15/02/08 - GOLD COUNTRY CASINO, OROVILLE, SACRAMENTO, CA

Review by Wayne Mullen (The Buzz & ChicoER):
OROVILLE — Bryan Adams, his lean, boy-next-door image and familiar raspy voice still very much intact, rocked the sold-out showroom at Gold Country Casino Friday night.

Adams wasted no time in letting his enthusiastic fans know what they were in for — no-frills, no-nonsense, straightforward rock-n-roll at its finest, and his adoring audience loved every minute of it. Casually walking out on the stage and picking up one of his Fender guitars, the Canadian-born singer-songwriter began with an explosive version of "One Night Love Affair."

Wasting no time between songs other than to occasionally switch guitars, Adams delighted the audience, immediately launching from one crowd-pleasing tune into another, from his 25-year catalog of albums. Making full use of the large stage, Adams moved from side to side, then down front, allowing everyone, especially the ladies, a chance to see their idol up close.

By the time Adams began his classic, "18 til I Die," most of the more than 1,000 fans had either moved down front for a closer view, or were on their feet, dancing and swaying to the music, obviously enamored of his mostly romantic rock songs. When Adams broke into his biggest hit, "Summer of '69," no one was left sitting and nearly everyone sang along.

As Adams sang the ballad "Everything I Do, I Do For You," many couples had their arms around each another, his words capturing just the right meaning to many. That song still holds the record of 16 weeks at No. 1 in the British pop charts. When he began "Cuts Like A Knife," the audience clapped and sang the chorus in unison, with Adams' gracious encouragement.

Adams followed that up with "This Time," a song from his forthcoming album, "11." In a recent interview, Adams explained he is calling his new album "11" because it's his 11th album of all original music and there are 11 tracks on the album.

Next, Adams asked if there was anyone who knew the words to his song, "When You're Gone." He soon had a young lady up on stage with him. Handing her a mike, Adams performed a duet with Luzdary Hammad. Although nervous and star-struck, she did an outstanding job.

Backed by a very capable ensemble of Keith Scott on guitar, Norm Fisher on bass, Mickey Curry on drums and Gary Briet on keyboards, Adams demonstrated why he is so revered by his fans, respected by fellow artists and considered a rock icon.

In addition to being a Grammy Award winner and noted photographer, Adams has been nominated for three Academy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards. His music has appeared on more than 40 movie soundtracks.

Soundcheck:
American Idiot (Green Day cover)

Setlist:
One Night Love Affair
Somebody
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
I Thought I'd Seen Everything
18 Til I Die
Let's Make A Night To Remember
Back To You
Summer Of '69
Everything I Do (with William Shatner)
Cuts Like A Knife
This Time
When You're Gone
It's Only Love
Heaven
The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me is You
Run To You
There's Gonna Be Some Rockin'
Seven Nights To Rock

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Pics by Mary Mullen

Bryan on guitar