17 February 2010

When Bryan Adams Rocks Milan





I still can recall, it's a windy & cold Friday evening, but we didn't mind waiting for about 10 meter-line towards the main gate of the stadium. Everybody were excited...holding on with their banners, a lot wearing Bryan Adams' shirts/sweaters...it was only 8pm. At 8:15 we're already inside & picked the best seats. 8:30 the front act band hit 6 songs (honestly i didn't remember the band's name--neither knew their songs...)And everybody's whistling & calling Bryan after the band left the stage. The technicians quickly changed all the instruments (yes! The guitars, drums, piano, & stage set-ups were changed exclusively for Bryan!) --and then, the lights were turned off---

Bryan Adams stormed onto stage with his four bandmates to begin their first leg of their "Live Across the Nation"(European Tour, 2007)--here in Milan, Italy. They all appeared in typical Adams style, wearing black tees and jeans and were greeted by over thousands of screaming fans (including me!) that packed Palasharp Dome (former MazdaPalace) last March 23, 2007. There were two set-up stages, so as expected, the band jumped up first at the second stage (literally a hand away from where my husband and i were located). So, we had a closer look at him & had that opportunity to make "hi-5's" with him. Wow! That's cool! Stage lights illuminated the lively audience as the bright spotlight go straight to Bryan Adams..and he hit the Song "This Side of Paradise" (from the Room Service album). I just can't help giggling! I must be dreaming...it's Bryan!!! He's real good looking in person than in pictures! The crowd's energy was mediocre at first, probably expecting Adams to start with a bigger hit, but we quickly warmed up as Adams continued onto other songs such as "Please Forgive Me", "The Best of Me", and "Back To You"...so it goes...

After rocking for some songs straight (i completely lost of count), Adams pulled out the acoustic and started playing"Everything I do..i Do it For you"and the crowd exploded...leaving us sing the whole chorus and Bryan put the mic to the audience. Great!!. Lot of songs from the Room Service album,"Open Road","East Side Story", and then...at last...he hit the"SUMMER of '69"-- and the Palasharp roar..! People dance til they drop (well i'm just sort of clapping my hands on the air and singing out loud). Other songs were "18 Til I Die", ...hmmm? "The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You"......then he goes for a little relaxing, "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman", "When You Love Someone"....

Crowd participation increased as the night went on, climaxing with "Cuts Like A Knife" as the crowd echoed back the "Na Na Na" refrain. He picked one of the lady audiences to sing with him the "When You're Gone" song...lucky Rosella- a beautiful italian girl from Modena! (She sings well too) As they left the stage, Adams thanked the impromptu performer by awarding her & her friends with free t-shirts.

A feature not to be overlooked is the change in technology, as Adam's song "HEAVEN" was played. The half-dozen people who started swaying with lighters were soon overpowered when Adams commanded, "Lemme see those cell phones", hundreds of people waved their LCD screens, illuminating the dark. "It's Only Love"was definitely another highlight of the night with an electrifying guitar solo by Keith Scott . (He's really a guitar master!!). Next thing the audience knew he finished singing "Run To You", introduced the band, and left the stage. We screamed for an encore and we were rewarded with "Cloud Number Nine" as the ceilings were lighted by flickering lasers throughout the stadium.Then"Let's Make a Night To Remember"and "Somebody" song made us crave for more.

He then left stage again and attempted to end the concert once more without success as the crowd screamed for more. For a third and final encore he began an acoustic set with "Straight From The Heart" without his band. Adams gave his fans his ALL by singing "ALL FOR LOVE". As he walked off the stage he shouted out "Last 2005 was good, but today's even better Milan, you've been great! Now go home because there's a pasta (con pomodoro) waiting for me backstage". Unstoppable whistles and clapping went on--And we're convinced that was it...it's over! Two hours of great songs & emotions---

You totally rock BRYAN!



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