Bryan Adams Brings Back Memories

Wednesday, July 29th at Toyota Center feels like a full-circle moment, because hearing Bryan Adams’ name instantly takes me back to one of my very first big “I bought this myself” moments. I can still picture my boombox blasting while I laid out on the front lawn, fully committed to my tanning era, probably convinced I looked effortlessly cool when in reality I was just a shy kid trying way too hard. The sun was shining, the music was loud, and then, the neighborhood boys would ride by on their bikes, yelling who-knows-what, turning my peaceful concert into a nightmare. I’d try to pretend I didn’t hear them, staring extra hard at the sky like I was unbothered, but inside I was absolutely dying. Eventually, retreating to the backyard felt like the only option, dragging my boombox with me like a defeated rock star relocating venues mid-tour. But even back there, away from the teasing, the music still hit the same, loud, freeing, and totally mine.
It’s funny how something as simple as a cassette tape and a sunny afternoon can stick with you like that. Now, years later, the idea of seeing Bryan Adams live in Houston doesn’t just feel like a concert, it feels like revisiting that awkward, funny, sweet version of myself… just hopefully with a lot more confidence and no bike-riding critics in sight.
Lana Backman