Unforgettable Day, Incredible Celebrity: 19th Feb,2011 and Bryan Adams "Live in Kathmandu"

"Incredible" Adams told the crowd which responded with a huge roar. "I want to show the world what Nepal looks like," he said asking his fans to light up their mobile phones as he captured the scene with his camera; the view from the parapet looked like a constellation in the sky.

The power-packed two-hour performance was a surprise for the audience as they were only promised 90 minutes. More still, the opening act was unexpected. As the mass waited to sing along to a popular Adams tune, he instead rocked the venue with Bob Segar's Kathmandu. It was the perfect choice.

After that the crowd was showered with hit after Adams hit. With the rocker dressed in black and hair neatly combed running from one end of the stage to the other, his Nepali fans went hysterical.

One major highlight was in fact Summer of '69 from his fourth studio album "Reckless" released in 1984. Even before the song ended, there was non-stop synchronization of "Once more" as Adams smiled and stared at the sea of people. Suddenly in his trademark husky voice, he started, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. Under the star-lit night, the power ballad from the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves serenaded the audience as their hands swayed in the air with lit-up mobile phones creating a twinkling effect.

The Adams menu kept the crowd completely engaged without a moment of silence. From an acoustic version of Straight From the Heart to the use of mouth harmonica in I'm Ready, and solid rock star acts in 18 till I Die, Cloud # 9, Back to You, and The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You, Adams delivered a world-class concert.

Before the event, skeptics voiced fears of security and even a possible stampede, but Adams proved them wrong—from entry to exit, the crowd behaved its best; they shared a common bond for Adam's music and more than that a first-time international musical experience. The Canadian too seemed impressed.

"We became friends tonight," he said adding he had never thought he'd be performing in Nepal while writing or composing the songs he sang Saturday night.

Despite some loathing him or the hype surrounding him, Adams is testament that Nepal is ready to open its musical floor. The concert is an invitation to other international acts.

"We're proud to be the first international band to be playing in Nepal," Adams said. "I hope the world opens up for you for more music."


--

Regards;
VK Pandey