There’s arguably no better way to celebrate a 40+ year career than with a worldwide arena tour, and the one Bryan Adams has embarked on is aptly named: So Happy it Hurts, sharing its title with the album he released last year. Making and playing music after all this time is certainly something to be overjoyed about. Now trekking through Canada before taking the show across the Atlantic, Adams and supporting act Joan Jett stopped through Phoenix to remind the fans of the mark they made on music. And if the thousands who packed Footprint Center give any indication, that legacy will endure.
We got all the hits (“Somebody,” “Heaven,” “Cuts Like a Knife) and plenty of the newer tracks (set opener “Kiss Ass,” “I’ve Been Looking for You”) plus a cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You” and a dedication of “It’s Only Love” to the late Tina Turner. Fans sang along, took respectfully short video clips, and generally just watched the stage with wide smiles, no doubt remembering the days these songs soundtracked. And of course, hearing “Summer of ’69” in the summer of ’23 was a can’t-miss occasion.
Check out our favorite photos of the show, and stream So Happy it Hurts wherever you listen to music!
Story and photos by Taylor Knauf





