It is extremely rare for Greece to have a real rock star visit us and it is only 4 years since the last time he came to our country. The appointment has been renewed, therefore, at the same venue in Athens on December 5, but also for the first time in Thessaloniki two days later! Honestly, no fan of American classic rock and the ever so-called FM radio rock can miss it! If you ask me, there should be absolutely no one missing who listens -in the broadest sense of the term- to rock music as Athens is neither London nor New York to enjoy such great concert events on a regular basis. And Bryan Adams is not just another musician but a true rock star who has left an indelible mark on music with songs that will be heard in perpetuity on every radio, on every digital platform, in every home…all over the world!
In a fair and utopian world, Bryan Adams would hit the stage and play “Waking Up The Neighbours” from start to finish! There, I said it! You see, it’s not only that this is Bryan’s best album for my musical tastes, it’s not only that we are listening to a Def Leppard album without…Def Leppard, it’s not only that the legendary Mutt Lange is sitting behind the console and putting out an incredible sound effect, but most importantly we have an album with 15 flawless songs that stubbornly stand the test of time.
Yes…I know! There’s “Reckless” which is rightfully Bryan Adams’ flagship album for most people out there. And how could it be otherwise when this album features timeless anthems like “Run To You”, “Heaven”, “Somebody”, “Summer of ’69”, “It’s Only Love” and so many more. I am with you on this one and I totally get it! I love this album but my heart is in “Waking Up The Neighbours” thanks to the aforementioned Def Leppard influences and of course the catalytic presence of the best producer ever, Robert Johnn “Mutt” Lange! In fact, Bryan Adams managed something unique on his last album, the very good “So Happy It Hurts”: to convince Mutt Lange to write some songs again with him and to produce them! Talk about time and space travel and the ultimate mind game! For that alone “So Happy It Hurts” gets extra points.
Back to the Athens concert. Bryan Adams is coming back to our country with a clear intention to…wake up Greece and make us have as good a time as if it was the summer of 1969 or actually any summer listening to his songs that will never die! Don’t forget, after all, that it is this very music that always keeps us young or to use the Canadian rocker’s immortal words, that always makes us feel 18 years old ‘til we die!
Sakis Nikas
