Bryan Adams, a name synonymous with rock anthems and timeless hits, holds a special place in music history. Among his many iconic songs, ‘Summer of ’69’ stands out as a quintessential soundtrack to countless summers. But beyond the music, there’s a fascinating story involving one of his most prized possessions: his guitar. This isn’t just any guitar; it’s the very instrument that contributed to the magic of ‘Summer of ’69’ and other hits from his ‘Reckless’ era. The tale of how Bryan Adams parted ways with this guitar, only for it to return to him years later, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the enduring power of music memorabilia. This article dives deep into that story, exploring the highs and lows of Adams’ journey with his beloved Les Paul.
The Reckless Era: Forging a Sound with a Les Paul
The mid-1980s marked a pivotal moment in Bryan Adams’ career with the release of ‘Reckless.’ This album not only catapulted him to international stardom but also defined his signature sound. Among the guitars that played a crucial role during this era was a 1980s Gibson Les Paul, a workhorse that contributed to hits like ‘Run to You,’ ‘Somebody,’ ‘Heaven,’ and, most notably, ‘Summer of ’69.’ In a recent interview with Guitar World, Adams reminisced about the guitars he used during the ‘Reckless’ sessions. ‘I have a 1960 [Fender] Stratocaster, which was the guitar – well, pretty much. There were two guitars on ‘Reckless’,’ he explained. ‘One was that Stratocaster, and then, I have a 1980s [Gibson] Les Paul that’s stock off the shelf.’
These two guitars, the Stratocaster and the Les Paul, became integral to Adams’ sound, each bringing its unique flavor to the tracks that would soon dominate airwaves and concert halls worldwide. The Les Paul, in particular, stood out for its powerful tone and sustain, making it a favorite for live performances and studio recordings alike.
The Guitar’s Departure: A Regretful Sale
Despite its significance, Adams made a decision in the late ’80s that he would later come to regret. As his musical tastes evolved, he found himself gravitating towards other instruments, particularly his ES-295. This shift in preference led him to believe that the Les Paul no longer had a place in his arsenal. ‘Those two guitars are really cool. And the interesting thing about the Les Paul is that around the end of the ’80s I sold it. I thought, ‘I’m never going to use this… I mostly use Strats.’ And I also started to fall in love with my ES-295, and I just didn’t play the Les Paul anymore. So, I sold it.’
With a sense of finality, Adams sold the Les Paul, unaware of the void it would leave in his musical journey. It wasn’t until the advent of the internet that he began to realize the magnitude of his decision.
The Internet’s Revelation: Seeing the Past
The rise of the internet brought with it a wave of nostalgia, as fans and enthusiasts began sharing photos and videos from Adams’ past performances. It was during this time that Adams stumbled upon images of himself playing the very Les Paul he had sold years prior. ‘Fast forward a couple of years, and the regret started to sink in: ‘The Internet started coming about and I started seeing pictures of myself playing that Les Paul live,’ he laughs. ‘I thought, ‘Shit, I think I sold that…’ and sure enough, I had sold it. It was gone. I had no idea where it was.’
Seeing these images rekindled a sense of longing for the guitar, as Adams realized the irreplaceable role it had played in his career. The regret of selling it began to weigh heavily on his mind, and he yearned for a chance to reclaim what he had lost.
A Serendipitous Reunion: Buying Back the Past
Fate intervened in 2005 when a chance encounter at a record store signing presented Adams with an opportunity to right his past wrong. A fan approached him with a proposition that seemed too good to be true. ‘I was signing records, and this guy comes up, and I’m thinking, ‘Oh, he wants me to sign his guitar.’ He said, ‘Hey, I bought your Les Paul years ago. I’m really in hard times, would you like to buy the guitar back?’
Without hesitation, Adams seized the opportunity to reclaim his long-lost Les Paul. ‘I was like, ‘Oh, yeah!’ So, we did the deal right then and there, and it had taken a bit of a beating since I’d had it, but the best thing about getting that guitar back was that I re-recorded Summer of ’69 with it!’ The reunion was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the enduring bond between a musician and their instrument.
The Enduring Legacy: Re-recording Summer of ’69
The return of the Les Paul marked a full-circle moment for Adams, as he celebrated the reunion by re-recording his iconic hit, ‘Summer of ’69.’ This act not only paid homage to the guitar’s significance but also breathed new life into a song that had already captured the hearts of millions. The Les Paul’s legacy extends beyond its role in Adams’ career, symbolizing the power of nostalgia and the enduring connection between music and memory. As Adams himself stated, he considers Bruce Springsteen the “only person I can think of who did a version of Summer of ’69, and did it justice.”
Conclusion: Lessons from a Lost and Found Guitar
The story of Bryan Adams and his Summer of ’69 guitar serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the enduring power of music memorabilia. It’s a tale of regret, reconnection, and the realization that sometimes, the things we thought we could live without are the very things that define us. The Les Paul’s journey from Adams’ hands to a stranger’s and back again is a testament to the sentimental value that instruments can hold, representing not just musical tools but also tangible pieces of history. This guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s a symbol of Adams’ journey, encapsulating a pivotal chapter in his career and the enduring legacy of ‘Summer of ’69’. As fans continue to strum along to this timeless anthem, the story of the Les Paul serves as a reminder that some things, like great music, only get better with time.
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