Bryan Adams Unveils Upcoming Tour and Fresh Tracks with a Unique Twist This Time
By Website Content Manager
At 65, the Grammy-winning artist shares details about his new album and tour—marking his debut as an independent musician.
Bryan Adams Is Doing Things His Own Way With New Tour and Album
Bryan Adams is now calling all the shots. The iconic “Summer of ’69” singer is gearing up for his first-ever tour and album as an independent artist, both set to mark a new era in his career. His upcoming Roll with the Punches North American Tour, spanning 40 arena dates in 2025, will be followed by a new album released through his own independent label.
“It all feels a lot more straightforward,” says the 65-year-old Grammy winner in an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE. “Being fully accountable for every detail brings a sense of unity that I really enjoy. It’s all on us—we’re handling it together.”
Adams launched his label, Bad Records, in August 2024 and plans to release his first album under it a year later, in August 2025.
He says hitting the road is still the best way to connect with fans. “I’m really looking forward to sharing this music live,” he says. “This will be my first album and tour as a completely independent artist—and I’m also managing myself. It’s all fresh, it’s all exciting.”
Taking full creative control means Adams is now involved in everything—from cover art and ticket sales to marketing. He even visited a vinyl pressing plant for the first time. “Being hands-on from the very beginning is a lot easier now than it used to be,” he says.
“Bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together is both motivating and creatively fulfilling. Touring now feels even more meaningful,” he continues. “There’s a new story to tell. It kind of feels like a brand new chapter—like I’ve just graduated or something.”
To Adams, the tour’s title, Roll with the Punches, reflects resilience. “It’s about bouncing back. If life knocks you down, you get back up. It’s all about pushing forward, no matter what you’re facing.”
While the process of making the new album felt familiar in many ways, he enjoyed the added freedom and flexibility of working independently. One thing that stood out was the ability to collaborate remotely, allowing more time for the music to evolve with his band. “Having a little extra time really helps,” he says.
As for songwriting, Adams says the ideas trickle in gradually, but intentional effort is key. “If I don’t sit down with a guitar and actually start working, the songs don’t come,” he explains. “You’ve got to put in the time. I’m not one of those people who wakes up with a hit in their head.”
Recently, Adams also revisited his classic catalog by re-recording some of his biggest hits for his Classic and Classic Pt. II albums. He was joined by his longtime “super band” and paid tribute to his late guitarist, Keith Scott.
The re-recordings were a step toward artistic independence. “It was about stepping away from Universal Records and reclaiming my music,” he says. “Like Taylor Swift did, I wanted to bring those songs into the present—fully under the artist’s ownership instead of the label’s.”
Adams and Taylor Swift shared the stage back in 2018 during her Reputation Tour, where he made a surprise appearance in Toronto to perform “Summer of ’69” alongside her as part of her final show in the city. Reflecting on the moment, Adams says, “It’s the best rendition of the song since the original recording.”
Although reaching younger listeners isn’t a primary focus for him, Adams acknowledges how the music industry has evolved over time. When asked what guidance he’d offer to up-and-coming artists, his advice is simple: “Follow your gut.”