Bryan Adams
August 8, 2026
Charlotte, NC
Spectrum Center
Review by Joseph Hett
Bryan Adams Lands a Knockout Show in Charlotte
Bryan Adams brought his Roll With the Punches Tour to Charlotte on Saturday night at the Spectrum Center. This fun-filled show featured many of the hits that have made him a musical force.
Adams emerged from the rear of the arena on the B-stage platform. With
just an acoustic guitar, he performed “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” and “Straight From the Heart.”
Adams made his way down the left side of the arena like he was a prizefighter making his entrance to the main stage. His longtime bandmates Keith Scott (lead guitar), Pat Steward (drums) and Gary Breit (keyboards) joined him and cranked it up with “Kick Ass.”
They continued with the fan favorites “Run to You” and “Somebody.”
A huge boxing-glove-shaped blimp drone flew above the arena during “Roll With the Punches.” Later, a car named Doris floated around the arena during “So Happy It Hurts.”
After “18 til I Die” and “Please Forgive Me,” the fast-paced “Kids Wanna Rock” got everyone rocking.
Adams told the story of pitching a song and then meeting Tina Turner. He then launched into “It’s Only Love” while singing both parts. Scott laid down a killer guitar solo to end the classic tune.
The LED wristbands distributed to concertgoers added to the festive atmosphere. They synchronized with the music, creating a magical experience throughout the show. During “Shine a Light,” Adams asked everyone to hold up their phone lights in honor of the special people in their lives.
The popular “Heaven” had the entire arena singing along to the “Woah-oh-oh” part.
Scott was splendid on the Spanish guitar during “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?”
Before “Here I Am,” from the 2002 film “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” Adams said, “If you have horses, you probably know this film…And if you have kids, you probably know this song.” Breit played intricate piano on the uplifting song.
Adams spoke about making music videos during the early days of MTV. He said they were going to play live to the original music video of “This Time” from 1983. He quipped, “But only one thing I have to ask you very kindly, please: just don’t laugh at my hair, okay?”
The new “51st State” was a politically charged love letter about his home country of Canada. Things got back on track with the driving “Heat of the Night.”
Adams said they would be looking for folks dancing to be featured on the big screen. He said if you can’t dance, just take your shirt off and spin above your head. The camera showcased several entertaining crowd members, bringing a chuckle from Adams during the rockabilly tune “You Belong to Me.” It even had a snippet of “Blue Suede Shoes.” They kept the momentum going with a cover of “Twist and Shout.”
The timeless “Cuts Like a Knife” had the crowd clapping along to the beat and singing along to the “Na-na, na, na-na, na, na-na, na-na” portion. Then the multi-instrumentalist Adams performed a bass solo on “The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You.” He sang his heart out with the ballad “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You.”
After “Back to You,” Adams stood out front with his electric guitar. He hit the iconic riff two separate times with a brief pause before sending the arena into a frenzy with the one and only “Summer of ’69.”
After band introductions, only Adams remained for a solo acoustic rendition of “All for Love,” sans Sting and Rod Stewart.
Charlotte had a blast Saturday night with Bryan Adams. There were plenty of hits—not punches—to be had. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo gave an energetic hour-long performance on the undercard to warm up the crowd. Adams was victorious on a Saturday night in the Queen City.