Behind the wheel with… Bryan Adams
With decades of touring under his belt, the Canadian singer-songwriter has travel tales for days. Here he shares his most memorable trips, including taking a taxi right up to the stage in Nepal and a Final Destination-style moment with a Winnebago
17/04/2025
Words: Danny Scott
Favourite road trip destination?
Asking me about favourite road trips is like asking a bookworm for their favourite book. Every journey has its own unique story. Very early on, I decided I would try and play as many places as possible in the world that I could. As a result, we were the first band to do big shows in India, Portugal, Vietnam and probably a few more Eastern Bloc countries. A favourite? Playing India has always been fun and, when we played there the first time in the early 1990s, it was absolutely mesmerising. Everyone came in their traditional costumes and saris. The audience was a sea of colour.
The Taj Mahal, India (Annie Spratt); rafting on Jamaica’s Blue Lagoon
Top of your road trip bucket list?
I found myself in Jamaica in the mid-1990s and it was the change I didn’t know I needed. A truly magical experience. I went for two weeks and ended up recording two albums there... returning on and off for about four years. I absolutely love the Caribbean way of life, and Jamaica has truly got my heart.
Ultimate travel song?
I love driving to the American band, The Doors. There are a couple of songs by them – ‘LA Woman’ or ‘Riders on The Storm’ – that really remind me of travelling across Canada. Especially if it’s raining, which it frequently is in Vancouver.
Most dramatic road trip story?
I remember a road trip with my bar band in the 1970s, with all of us packed into a Winnebago (above). Somebody had put a very large, very heavy speaker in one of the cabinets above the kitchenette and I was sitting right in front of it. Suddenly, we hit black ice and, as the Winnebago started to lose control, I put my head down in what you would call the brace position. Right at that moment, the speaker burst out of the cabinet, went whizzing past my head and smashed through the window on to the road. I sometimes think about that moment and wonder if, had I not moved, it would have been the end of me.
Your three packing essentials?
No, the guitar doesn’t go everywhere with me, but I like to be somewhere that I know will give me access to a guitar. Top three things in my bag: a shaving kit, change of clothes and a small bottle of Tajin, which is a mix of sea salt and lime. I put lemon and salt on most things, so it’s handy to have when I can’t find real lemon or real sea salt.
A classic Land Rover model (Jorgen Hendriksen); a beach in Sharm El Sheik
What’s your dream car and where are you driving it?
The only cars I own are classic Land Rover models. I bought my first one on the streets of London in the 1980s for £500 and completely refurbished it. They really are the most fun car to drive. I know a lot of people would say, “Why don’t you have this car and that car?” Not for me. There is something about sitting upright in the Land Rover in London that just can’t be beaten. And the crazy thing is that they don’t even make them anymore! Such a shame.
Do you think you’re a good traveller?
I suppose I’m OK as a traveller and a driver. Sometimes when I’m travelling, people make such a fuss and I don’t really like being mollycoddled. As long as the food’s good, I’m happy. In fact, I go with the premise that anywhere the Romans went is all right with me.
Craziest travel experience to date?
I was playing a show in Nepal (above) – which is wonderful – and three taxis came to take me and the band to the venue. I got in the first one, but the other two drivers didn’t know where the show was and didn’t follow the first car. It was getting close to show time and still no band. Suddenly, the security guys swung open the main gates and two taxis made their way through the crowd to the front of the stage. It was like something out of a film!
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere that’s warm. I’m done with being cold. I’ve been on several ski trips in the last few years, and I spent the whole time thinking about the beach. And that’s another thing... being Canadian, I used to love skiing but now I’m petrified because so many of my friends have been hurt. So it would be somewhere warm, swimming in the ocean and eating yummy vegan food.
An ornate doorway in Marrakech (Macia Serrano); Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains beyond (Mari Potter)
What is the most memorable vacation destination from your youth?
When I was about 11, my parents took me to Sharm El Sheikh. It was the first time I ever tried snorkelling... hanging out with all the sharks and fish. I’ve never been back, but I know it’s not the same as it was back then – no hotels, just some basic buildings. It was quite barren. There was a place called Coral Island and on top of it were ruins from Crusader times. Perfect for a young kid to explore.
Are there any other destinations you would like to revisit for nostalgic reasons?
I’d love to see more of Africa someday... especially the north. Can’t believe that I’ve never been to Morocco, a country with such an amazing musical heritage. Maybe that could be next holiday!
Following acoustic shows in Inverness on 25 April, Bryan Adams will be touring the UK from 8 May
