Introduction
A young man steps into the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London, guitar in hand and decades of hits behind him, yet somehow still lighting up the stage with the same youthful zeal he’s carried since the ’80s. In May 2024, Bryan Adams delivered exactly that on night two of his three-night residency, dedicating the entire set to his 1996 album 18 ’Til I Die, and the result feels as refreshing and heartfelt as the first time you heard “Summer of ’69.” This performance—captured on the recently released box set Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2024—is both a celebration of Adams’s enduring rock anthems and a reminder of the genuine connection he maintains with fans old and new.
Bryan Adams launched into “18 ’Til I Die” with a barely contained grin, his voice as raspy and sincere as ever, instantly transporting the audience back to the mid-’90s pop-rock heyday.
The band—featuring long-time collaborator Keith Scott on lead guitar, Pat Steward on drums, Gary Breit on keyboards, and Solomon Walker on bass—locked in tight grooves that kept every chorus buoyant and driving.
Director Dick Carruthers’s cinematography captured every sparkle of the hall’s ornate ceiling and every bead of sweat on Adams’s brow, underscoring the raw energy of songs like “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?”.
At one emotional peak, the London Community Gospel Choir joined Bryan for a stirring rendition of “Never Gonna Rain,” adding soulful depth to an already powerful moment.
Originally released in 1996, 18 ’Til I Die showcased Adams’s evolution from heartland rocker to pop-savvy balladeer, spawning hits that blended reggae-tinged rhythms with earnest lyrics.
Hearing these tracks live nearly three decades later feels both nostalgic and vital, as Adams reinvests familiar melodies with lived-in emotion while never losing their effervescent charm.
Throughout the night, Adams paused between songs to share quick anecdotes—like joking about sneaking out as a teenager to chase his musical dreams—which only made the vast hall feel more like an intimate living room gathering among friends.
Fans waved lighters and phones, their voices rising in unison for the crowd-pleasing choruses, proving that some anthems truly are timeless.
By the final chords of “18 ’Til I Die,” there was no doubt: Bryan Adams’s passion for performance burns as brightly as ever—even if the original album turns 28 this year.
Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2024 isn’t just a box set; it’s a love letter from Adams to his fans and to the music that has defined generations.