisle and Mötley Crüe

In August 1989, Bryan Adams recorded backing vocals for Belinda Carlisle's "Whatever It Takes" and Mötley Crüe's "Sticky Sweet."

November 1989: Attends Tina Turner's Birthday Party

Bryan Adams attended Tina Turner's 50th birthday celebration in London in November 1989.

December 1989: Release of "Live! Live! Live!"

Bryan Adams released his first live album, "Live! Live! Live!," in December 1989.

1989: Bryan Adams Becomes Vegan

At 28 years old, Bryan Adams adopted a vegan lifestyle in 1989, citing increased energy as a benefit.

1989: Collaboration for Armenian Earthquake Relief

Bryan Adams joined other artists in re-recording "Smoke On The Water" to raise funds for victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake.

April 20, 1990: Appointed Member of the Order of Canada

Bryan Adams was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada on April 20, 1990, in recognition of his contributions to music and philanthropy.

July 21, 1990: Performance at Roger Waters's "The Wall" Concert

Bryan Adams performed Pink Floyd songs at Roger Waters's "The Wall" concert in Berlin on July 21, 1990, commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall.

1990: Performing at "The Wall – Live in Berlin"

Bryan Adams joined Roger Waters and a star-studded lineup of musicians in 1990 for "The Wall – Live in Berlin," commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall.

1990: New Year's Eve Performance at Tokyo Dome

Bryan Adams performed at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on New Year's Eve 1990.

1990: "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" Release

In 1990, Bryan Adams co-wrote the iconic song "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" for the Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves soundtrack. The song was a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and earning Adams a Golden Globe Award nomination.

May 1991: "Nature Of The Beast" Music Video Shoot

In May 1991, Bryan Adams filmed the music video for "Nature Of The Beast" in Sheffield. The song, originally intended for Tina Turner, was recorded by The Law and featured Adams on vocals and guitar.

June 1991: "Can't Stop This Thing We Started" Music Video Shoot

Bryan Adams filmed the music video for his single "Can't Stop This Thing We Started" at Pinewood Studios in London in June 1991. This marked the beginning of the promotional campaign for his upcoming album.

September 1991: Canadian Content Controversy and CRTC Rule Change

Following the release of "Waking Up the Neighbours" in September 1991, controversy arose in Canada regarding the album's eligibility for Canadian content regulations. The album, largely recorded in England and co-produced with a non-Canadian, sparked debate about what constituted Canadian music. This led to the CRTC amending its regulations to recognize collaborative songwriting between Canadians and non-Canadians.

September 24, 1991: "Waking Up the Neighbours" Release and Chart Success

Bryan Adams released his album "Waking Up the Neighbours" on September 24, 1991. The album achieved global success, topping charts in several countries and reaching number six on the Billboard 200.

1991: "Waking Up the Neighbours" album release

Bryan Adams released his album "Waking Up the Neighbours" in 1991, which was his last album to reach number one in Canada until "11" in 2008.

1991: Global Success with "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You"

Bryan Adams released the iconic single "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" in 1991. The song achieved worldwide success, reaching number one in at least 19 countries. It was included on his album "Waking Up the Neighbours," which also became a global hit.

1991: A Shift in Sound with "Waking Up the Neighbours"

In 1991, Bryan Adams, with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, moved away from hard rock towards a more classic rock and roll sound with the album "Waking Up the Neighbours," drawing inspiration from bands like Def Leppard and Foreigner.

July 1992: Wembley Stadium Performance

In July 1992, Bryan Adams performed at Wembley Stadium for the largest audience of his tour, with Little Angels and Extreme as opening acts. The concert was a major milestone in his career.

1992: Wins Grammy Award

Bryan Adams won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television in 1992.

1992: Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary Campaign

Bryan Adams, alongside Greenpeace Chairman David McTaggart, used his platform during his 1992-1994 concert tours to advocate for the establishment of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

1992: Juno Awards Recognition

In 1992, despite the controversy surrounding "Waking Up the Neighbours," Bryan Adams received several Juno Awards, including the International Achievement Award, Canadian Entertainer of the Year, and Producer of the Year.

March 2, 1993: Rock for the Rainforest

On March 2, 1993, Bryan Adams joined a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall, "Rock for the Rainforest," hosted by Sting and Trudie Styler, to raise funds for the Rainforest Foundation Fund.

April 24, 1993: Supporting Farm Aid

Bryan Adams participated in the Farm Aid benefit concert at the Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on April 24, 1993, showing his support for farmers.

June 1993: Sam Cooke Tribute Performance

Bryan Adams participated in a tribute concert for Sam Cooke in June 1993, where he performed "Bring It On Home to Me" in a duet with Smokey Robinson.

November 1993: "So Far So Good" Compilation Album Release

In November 1993, Bryan Adams released the compilation album "So Far So Good," featuring the new song "Please Forgive Me." The album achieved multi-platinum status in various countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

1993: "All for Love" Collaboration and Chart Success

In 1993, Bryan Adams collaborated with Rod Stewart and Sting on the single "All for Love" for the film The Three Musketeers. The song, co-written by Adams, achieved international success, topping charts worldwide.

1993: Release of "Please Forgive Me" and "All for Love"

In 1993, Bryan Adams continued his success with hit ballads like "Please Forgive Me" and "All for Love." These songs achieved worldwide popularity, reaching number one or two in various countries.

September 1994: Performance at Pavarotti & Friends Concert

In September 1994, Bryan Adams performed at the "Pavarotti & Friends" benefit concert, sharing the stage with Luciano Pavarotti and other renowned artists. He sang "Please Forgive Me" and a special rendition of "All for Love."

October 1994: Elvis Presley Tribute Concert Performance

Bryan Adams paid tribute to Elvis Presley by performing one of his favorite songs, "Hound Dog," at the Elvis Presley tribute concert held in Memphis in October 1994.

1994: First Western Artist to Perform in Vietnam Since 1971

Breaking musical barriers, Bryan Adams became the first Western artist to perform in Vietnam since James Brown in 1971, marking a significant cultural event.

1994: Early Concerts in India

Bryan Adams was one of the first international artists to hold large-scale concerts in India in the early 1990s, marking the beginning of his enduring popularity in the country.

1994: Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary Established

Bryan Adams's advocacy for the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, which began in 1992, culminated in its establishment in 1994 by the International Whaling Commission.

1995: "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" Release and Award Nominations

Bryan Adams' single "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" was released in 1995, achieving chart-topping success in the US, Canada, and Australia. The song also earned nominations for prestigious awards, including the Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

1995: Release of "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?"

In 1995, Bryan Adams released the hit ballad "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" The song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

June 1996: "18 til I Die" Album Release

Bryan Adams released his album "18 til I Die" in June 1996. The album featured popular tracks like "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You," "Let's Make a Night to Remember," and "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" It achieved commercial success, reaching high chart positions in various countries.

July 27, 1996: Wembley Stadium Concert

Bryan Adams performed at London's Wembley Stadium in front of over 70,000 spectators as part of his "18 Til I Die" tour.

November 1996: "I Finally Found Someone" Release and Award Nominations

"I Finally Found Someone," a duet by Bryan Adams and Barbra Streisand, was released in November 1996. The song, featured in Streisand's film The Mirror Has Two Faces, received nominations for Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

1996: Embracing Pop Rock

Bryan Adams embraced a pop rock sound with his 1996 album "18 til I Die," produced by Mutt Lange. The album featured a mix of ballads and rock songs, reflecting the popular music style of the time.

1996: Release of "18 til I Die"

Bryan Adams released the album "18 til I Die" in 1996. The album reached the top five in several countries.

1996: Danny Cummings Joins as Drummer

Danny Cummings became the drummer for Bryan Adams' band in 1996.

November 1997: Collaboration with Celine Dion on "Let's Talk About Love"

Bryan Adams wrote new lyrics for the Jean-Jacques Goldman song "Puisque tu pars" in November 1997, transforming it into "Let's Talk About Love" for Celine Dion to record.

December 10, 1997: Performing for UNICEF

Bryan Adams performed at the "A Gift of Song" concert on December 10, 1997, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, celebrating the US Committee for UNICEF's 50th Anniversary.

December 1997: "MTV Unplugged" Release

December 1997 saw the release of Bryan Adams' "MTV Unplugged" album, featuring acoustic versions of his hits and three new songs: "Back to You," "A Little Love," and "When You Love Someone."

May 6, 1998: Promoted to Officer of the Order of Canada

Bryan Adams was elevated to the rank of Officer of the Order of Canada on May 6, 1998, for his ongoing commitment to music and philanthropy.

1998: Contemporary Pop Rock Influences

"On a Day Like Today," released in 1998 and co-produced by Bob Rock, showcased Adams' continued exploration of pop rock, influenced by contemporary bands.

1998: "On a Day Like Today" Release and Label Change

Bryan Adams released the album "On a Day Like Today" in 1998, marking his move to Interscope Records. The album achieved international success, with popular singles like "Cloud Number Nine" and "When You're Gone."

1998: Danny Cummings Departs

Danny Cummings departed from Bryan Adams' band in 1998, leaving the drummer position vacant.

1998: Duet with Melanie C

In 1998, Bryan Adams collaborated with Melanie C on the duet "When You're Gone." The song achieved international success, reaching the top five in several countries.

October 1999: Collaboration with Tina Turner on "Twenty Four Seven" album

In October 1999, Bryan Adams collaborated with Tina Turner on her album "Twenty Four Seven", contributing vocals to the title track and the song "Without You". He also attended her 60th birthday party in London where they performed their duet "It's Only Love", which was later released on DVD.

1999: "Made in Canada" Photography Book for Flare Magazine

Bryan Adams's photography book "Made in Canada," published in 1999 in collaboration with Flare Magazine, celebrated Canadian talent while raising funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Both "Made in Canada" and his later book "American Women" were dedicated in honor of his friend Donna, who lost her battle with breast cancer.

1999: Continued Album Releases

From 1999 onwards, Bryan Adams released eight albums.

1999: Demo Version of "Puisque tu pars" Translation Release

In 1999, a demo version of Bryan Adams' translation of "Puisque tu pars," later recorded by Celine Dion as "Let's Talk About Love," was included on his single CD "Cloud Number Nine."

January 24, 2000: "The Best of Me" single peaks at number 10 in Canada

On January 24, 2000, Bryan Adams' single "The Best of Me" from his album of the same name peaked at number 10 on the Canadian Singles Chart. The single and album were not released in the US by Interscope Records.

August 26, 2000: Performance at Slane Festival

On August 26, 2000, Bryan Adams headlined the Slane Festival in Ireland, performing to a crowd of over 70,000 people. Special guests during his set included Melanie C, Chicane, and Davy Spillane. The concert was recorded and released as a live CD/DVD titled "Live at Slane Castle, Ireland".

October 2000: Performance with Elton John at Madison Square Garden

In October 2000, Bryan Adams joined Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden, where they performed "Sad Songs (Say So Much)". This performance was included in Elton John's live album "One Night Only – The Greatest Hits".

November 27, 2000: Performance at The Who & Special Guests benefit concert

Bryan Adams participated in "The Who & Special Guests: Live at the Royal Albert Hall", a benefit concert organized by The Who, on November 27, 2000. He performed The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" and joined Eddie Vedder for "See Me, Feel Me". The concert was released on CD as "Live at the Royal Albert Hall".

2000: Return to Roots with "Room Service"

In 2000, Bryan Adams returned with a more rock-oriented sound in his album "Room Service." Adams produced the album himself and co-wrote songs exploring themes of city life, touring, and relationships.

December 31, 2000: New Year's Eve performance with Celine Dion

To ring in the new millennium, on December 31, 2000, Bryan Adams shared the stage with Celine Dion for a special New Year's Eve performance at the Bell Center in Montreal.

November 10, 2002: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Benefit Concert

Bryan Adams showed his support for gorilla conservation on November 10, 2002, by performing at a benefit concert for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International at the Royal Opera House in London. He shared the stage with Queen guitarist Brian May for renditions of "Run to You" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."

2002: Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Photography

As a renowned photographer, Bryan Adams was among a select group of photographers from the Commonwealth invited to capture portraits of Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

2002: Receives Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

Bryan Adams received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

2002: Contribution to "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" soundtrack

In 2002, Bryan Adams contributed to the soundtrack of the DreamWorks animated film "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron". He wrote and performed several songs for the film, including the hit single "Here I Am", which reached the top five in the UK and the top 20 in Germany. He received his fourth Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Song from a Motion Picture for "Here I Am".

September 2004: "Room Service" album release and European success

Bryan Adams released his album "Room Service" in September 2004. The album topped the charts in Germany and Switzerland, reached number four in the UK, and debuted at number one on Billboard's European album chart, selling an impressive 440,000 copies in its first week in Europe. The single "Open Road" was a hit, peaking at number one in Canada and number 21 in the UK.

2004: Fundraising for Tsunami Relief in Asia

In 2004, Bryan Adams dedicated his efforts to support those affected by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, particularly in Asia, through benefit concerts and fundraising initiatives.

2004: Supporting Tsunami Relief

In 2004, Bryan Adams joined other artists and Canadians in providing aid and support to those affected by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

2004: Ranked 13th on ARC Weekly's Top Pop Artists of the Last 25 Years

In 2004, Bryan Adams was ranked 13th on ARC Weekly's chart of the top pop artists of the past 25 years, recognizing his significant commercial success. This achievement highlighted his four number-one singles, ten top-five hits, and 17 top-ten hits.

2004: Canadian Postage Stamp Featuring Adams's Photograph

One of Bryan Adams's photographs of Queen Elizabeth II, taken during her Golden Jubilee in 2002, was chosen for a Canadian postage stamp released in 2004. The stamp, highlighting the Queen's reign, was reissued in 2005.

January 29, 2005: Canada for Asia Concert

Bryan Adams was among the 150 performers at the "Canada for Asia" benefit concert in Toronto on January 29, 2005, raising $4 million for victims of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

May 25, 2005: Rock by the River Concert

Bryan Adams, along with his cousin Johnny Armitage, organized the "Rock by the River" concert on May 25, 2005, raising £1.3 million for the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

July 2005: Live 8 Performance

Bryan Adams used his musical platform to raise awareness about poverty and advocate for change by performing at the Live 8 concert in Barrie, Ontario, in July 2005.

July 2005: Performance at Live 8 in Barrie

In July 2005, Bryan Adams joined the lineup of Live 8, a global concert event, performing in Barrie, Canada.

August 2005: Co-headlining tour with Def Leppard

From June to August 2005, Bryan Adams co-headlined a tour with Def Leppard, performing at minor league baseball stadiums across the US.

September 2005: Reach Out To Asia Concert and Charity Auction

Bryan Adams performed in Qatar in September 2005 for "Reach Out To Asia," a benefit concert aimed at supporting those affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

2005: Pakistan Earthquake Relief

Bryan Adams's 2006 performance in Karachi raised funds for victims of the devastating 2005 Pakistan earthquake.

2005: "American Women" Photography Book for Calvin Klein

In 2005, Bryan Adams collaborated with Calvin Klein on "American Women," a photography book that showcased his distinctive style and supported a worthy cause. Proceeds from the book were donated to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to advance breast cancer research.

2005: Canadian Postage Stamp Reissuing

The Canadian postage stamp featuring Bryan Adams's photograph of Queen Elizabeth II, originally released in 2004, was reissued in 2005 due to its popularity.

January 29, 2006: Post 9/11 Karachi Performance

On January 29, 2006, Bryan Adams made history as the first Western artist to perform in Karachi, Pakistan, since the September 11th attacks. His performance, in conjunction with a benefit concert by Shehzad Roy, raised funds for underprivileged children's education and victims of the devastating 2005 Pakistan earthquake.

April 2006: Induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Bryan Adams was honored in April 2006 with induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contribution to Canadian music.

July 31, 2006: Free concert in Rome with Billy Joel

On July 31, 2006, Bryan Adams and Billy Joel performed a free concert in Rome at Via dei Fori Imperiali, with the Colosseum providing a stunning backdrop. The concert drew an estimated crowd of over 500,000 people.

2006: Theme music for "The Guardian" film

Bryan Adams wrote and performed the theme music for the 2006 film "The Guardian". The song, titled "Never Let Go", was featured in the closing credits.

2006: First Lead Award for Fashion Photography

Bryan Adams's foray into fashion photography earned him his first Lead Award in Germany in 2006. This recognition highlighted his artistic versatility beyond the music industry.

May 2007: Awarded "Wembley Square Of Fame"

Bryan Adams received the "Wembley Square Of Fame" in May 2007, marking his 25th concert at Wembley Arena. This honor included a bronze plaque engraved with his name and handprints, which was placed in Wembley Park.

October 18, 2007: OneVoice Movement Concerts Cancelled

On October 18, 2007, Bryan Adams's planned performances in Tel Aviv and Jericho as part of the OneVoice Movement were canceled due to security concerns. The concerts aimed to promote peace and dialogue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2007: Songwriting for Disney's "Bridge to Terabithia"

Bryan Adams co-wrote two songs, "A Place for Us" and "Another Layer", for the 2007 Disney film "Bridge to Terabithia".

2007: Receives Fifth Golden Globe Nomination

Bryan Adams received his fifth Golden Globe nomination in 2007 for his songwriting contribution to the film "Bobby."

2007: Golden Globe Nomination for "Never Gonna Break My Faith"

In 2006, Bryan Adams co-wrote the gospel song "Never Gonna Break My Faith" for Aretha Franklin. The song was featured in the film "Bobby" as a duet by Franklin and Mary J. Blige. In 2007, Adams received a Golden Globe nomination for his work on the song.

February 28, 2008: One Night Live Performance

On February 28, 2008, Bryan Adams joined Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden, and RyanDan for the "One Night Live" concert at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The event raised funds for the Sunnybrook Hospital Women and Babies Program.

March 2008: European acoustic tour

In March 2008, Bryan Adams embarked on an 11-day, 11-country acoustic tour across Europe to promote his new album, "11".

March 17, 2008: "11" album international release

Bryan Adams released his eleventh studio album, "11", internationally on March 17, 2008. He promoted the album with an 11-day, 11-country European acoustic tour.

May 13, 2008: "11" album release in the US

"11" was released in the United States on May 13, 2008, exclusively through Wal-Mart and Sam's Club retail stores.

May 2008: "Room Service" album release in the US

In May 2008, "Room Service" was released in the US. Despite its earlier success in Europe, it only charted at number 134 on the Billboard 200.

June 2008: Charity Auctions for Children

In June 2008, Bryan Adams used his platform to support children's charities. He auctioned off opportunities to sing with him at three London concerts, raising over £50,000 for the NSPCC, Children in Need, and University College Hospital.

July 2008: US tour with Foreigner and Rod Stewart

Bryan Adams toured the United States in June and July 2008. He shared the stage with Foreigner for some performances and with Rod Stewart for others.

2008: Reunion with Jim Vallance

"11," released in 2008, marked the return of Bryan Adams' longtime collaborator, Jim Vallance, after over 15 years. The album featured a softer sound, blending elements of soft rock, pop rock, and melodic rock.

2008: 2008 Universal Fire

Bryan Adams's material was among that destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.

June 26, 2009: Performance on CMT Crossroads with Jason Aldean

Bryan Adams appeared on an episode of CMT Crossroads with Jason Aldean on June 26, 2009, where they performed a selection of their hits.

July 2, 2009: Featured on Canadian postage stamps

On July 2, 2009, Canada Post issued a second series of Canadian Recording Artist Series stamps, featuring Bryan Adams as one of the four musicians honored. An estimated one and a half million Adams stamps were printed.

November 2009: Contribution to "Old Dogs" film soundtrack

Bryan Adams co-wrote, produced, and performed the song "You've Been a Friend to Me" for the film "Old Dogs", released in November 2009.

2009: Bob Dylan's Performance of "Must Be Santa"

Bob Dylan performed "Must Be Santa" in 2009, a song which Bryan Adams later reinterpreted for his Christmas EP.

2009: Initial Discussions with Disney

Bryan Adams first approached Disney to discuss composing music for a potential Broadway adaptation of "Pretty Woman."

January 13, 2010: Allan Waters Humanitarian Award

On January 13, 2010, Bryan Adams's dedication to philanthropy earned him the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award. The award recognized his numerous concert appearances and tireless efforts in support of various charitable causes.

February 12, 2010: Performance at 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony

Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado performed "Bang the Drum", a duet co-written with Jim Vallance specifically for the event, at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics held at BC Place Stadium on February 12, 2010.

February 2010: Release of "One World, One Flame"

Bryan Adams released the song "One World, One Flame" in February 2010.

May 1, 2010: Governor General's Awards for Performing Arts

On May 1, 2010, Bryan Adams was honored with the Governor General's Awards in Performing Arts for his significant contributions to the arts over three decades.

May 2010: Meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

In May 2010, Bryan Adams joined a group of Canadian musicians to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper at his official residence. Adams' initial intention was to discuss changes to copyright laws, but the meeting evolved into an informal jam session.

November 2010: Release of "Bare Bones" acoustic album and tour

Bryan Adams released "Bare Bones", a live acoustic album featuring twenty songs, in November 2010, commemorating his thirty-year career. Following the release, he embarked on "The Bare Bones Tour", an acoustic tour, and incorporated acoustic sets into other tours.

January 13, 2011: Concert for Killing Cancer

On January 13, 2011, Bryan Adams joined rock legends The Who, along with Jeff Beck, Debbie Harry, and Richard Ashcroft, at the Hammersmith Apollo in London for the impactful "Concert for Killing Cancer."

February 17, 2011: Performance at the 2011 Cricket World Cup opening ceremony

Bryan Adams performed at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Cricket World Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh on February 17, 2011.

February 19, 2011: First international artist to perform in Nepal

Organized by ODC Network, Bryan Adams and his band performed in Kathmandu, Nepal on February 19, 2011, making him the first international artist to do so.

April 2011: Birth of First Daughter

Bryan Adams and Alicia Grimaldi welcomed their first daughter in April 2011.

August 2011: Performances at Sydney Opera House

Bryan Adams played three consecutive nights at the Sydney Opera House in August 2011 as part of his "The Bare Bones Tour". This performance was recorded and later released as "Live at Sydney Opera House" in 2013.

June 2012: Lead Award for Fashion Photography

Bryan Adams won his second Lead Award in Germany in June 2012, solidifying his reputation as a talented fashion photographer.

October 2012: "Exposed" Photography Book Release

Steidl published Bryan Adams's first retrospective photography book, "Exposed," in October 2012. The book provided a captivating glimpse into his photographic journey and artistic vision.

2012: Receives Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal

Bryan Adams was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

February 2013: Birth of Second Daughter

Bryan Adams and Alicia Grimaldi became parents to their second daughter in February 2013.

April 2013: Release of "After All"

In April 2013, Bryan Adams and Michael Bublé released "After All," a duet co-written by Adams with Alan Chang, Steven Sater, and Jim Vallance.

August 2013: "Live at Sydney Opera House" release

Bryan Adams released "Live at Sydney Opera House" in August 2013. The CD/DVD/Blu-ray set was recorded during a three-night run at the Sydney Opera House in August 2011 during "The Bare Bones Tour".

October 22, 2013: TJ Martell Foundation's Annual Honors Gala

Bryan Adams shared the stage with Sting at the TJ Martell Foundation's 38th Annual Honors Gala in New York City on October 22, 2013. This event raised funds and awareness for cancer research.

2013: Request for "Reckless" Master Tapes

Bryan Adams requested access to the master tapes for his album "Reckless" from Universal Music Group for a remastered edition but was informed they couldn't be located.

2013: "Wounded – The Legacy of War" Photography Book Release

In 2013, Bryan Adams released "Wounded – The Legacy of War," a powerful photography book that shed light on the profound human impact of war. His images offered a poignant and unflinching look at the consequences of conflict.

July 2014: Filming of "Bryan Adams in Concert"

In July 2014, Bryan Adams filmed a concert at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres in Toronto for PBS's "Great Performances."

September 14, 2014: Performance at the Invictus Games

Bryan Adams had the distinct honor of being the first artist to perform at the inaugural Invictus Games, organized by Prince Harry, in East London on September 14, 2014.

October 2014: Previous Number One Album in Canada

Bryan Adams's album "Tracks of My Years" was his previous number one album in Canada before "Shine a Light."

2014: Release of "Tracks of My Years"

Bryan Adams signed with Verve Records and released "Tracks of My Years," a cover album celebrating 30 years of "Reckless." It topped the Canadian charts.

March 2, 2015: Bryan Adams in Concert for Great Performances

Bryan Adams's concert, filmed at Toronto's Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres in July 2014, premiered on PBS's "Great Performances."

May 2015: Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award

In May 2015, Bryan Adams received the "Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award" at the Canadian Music Industry & Broadcast Awards Gala during Canadian Music Week, recognizing his ongoing social activism and dedication to humanitarian causes.

September 16, 2015: Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society

On September 16, 2015, Bryan Adams was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in London for his photography work.

October 2015: Lead Award for Helmut Berger Photography

Bryan Adams received his third Lead Award in Germany in October 2015. This award recognized his striking photography in a story featuring Helmut Berger.

October 16, 2015: Release of "Get Up"

Bryan Adams released "Get Up," his first album of new material in seven years, co-written with Jim Vallance and produced by Jeff Lynne.

2015: Performance at the 2015 AFL Grand Final

Bryan Adams, Ellie Goulding, and Chris Isaak performed at the 2015 AFL Grand Final.

2015: Awarded Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society

In 2015, Bryan Adams was granted an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS).

December 31, 2015: Performance at Central Hall Westminster

Bryan Adams performed live for BBC One's New Year's Eve broadcast at Central Hall Westminster in London.

October 14, 2016: Release of "Wembley 1996" DVD

Bryan Adams released the "Wembley 1996" DVD, featuring his July 27, 1996, concert at London's Wembley Stadium, which topped the UK music video charts.

2016: Securing the Songwriter Position

After learning about the "Pretty Woman" musical's production, Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance interviewed for and secured the songwriter roles.

2016: Mark Wilson and Richard Jones Briefly Join

Both Mark Wilson and Richard Jones had short stints as part of Bryan Adams' band in 2016.

2016: Presents on BBC Rocks

Bryan Adams began presenting some of his favorite songs on BBC Radio 2's 'BBC Rocks' show in 2016.

2016: Mississippi Concert Cancellation

In 2016, Bryan Adams canceled his scheduled April 14 concert at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, joining other artists like Bruce Springsteen in protesting Mississippi's recently enacted Religious Liberty Accommodations Act. The law, which allowed religious groups and private companies to discriminate against same-sex couples, sparked widespread criticism and calls for boycotts.

September 30, 2017: Performance with Bruce Springsteen at Invictus Games

Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen shared a memorable performance at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto on September 30, 2017. The duo delighted the audience with a medley of their hits, concluding with a powerful duet of "Cuts Like A Knife" and "Badlands."

November 2017: Release of "Ultimate"

Bryan Adams released "Ultimate," a compilation album featuring two new songs: "Please Stay" and the anti-war themed "Ultimate Love."

2017: Continued Collaboration with Jim Vallance

Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance's musical partnership, though intermittent, continued as of 2017.

2017: Solomon Walker Joins as Bassist

Solomon Walker joined Bryan Adams' backing band as the bassist in 2017.

March 2018: Completion of "Pretty Woman: The Musical"

Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance finished writing the music and lyrics for "Pretty Woman: The Musical" after two years.

August 2018: "Pretty Woman: The Musical" Broadway Debut

"Pretty Woman: The Musical," with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, premiered on Broadway.

August 2018: Performance with Taylor Swift

Bryan Adams joined Taylor Swift on stage during her "Reputation Tour" in Toronto, Canada, to perform a duet of "Summer of '69."

September 2018: Bryan Adams Graces Rolling Stone India

Bryan Adams was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone India's September 2018 issue, highlighting his immense popularity in India and his status as a musical icon.

October 2018: Completion of "Pretty Woman: The Musical" Songs

Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance completed writing the songs for the musical "Pretty Woman: The Musical."

2018: "The Ultimate Tour"

Bryan Adams embarked on "The Ultimate Tour" in 2018, performing in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, India, the US, and Canada.

March 1, 2019: Release of "Shine a Light"

Bryan Adams released his 14th studio album, "Shine a Light," featuring collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Jennifer Lopez. It debuted at number one in Canada.

April 2019: Whale Protection Intervention

In April 2019, while off the coast of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bryan Adams took direct action to protect a whale from illegal hunting. He intervened when local whalers attempted to harpoon the whale within a designated conservation zone.

May 2019: "When You're Gone" Sales Milestone

By May 2019, Bryan Adams' duet with Melanie C of the Spice Girls, "When You're Gone," reached a sales milestone of 830,000 combined equivalent-sales in the UK.

November 15, 2019: Release of Christmas EP

Bryan Adams released a Christmas EP with five tracks, including the new song "Joe and Mary."

November 2019: Collaboration with Robbie Williams

Bryan Adams collaborated with Robbie Williams on the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" for Williams' album "The Christmas Present."

November 2019: Playground Donation to Park Walk Primary School

In November 2019, Bryan Adams, through his charity The Bryan Adams Foundation, gifted a new playground to Park Walk Primary School in Chelsea, England. This act of generosity follows previous playground constructions by the foundation, including one for Ashburnham Community School in London.

2019: Concludes Presenting on BBC Rocks

Bryan Adams wrapped up his run of presenting his favorite music on BBC Radio 2's 'BBC Rocks' in 2019.

2019: Blending Genres in "Shine a Light"

Bryan Adams' 2019 album, "Shine a Light," combined rock with pop rock and R&B influences.

2019: Shine a Light World Tour Environmental Project

During his 2019 Shine a Light world tour, Bryan Adams demonstrated his commitment to environmental responsibility by partnering with DHL. The initiative involved planting a tree for every ticket sold throughout the tour, resulting in a significant positive impact.

February 2020: "Pretty Woman: The Musical" West End Debut

"Pretty Woman: The Musical" opened in London's West End theatre.

April 2020: "Lean on Me" Recording for COVID-19 Relief

In April 2020, Bryan Adams joined a supergroup of Canadian musicians, known as ArtistsCAN, to record a poignant rendition of "Lean on Me." The project served as a tribute to the late Bill Withers and raised funds for the Canadian Red Cross to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

May 2020: Social Media Controversy and Apology

In May 2020, Bryan Adams faced criticism for a social media post linking the COVID-19 pandemic to "bat eating." Although he didn't target a specific race, his comments sparked immediate backlash and led to the trending topic "Bryan Adams racist." He subsequently apologized, explaining that his intention was to condemn animal cruelty in wet markets and promote veganism.

June 19, 2020: Release of Aretha Franklin's "Never Gonna Break My Faith"

The unreleased solo version of "Never Gonna Break My Faith" by Aretha Franklin was released on June 19, 2020, marking the 155th anniversary of the end of Slavery in the United States. The music video included footage related to George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

November 13, 2020: Release of "Stop Crying Your Heart Out"

Bryan Adams was featured on the BBC Radio 2's Allstars' Children in Need charity single "Stop Crying Your Heart Out," which debuted at number seven on the UK Singles Chart.

November 2020: "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" Charity Cover

In November 2020, Bryan Adams lent his voice to a star-studded cover of "Stop Crying Your Heart Out," spearheaded by BBC Radio 2. The project raised funds and awareness for Children in Need.

December 7, 2020: UK Concerts Announcement

Bryan Adams announced a series of UK concerts after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a long hiatus of his "Shine a Light Tour."

July 2021: Signing with Bertelsmann Music Group

Bryan Adams signed a deal with Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) for his next album release.

October 11, 2021: Release of "So Happy It Hurts"

Bryan Adams released "So Happy It Hurts," the title track from his 15th studio album.

October 30, 2021: Tina Turner Tribute Cancellation

Bryan Adams had to cancel his appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on October 30, 2021, due to testing positive for COVID-19. He was scheduled to participate in a tribute to Tina Turner.

2021: Pirelli Calendar Photoshoot

In the summer of 2021, Bryan Adams shot the 48th edition of the Pirelli Calendar. The photoshoot took place in Los Angeles and Capri.

February 2022: World Tour Announcement

Bryan Adams announced a worldwide tour to begin in February 2022.

March 2022: Release of "So Happy It Hurts" Album

Bryan Adams released his 15th studio album, "So Happy It Hurts."

April 1, 2022: Release of "Classic"

Bryan Adams released "Classic," an album featuring reworked and reimagined versions of his hits.

July 29, 2022: Release of "Classic Pt II"

Bryan Adams released "Classic Pt II," a follow-up to his "Classic" album.

2022: Release of the "On the Road" Pirelli Calendar

The 2022 Pirelli Calendar, shot by Bryan Adams, was released. The calendar, titled "On the Road," features musicians from diverse backgrounds.

July 20, 2023: Co-founds SongBox

Bryan Adams co-founded SongBox, a music start-up based in Scotland, on July 20, 2023. The platform allows musicians to store and share audio files.

December 2023: Split with Manager Bruce Allen

Bryan Adams decided to manage his own career after parting ways with his manager of 44 years, Bruce Allen.

2023: Grammy Nomination for "So Happy It Hurts"

Bryan Adams received a Grammy nomination for "Best Rock Performance" for "So Happy It Hurts."

2023: Nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Bryan Adams received a nomination for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.