December 8th, 2024, is a date that’s going to be etched in my memory for a long time. After years of playing his songs on repeat, I finally got to witness Bryan Adams live in Kolkata—and the experience was every bit as magical as I’d hoped.

The evening started with a sense of anticipation that only a true fan can understand. Andrea and I made our way to Aquatica, and joining us all the way from Chennai was my business partner, Elvina Carr. There’s something about sharing music you love with people you care about—it intensifies every note, every lyric, every emotion.

From the moment Bryan Adams stepped onto the stage, the energy in the crowd was electric. He launched straight into a setlist packed with classics—“Summer of ‘69”, “Heaven”, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, and so many more. Each song seemed to unlock a different memory, a different feeling. I’ll admit it: there were moments when I felt a lump in my throat, surrounded by thousands of voices singing in unison to songs that have soundtracked so many chapters of my life.

The production was simple, letting the music and Adams’ unmistakable voice do the heavy lifting. It was raw, honest, and incredibly moving. Andrea and I exchanged glances more than once, both of us grinning like teenagers at our first gig. Elvina, despite having flown in that very afternoon, matched our excitement beat for beat.

Of course, no story about a concert at Aquatica is complete without mentioning the post-show exodus. Getting out of the venue was, as always, a bit of a hassle—a slow shuffle out into the Kolkata night, surrounded by a sea of equally elated (and slightly exhausted) fans. But honestly, after an evening like that, even the chaos felt like part of the adventure.

And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, as we stood waiting for our ride, Bryan Adams’ car rolled right past us—he was barely three feet away, right in front of us! For a split second, it felt like the universe had conspired to give us one final, unforgettable moment.

I left with my voice hoarse, my heart full, and a renewed appreciation for the power of live music. Bryan Adams didn’t just perform; he reminded us why his songs have endured for decades. For one night, we were all teenagers again, belting out anthems under the open sky, and I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.