Bryan Adams returned to Vancouver on Friday night as part of his Roll With the Punches Tour, marking a significant milestone for both the artist and the venue. The concert took place at Rogers Arena, which opened 30 years ago with Adams as the inaugural performer. During the show, Vancouver Canucks forward Evander Kane joined Adams on stage to unveil a banner celebrating this anniversary. Kane noted that he was just four years old when Adams first performed there.

Adams, who has lived in the U.K. for many years, still embodies the spirit of his North Vancouver roots. With his 97-year-old mother in attendance, he looked at the banner and said, "I’m speechless."

The concert featured a mix of classic hits and new material, showcasing Adams' latest album, Roll With the Punches. The show opened with a solo acoustic rendition of "Straight From the Heart" and included 29 songs, blending past favorites with fresh tracks. Fans enjoyed a lively atmosphere, singing along to hits like "18 Til I Die," "Somebody," and "Take Me Back."

Adams' band, featuring drummer Pat Steward, keyboardist Gary Breit, and lead guitarist Keith Scott, delivered a high-energy performance. Scott's guitar work, particularly during the duet "It’s Only Love," was highlighted as exceptional. Adams also took on bass duties for several songs, including the new single "A Little More Understanding," which received enthusiastic responses from the audience.

The concert was not without humor. Adams joked about the outdated YouTube video for his song "This Time," asking the audience not to laugh at his hairstyle from the 90s. He also performed faster versions of his well-known ballads, including "Heaven" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You."

The setlist included a variety of songs, with Adams mixing in different tracks each night, such as "Vancouver Bound" during this performance. Fans left the arena with the catchy refrains of "Summer of ’69" and "Cuts Like a Knife" resonating in their minds.

Opening for Adams was Saskatoon’s The Sheepdogs, who brought a Southern rock vibe to the evening. Their energetic performance, while reminiscent of the 1970s, set a joyful tone for the night.

Overall, Adams demonstrated his enduring appeal as a performer, engaging the audience with a blend of nostalgia and new music.