The First Time Bryan Adams Played “Run To You” Live — And The Power Cut Out Mid-Chorus

April 2, 2025

The summer of 1984 was filled with bright lights and excitement for Bryan Adams. He had just released his album “Reckless,” and one of the standout tracks, “Run to You,” was climbing the charts, becoming a fan favorite. As he prepared for his concert in front of thousands of energized fans, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The crowd was ready to sing along, and Bryan could feel the electric energy pulsing through the air. This was not just a concert; it was a celebration of his hard work and passion for music.

As Bryan stepped onto the stage, the cheers of the audience washed over him like a wave. With his guitar slung over his shoulder, he took a moment to soak it all in. Then, he strummed the familiar chords of “Run to You,” and the audience erupted with enthusiasm. The beat kicked in, and his voice soared, capturing the essence of longing and love that the song conveyed. He felt alive, a sense of connection with the audience that every musician dreams of. It was a moment he would never forget.

But then, just as he reached the chorus, disaster struck. The lights flickered, and suddenly, everything went dark. The power had cut out. A moment of stunned silence fell over the crowd, and Bryan, caught off guard, stood there in disbelief. Heart racing, he looked into the faces of his fans, who were equally shocked. The music had stopped, and the words he had poured his heart into hung in the air, unfinished.

Instead of panicking, Bryan took a deep breath. He looked at the audience and then back at his band—who were just as bewildered. In that split second, he made a choice. He turned back to the microphone and, with his voice alone, began to sing the chorus again, this time without the music. The crowd quickly caught on and joined in, their voices rising and blending together in a powerful chorus that echoed through the darkened venue. What had initially felt like a disaster transformed into a spontaneous moment of unity and strength, proving that music could connect people in extraordinary ways, even in the face of adversity.

When the power finally returned, the cheers of the audience were deafening. Bryan smiled, feeling a renewed energy as the band jumped back in, and they finished the song together. This unexpected moment became one of the highlights of his career. It showed him that the real magic of music wasn’t just in the perfect performance or the lights, but in the shared experiences between him and his fans.

This concert marked a turning point for Bryan Adams, not just as a musician, but as a performer. He learned that every setback could lead to something beautiful and that resilience was an essential part of his journey. From that day forward, he embraced the unpredictable nature of live performances, understanding that true artistry shines through in the most unexpected moments. Adams would go on to achieve tremendous success, but the lesson he took away from that night remained with him: it is not about how perfect the show is, but how deeply the music connects people.