DVD REVIEW: BRYAN ADAMS – Wembley 1996 Live

Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Release Date: October 14, 2015

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Bryan Adams is one of those rockers that quietly puts out release after release and always seems to throw a few new hits at his audience – his music is not only a part of most of our personal collections, but a part of our memories thanks to the part his hits have played at various points in each of our lives.  For a sold out crowd that packed Wembley Stadium on July 27, 1996, that memory is even larger.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has released for the 20th Anniversary of that killer show the DVD – Bryan’s first ever official release of this show.  While watching this show, one thing kept running through my mind – ‘why isn’t this a CD release as well?’  It is cool to see the show in full as it happened.  The video is retro in appearance for a lot of the show, helping the viewer appreciate the age of the performance.  Adams and his band are straight ahead rockers that rely on their music to do the talking, in addition to the occasional banter from Bryan to the crowd.  That said, the visuals aren’t anything that standout – but that’s okay… the music is the star here, not the stage show.

Not only was it awesome to hear a lot of these hits played live and to hear so many great tracks in one place, but there were a couple moments that really stood out from a ‘normal’ show.  Bryan bringing an audience member on-stage to help with arguably one of his biggest hits, “Summer Of 69” was cool to see, but also watching this young guy create an experience that will live forever was as exciting for the audience as it was the wanna be rocker.  An added bonus to the setlist was the addition of a couple cover that Adams and his band maneuvered and delivered: “Wild Thing” and “I Fought The Law” which all had the spirit and structure of the originals held firmly in place while the band did put enough of their own sound into them to help make them their own, if only for the night.  The real shining moment for me was the addition of Melissa Etheridge to the track “It’s Only Love” which originally featured Tina Turner.  The way Adams and Etheridge’s vocals played off of each other begs the question of why they haven’t recorded a duet previously.  This version alone is reason enough to buy an audio version of this collection if it is ever released.  If you are looking to watch Adams rip through other rocking hits like “Kids Wanna Rock,” “18 ‘Til I Die,” or “Run To You” paired against ballads such as “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman,” (Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” and “Heaven” this is the live release for you.

Tracklisting: The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You – Do To You – Kids Wanna Rock – Can’t Stop This Thing We Started – This Time – 18 ‘Til I Die – Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman – Touch The Hand – Cuts Like A Knife – It’s Only Love (w/ Melissa Etheridge) – Somebody – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Run To You – There Will Never Be Another Tonight – Seven Nights To Rock – I Wanna Be Your Underwear – Wild Thing – It Ain’t A Party (If You Can’t Come Round) – She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’ – Summer Of ’69 – All For Love – Let’s Make A Night To Remember – I Fought The Law – Heaven

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Category: CD Reviews