Cuddly Canadian

Bryan Adams made eyes water at See-Rock

After golden throats James Blunt, Sunrise Avenue and Klimmstein from Graz had graced the Schwarzl Leisure Center in Styria on Wednesday, it was time for one of the highlights of this year's See-Rock Festival on Thursday evening: Bryan Adams, cuddly rock master from Canada, gave an estimated 8,000 spectators - including soccer champions Sturm Graz and their colleagues from Kapfenberg - their very own "Summer Of '69" in tropical weather.

While the "Eagles" concert was mainly attended by older people in reclaimed leather jackets, there were very few "old rockers" in Unterpremstätten near Graz on Thursday. It was mostly excited groups of ladies and young to middle-aged couples who had gathered at the festival site.

Hit parade around "Everything I Do"
They really didn't come for nothing. Bryan Adams and his band left nothing to be desired, playing pretty much everything the screaming audience had expected. It's unbelievable how many hits the man has in his repertoire... "Only Thing", "Run To You", "Cloud Number Nine", "Please Forgive Me", "Back To You" - and you name it. The highlights were, of course, "Everything I Do" from the "Robin Hood" soundtrack and the perfectly timed "Summer Of '69", albeit accompanied by slight technical difficulties.

Of course, if you're not in love or don't like cuddly songs, you might find Adams and his band a little difficult to get to grips with at first. However, the natural and likeable Canadian, who is already 51 years old, quickly converts you - and even seasoned Styrians had to wipe a tear or two from their eyes. Adams is authentic, doesn't pretend to the audience - and that comes across.

German blonde cuddled Adams on stage
The evening was definitely worth it when he asked a young German woman (jokingly booed by the audience, but later applauded) on stage to sing a duet with him for "When You're Gone" - Daniela's microphone was turned up all the way, despite her vocal disadvantages... Adams winked: "Well, that was painful" - but the pretty blonde was still allowed to hug and kiss him several times.

The encore "Straight From The Heart" - with just Adams and his guitar on stage - served as a fitting finale. Thursday proved once again that you can give people goosebumps and wet eyes without technical gimmicks, elaborate background videos or a 20-piece band.