Most of you will know that I ventured down to Edinburgh last night to see Bryan Adams.

The weather was alright when my two friends and I arrived but that all changed.

We were greeted at the train station by Kevin who gave us a lift to our hotel. The hotel was nice but the owner didn’t seem very forthcoming. He asked us if we wanted breakfast and when we said “yes” he said “well none of the other people going to gig are having breakfast here” and totally put us off. As it turns out, in the end, we wouldn’t have had time for breakfast anyway but that’s besides the point.

Once we were settled at the hotel, we went to the Murrayfield bar for lunch- I seriously recommend the veggie burgers from there. Very tasty indeed. As we were sitting there, the video for “Summer of ‘69” came on the tv which got me even more excited that I already was.

After that, Di and Kat went back to the hotel to get some waterproof clothes (it was really raining by then) while Kev and I wandered down to the stadium. Good job really- the Police and traffic wardens were prowling around, towing peoples cars. Kev had to go move his car so I stood in the queue and was lucky enough to get a number on my hand (the unofficial queuing system which is a great idea). I ended up being number 113.

Kev came back and went up to the front of the queue to speak to someone. I ended up meeting a couple of folk (Chels and Hels) from the Bryan Adams web board I’ve been frequenting for a few years. Great to finally meet them in person. I bumped into Mark as well, one of my neighbours who’s just moved away.

Di, Kat, Kev and I all started queuing at around 3.30pm, expecting the gates to open at 4pm, at their scheduled time but oh no! Security seemed to have messed up and kept telling us there were technical difficulties. In the end, we got into the stadium at 5pm (by which time, it was pouring and I think everyone was loosing the will to live).

Finally, we got in, though the turnstiles and each got a blue wristband for the gold area at the front. Following that, we had a quick sprint across the pitch at Murrayfield and managed to get a spot in front of Bryan’s mic, 3 rows back.

The first support act were a band called “Cueball 8”, a ska band. Now that’s not my usual kind of music but they weren’t bad. The lead singer did some random dancing (which was quite disturbing) and they had 2 gigantic puppets at the front of the stage which were quite amusing.

The next support act were a band called “Mostly Autumn”, a Celtic rock band. They were really good but apparently the lead singer forgot to finish getting dressed before she came on stage. She could sing and the band were good but they seemed to go on forever. It kept raining and everyone’s spirits were really row. Many people considered leaving, purely because they were so cold and wet.

Bryan came on just after 8.20pm and everyone’s mood improved.

We could see Bryan and the gang on the screen and they we say him climbing uo on stage. Turns out, he was using the B-stage and the opening chords of “There Will Never Be Another Tonight” started.

The gig was rocking. Following that, “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” was performed on the B-stage, then Bryan played “Please Forgive Me” all by himself, as the band were making their way back onto the mainstage. Then came “Best of Me” were Bryan ran along the front of the crowd, giving high fives. About 5 feet away from me, he climbed on the barrier and leant right into the crowd. Amazing!

At some point around here, Bryan thanked everyone for sticking it out in the rain (he later said it was the largest crowd he’s ever played to in Edinburgh).

“Kids Wanna Rock” was totally amazing, as per usual with Keith on his Flying-V guitar. Great solo’s there! Mickey was just fab as well!

“Back To You” was great as well- I really love Gary’s guitar part- it’s so beautiful. I’ve never been that close to the front before and hadn’t taken part in the “back to you bounce”- well, I did last night. So much fun (and it made me feel warmer….I was worried that hypothermia might be setting in!)

After this, Bryan picked up his green Gretcsh guitar. I knew it was time for “Summer of ‘69”. The crowd went totally nuts- it was awesome to be in amongst that. Much dancing was done to that song and the guys on stage were amazing. Bryan ran from one side of the stage and Keith came from the other, high-fiving in the middle. I really love that song and it got the whole crowd going. I just wish Norm would have smiled.

Again, “It’s Only Love” was superb, with the guitar maestro Keith doing his thing (playing his guitar behind his head, working the crowd then throwing his guitar around his body. This man rocks!

There was more B-stage action later in the show as well- “There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’” (AC/DC cover), “Seven Nights To Rock”, “She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’” (where girls were dragged on stage for a dance contest).

I really didn’t think he would do the B-stage again, owning to the pouring rain but Bryan said if we were standing getting wet, then he should stand outside getting wet as well. At this point, most of the crowd moved to the B-stage so there was plenty room for everyone to dance in the rest of the stadium.

He ended the show with “Straight From The Heart” and “All For Love”- both beautiful ballads.

Despite the weather, it was one of the best shows I’ve been to because I got 3rd row, I got a number on my hand, I met new people and I had a blast, dancing away to the awesome rock concert. Sure I was soaked and I’ve bruised the inside of my right hand with clapping too much, but it was the best thing I’ve ever seen!

Seriously, go see this man live!
Setlist:
***b-stage***
There Will Never Be Another Tonight
Can’t Stop This Thing We Started
Please Forgive Me
The Best Of Me
***b-stage***
Somebody
Kids Wanna Rock
Open Road
18 Til I Die
Let’s Make A Night To Remember
Back To You
Summer Of ’69
Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?
Everything I Do
Cuts Like A Knife
When You’re Gone
It’s Only Love
Heaven
The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You
Cloud #9
Run To You
***b-stage***
There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’
Seven Nights To Rock
She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’
Straight From The Heart
All For Love
***b-stage***