www.18tilidie.co.uk


		01/06/06 - GALPHARM STADIUM, HUDDERSFIELD Review by Steven Stanley: So... another UK tour. I was in Victoria, BC seeing Bryan when this show was announced in January, it surprised me to see him playing here again to say the least. The last major show held in this stadium was Bon Jovi in 2001 which was awesome... so, Bryan returns to the 'McAlpine' (or the 'Galpharm' as its now known) after 10 years since the show in July '96. Bryan's popularity has dwindled since then but this was still a great show. After all the buildup before this gig, it did pass without a hitch. I didn't bother queuing to get in for numorous reasons but it was a good show nonetheless. Merchandise stands were full of new t-shirt designs and a new programme to boot. I met up with Nat, and Rich off the board and we got to the front anyway so all was good. It was great weather for the show as well. The support acts weren't bad I guess.... seen better seen worse. Local band called 'Smooth' kicked things off followed by Beverely Knight who has an amazing voice on her. Bryan came on just before 9pm and started with a bluesy harmonica intro that led into the lead song 'So Far So Good'..... including the lyrics..."we'll get out of Huddersfield and soak up the sunshine". 'Lonely Nights' was pretty damn special as always... phoned up Adrian for that one (wasn't the same without you or Karl mate)! Best song of the night atmosphere wise was 'Back To You'... we got the bounce goin' on our side again til everyone we could see was doin' the same... Bryan came to our side as well hehe, thats always good. '69 was played with the Gretsch like in Canada, but this time the intro went on forever... just like the old days... was awesome. 'She's Only Happy..' was great to see (although gimme 'Kids Wanna Rock' anyday) and Keith did his usual dance during the song which was very funny. Before his next song Bryan got out his Orange Gretsch again and said "this is the meanest sounding guitar I have... wanna hear it?".... then proceeded to blast into 'Hearts On Fire'. 'It's Only Love' was different with Beverley Knight dueting with Bryan.... she's a great singer.... however showcasing her singing abilities cut-out the highlight of the show for me.... Keith's solo wasn't there :( Sickener. From then on it was the usual stuff to end the show. Didn't bother going to meet the band and was home within the hour... although I did start a mini BA party at the traffic lights with my music blasting out lol with a live bootleg. People stopped walking and started rockin' out lol it was awesome! Setlist: blues harmonica intro So Far So Good Somebody This Time Lonely Nights Open Road 18 Til I Die Let's Make A Night To Remember Can't Stop This Thing We Started Back To You Summer Of '69 Everything I Do Cut's Like A Knife When You're Gone (with Suzanne from Huddersfield) She's Only Happy When She's Dancin' Hearts On Fire Heaven It's Only Love (with Beverley Knight) The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You Cloud #9 Run To You Please Forgive Me Straight From The Heart All For Love ********** Review by 'The Huddersfield Daily Examiner': 'Give my love to Meltham! "HAVE a great summer!" he yelled at the end of a two-hour set. And by the time Bryan Adams said goodnight with those words, 12,000 people already had. The Canadian rocker made certain that another rock spectacular at the Galpharm lived up to expectations. Adams - making a triumphant return to the venue he first played a decade ago - stunned the audience with a playlist spanning 25 years of life at the top of the rock tree. And he had the crowd eating out of his hand from the word go, when he told them his mother had been born in Meltham. "Give my love to Meltham!" was another parting shot. The man who made it possible, Stadium managing director Ralph Rimmer, had a smile as wide as the main stand. "It's sensational. This is what the town wants, it's what West Yorkshire wants, and we are going to bring the best here. "I love putting on sports events, international events and especially music events and we are determined to do something every year. "This was an important one for us and it has been brilliant. "We are already looking ahead to see who we can bring here next year. Our reputation is growing and the promoters and the performers all know we will deliver. "But we need the people to come here as they have tonight." Town manager Peter Jackson was among the many enjoying the concert, along with the owner of both Town and Huddersfield Giants, Ken Davy, all smiles in the directors' box. But down on the pitch, beneath the huge stage, it was the fans who made the most of the night. Denise Armitage, of Kirkburton, said: "It was fantastic. "I have had a great night. It was the first time I have seen Bryan Adams and I thought he was brilliant." Sisters Louise, Theresa and Sally Moran, of Slaithwaite and Scapegoat Hill, are Adams devotees. They've seen the denim-clad Canadian rocker at least five times and marvelled at another stunning show. "It was a fabulous night," said Theresa. "The only gripe is he should have carried on longer. Kirklees Council insisted on an 11pm shutdown and I know Bryan would have loved to play on. "He was loving every minute of the show." Lisa Buckley, of Newsome, was at her first Adams concert and admitted: "It was fantastic." And John Thomson, of Waterloo, added: "It just shows what a great night we can put on in Huddersfield. "Every concert we've had at the stadium has been great." And as the clean-up got under way beneath the glare of the Galpharm lights, and the Adams' Army of fans headed back to their cars and coaches, the message to Stadium officials was definitely: "We want more!" ********** Review by 'The Huddersfield Daily Examiner': Suzanne sings live on stage with Bryan during concert SHE was the envy of thousands of rock fans. And today, nursery nurse Suzanne Patient was coming to terms with her fame in more down to earth surroundings. She was surrounded by excited toddlers at Stepping Stones Nursery in Linthwaite, where she works. Suzanne, 21, of Cowlersley, was picked to climb on stage with Canadian rock star Bryan Adams last night in a packed Galpharm Stadium. And she showed no nerves as she duetted with Adams on When You're Gone, the hit song he performed with former Spice Girl Mel C. Suzanne said today: "It was fabulous but such a shock he picked me. "I had gone to the concert with my mum Sue, sister Donna, 25, and boyfriend Andy, 21, and it's my mum who is the big fan. "She has seen Bryan Adams eight or nine times but last night was the first time I have seen him. "We were trying to get my mum up on the stage when Adams asked for volunteers but she was having none of it. "Then they picked me and it was amazing. I listen to the songs at home so In knew the words and I couldn't believe the reception I got." ********** Review by 'The Huddersfield Daily Examiner': Gavin gets a 'brilliant' night THOUSANDS of Bryan Adams fans witnessed an electrifying performance. The gravelly-voiced Canadian rocker performed a two-hour set, cramming in as much material from his long music career as possible. He was undoubtedly a hit - but the evening had got off to a great start with a set from up-and-coming Huddersfield band Smooth. The trio, headed by 20-year-old singer Gavin Ellis, performed well at their biggest concert to date. Gavin was joined onstage by band mates Matt Coates on bass guitar, and drummer Danny Fletcher. They performed their own rock-inspired material with enthusiasm, with Gavin particularly cutting a strong presence with his mature vocals. Soul diva Beverley Knight was the special guest on the evening's bill. Beverley wowed the crowd with her stunning vocals and charismatic stage presence. Fans danced and sang along when she performed her more recognisable hits Shoulda Woulda Coulda and Piece Of My Heart. Beverley's set was impressive, and she really got the crowd in the mood for the main event. Bryan launched into his performance with gusto and an infectious grin on his face that didn't fade all evening. The crowd went wild when Bryan opened with his number So Far So Good and were enraptured from that point. He continued his set with one of his more recent singles Open Road and upbeat crowd pleasers Eighteen Till I Die and Let's Make a Night to Remember. There were cheers when Bryan mentioned his local connections and dedicated a song to his mum who was born in Meltham. People went mad when they heard the opening chords of Bryan's massive hit Summer Of `69, jumping up and down and waving their hands in the air as they sang along. Bryan performed his number one hit (Everything I Do) I Do It For You surprisingly early on in the evening. Nevertheless the crowd got swept up in the lyrics and there were lots of couples hugging and dancing to it. Up-tempo tune Run to You was another favourite with the crowd, and Bryan responded by bounding across the stage. Bryan proved that all he needed was an acoustic guitar to hold the crowd in the palm of his hand as the evening drew to a close. In the final section of the show he sang the beautiful Please Forgive Me and played his harmonica as accompaniment to Straight From The Heart. He teased the crowd by looking at his watch, signalling it was time to go, and when people continued to cheer, he launched into his final song All For Love. Clearly impressed by his fans' support, Bryan said: "Thank you for such as fantastic reception, give my love to Meltham - I'll see you soon!" Bryan gave a faultless performance, which was hugely entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed by people of all ages. The atmosphere on the pitch with everyone singing, dancing and waving their hands (and plastic guitars) in the air was amazing. One fan said: "All you need to say is it was brilliant." You couldn't argue with that. **********

	Ž 2006 18 Til I Die.co.uk. All rights reserved. Web site comments to admin@18tilidie.co.uk