Bryan Adams Roll With The Punches May 2025 UK Arena Tour – 2nd Night of the UK leg of the tour at AO Arena Manchester
14th May 2025Words by Steve Todd
This tour sees Bryan Adams and his band performing across the globe, embarking on his ‘Roll With The Punches Tour’.
I was able to catch Bryan on his 2nd date out of 9 for the UK leg of this tour at the AO Arena Manchester, and what a memorable night it was indeed.
With an energetic stage performance and with the masses that had rolled out here in their droves singing along to old classics and newer tracks, this classic rock legend proves he has still got what it takes as he wins the crowds over from the first note played.
From the moment he walked out on stage, grasping his signature guitar and kicking off the night with one of his newer tracks, ‘Roll With The Punches’, he commanded his audience with his beautiful Canadian undertones and charming enthusiasm.
Whilst Bryan is mid-flow with this song, a giant inflatable helium-filled boxing glove floats above the crowd. I have never seen anything like it.
3 songs deep, Bryan stops for a moment to welcome the crowds and says, “Hello, Manchester”.
The Setlist took us on a journey through the decades of Bryan’s career, blending iconic songs such as ‘Run To You’, with newer songs such as ‘Shine A Light’ that the crowds sang along with, creating a buzz of energy around the arena created from the same shared love of his music, which gives you that feel good feeling with a hint of nostalgia for good measure.
Photo of Bryan Adams courtesy of LA Photgraphy for All About The Rock
He throws in a timeless Thin Lizzy classic cover that gets the crowds chanting in unison as he plays ‘Whiskey In A Jar’, followed by ‘Cant take my eyes off you’ by Frank Valli.
One of the crowd’s thoroughly enjoyed was the classic ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It for You’ , which was at No.1 in 19 different countries. This echoed across the arena as the crowds sang in unison.
Bryan’s connection with the audience is truly magnificent; his concerts still to this day are a magical experience for all who attend. Decades into his career, the crowds still love him, which reaffirms what I said earlier about him being a timeless rock legend. He’s earned that status after creating decades of timeless classics, which all generations came out to enjoy here tonight in Manchester.
Along with his band here tonight, Scott: Lead guitar, Pat Steward on drums, and Gary Breit on keys, these guys deliver a performance full of passion and heart, leaving concertgoers with their spirits lifted.
Another fabulous concert; the man still has what it takes! Throwing out banger after banger!
