Reviews

Bryan Adams, Wembley Live 1996 (Eagle Rock Entertainment, 2016)

Filmed during his 18 'Til I Die tour, Bryan Adams' new concert DVD, Wembley 1996 Live, captures the Canadian pop-rock king and his band in fighting form. Opening with "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me is You," the 24-song set is a hit-filled affair that reminds you how much of a talent the singer-songwriter truly is.

For the performance, Adams' backing band featured Keith Scott (guitars), Mickey Curry (drums), Dave Taylor (bass), and Tommy Mandel (keyboards), a cast of musicians who at that point had played with him for over a decade. From the poppy ("Can't Stop This Thing We Started") to the feel-good rockers ("There Will Never be Another Tonight") to the ballads ("Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman"), Adams and his band don't betray the FM radio-ready quality each of the songs were originally delivered with on their respective album versions.

Outside of the Billboard chart monsters, the setlist is also peppered with some lesser-known songs that are a welcomed surprise. "Touch the Hand," from Waking Up the Neighbours, shows up early in the night; while "She's Only Happy When She's Dancin'," from Reckless, is also a nice addition to the concert. Adams and his crew also lay into some cover tunes, including a fun take on the rockabilly standard "Seven Nights to Rock."

While Wembley 1996 Live isn't a pyro-filled experience like KISS' recent DVD package, the sheer amount of mouthwatering hit songs included within make it worth its price.

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