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Minggu, 27 September 2009

Toto








Toto was an American rock band founded in 1977 by some of the most popular and experienced session musicians of the era. The band enjoyed great commercial success in the 1980s, beginning with the band's self-titled debut, released during 1978. Continuing with 1982's critically acclaimed and commercially successful Toto IV, Toto became one of the best selling music groups of their era. They are known for such hit singles as "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", "Africa", and "Stranger in Town". Although their popularity in the United States diminished in the 1990s and 2000s, they continued to tour and sold out arenas, clubs, and theaters internationally.

Toto was known for their technical skill in the studio, as well as a musical style that combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard rock, R&B, and jazz. Although they were regularly associated with the soft rock genre, this broad array of musical styles helped them appeal to a variety of musicians and non-musician listeners.

The band released 17 albums and have sold over 30 million records to date. Their 18th album Falling In Between Live, was released in August 2007. It was recorded in March 2007 in Paris. As a result of guitarist Steve Lukather's departure from the band, which he agreed with the other members, Toto broke up after the last leg of their 2008 tour.

Background information
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres Rock, pop rock, hard rock
Years active 1977 – 2008
Labels Sony BMG, Columbia, Frontiers, Toto Recordings Inc.

Biography

[edit] Formation

1982 in London (Porcaro S, John Smith, Kimball, Lukather, Lenny Castro, Porcaro J)

Toto formed as a group of six studio musicians in 1977. Before the band formed, the members of Toto were regulars on albums by Steely Dan,[1] Seals and Crofts,[2] Boz Scaggs,[3] Sonny and Cher,[4] and many others, contributing to many of the most popular records of the 1970s. Keyboardist David Paich, son of famed musician and sessions player/arranger Marty Paich, rose to fame after having co-written Boz Scaggs' Silk Degrees album. Having played on many sessions with drummer Jeff Porcaro (the son of noted session percussionist Joe Porcaro whom he'd met while attending Grant High School in North Hollywood, California where they'd formed the band Rural Still Life), the two began to seriously discuss the possibility of forming their own band. They brought in bassist and fellow session vet David Hungate, having played with him on the road with Boz Scaggs. In addition, the duo asked guitarist Steve Lukather (who had also played in Scaggs' band as a replacement for Les Dudek) and Jeff Porcaro's brother Steve Porcaro (keyboards) to join the team. Luke and Steve Porcaro had also attended Grant High and had in fact continued the band Rural Still Life (the name shortened to Still Life) after Paich & Jeff had graduated. With the addition of former S.S. Fools singer Bobby Kimball, the group began to work on their first album in 1977 after signing with Columbia Records.

[edit] Band name and the debut album

Once all of the songs were written, the band came together in the studio to record the album. According to popular myth, in order to distinguish their own demo tapes from other bands' in the studio, Jeff Porcaro wrote the word "Toto" on them. Although one popular rumor is that the name came from Bobby Kimball's "true" last name, 'Toteaux,' this rumor was in fact only a joke popularized by former bassist David Hungate.[5] After the completion of the first album, the band and record were still un-named. David Hungate, after viewing the name on the demo tapes, explained to the group that the word "Toto" in Latin translated to "all-encompassing". Because the band members had played on so many different records and many different musical genres, they adopted the name Toto as their own. The band's name may have elicited a few laughs when they first toured Japan, as TOTO is the name of Japan's largest toilet manufacturer[6]; the name "Toto" is also well-known as the name of Dorothy's dog in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz books and the famous 1939 film.

After its release, Toto hit the charts quickly, earning popularity with the hit single "Hold The Line", as well as the charting "I'll Supply the Love" and "Georgy Porgy". The band garnered international acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Shortly thereafter, in early 1979, Toto embarked on their first American tour in support of the debut album.[7] For the tour Toto brought along two additional musicians, Tom Kelly (guitar, backup vocals) and Lenny Castro (percussion), for a fuller sound. In fact, from the very first tour on, Toto would always carry additional players (See Tour Musicians below).

[edit] Hydra and Turn Back

Kimball and Lukather live in 2007

At the close of the tour, the band began work on their next album, entitled Hydra, which was released later that year. The album featured the single "99", inspired by George Lucas' cult film THX 1138,[8] which became one of the band's most popular songs. Despite its popularity, however, in 2007, Steve Lukather admitted that he hates "99" and that it's his least favorite Toto song, which is why it was no longer performed live.[9] Other songs from Hydra include "St George and the Dragon" and "All Us Boys". The band also released four promotional music videos for the album, including the title track, though the song was never released as a single. Although Hydra failed to achieve the commercial success of Toto's first release, it still went Gold. Following the album's release, the band began the "Hydra Tour" which featured both American and International dates. The tour lasted from February until June 1980.[7]

In early 1981, Toto released their third album Turn Back. The album was experimental[10] and featured much more guitar and less keyboards than their previous two records. Ultimately, Turn Back failed to earn the radio play or critical acclaim of either of the previous two records. The song "Goodbye Elenore" was the only official single released worldwide.[11] Because the release was a commercial disappointment, the band did very little touring to promote the record.

[edit] Toto IV

Mike Porcaro live

1982 marked the beginning of Toto's most successful era. After the poor sales of Turn Back, the band were under a great deal of pressure from their record company to produce a new smash record. With Toto IV, the band delivered one of the most commercially successful records of the 80s. The album featured three singles that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: "Rosanna"; "Africa"; and "I Won't Hold You Back". The album also made several worldwide charts, bringing the band to new audiences. "Africa" topped the charts in February 1983 and was a constant presence on radios across the globe, but it was "Rosanna" that earned the band multiple Grammy nominations. Toto IV was awarded 6 Grammy Awards, including "Record of the Year" for "Rosanna", "Album of the Year" for Toto IV, and "Producer of the Year". In the video for "Rosanna", a young Patrick Swayze can be seen as one of the dancers, and a young Cynthia Rhodes can be seen as the lead dancer. The song was named after Steve Porcaro's ex-girlfriend, actress Rosanna Arquette, but the song itself was not about her, according to writer David Paich.[12] In addition to "Africa" and "Rosanna", Toto IV gained even more success with the release of another single, "Make Believe". Toto toured throughout 1982 in support of Toto IV,[7] but near the end of the tour, Bobby Kimball broke his leg and was forced to perform seated behind a piano for the remaining shows.

[edit] Fergie Frederiksen and Isolation

Subsequent to the Toto IV release, bassist David Hungate left the band to spend more time with his family, having already relocated to Nashville by 1980 to pursue a sessions/production career there. Mike Porcaro replaced him on bass and appeared in all the music videos for Toto IV. Lead singer Bobby Kimball was fired in 1984 over personal problems between him and the band.[13] At one point, Richard Page of the band Mr. Mister was offered the lead singer spot, but turned it down to continue with his band. Fergie Frederiksen (formerly of Trillion and Louisiana's LeRoux) was brought in as the new lead singer after he was introduced to Jeff Porcaro, and the band recorded Isolation, released in November 1984. Although Bobby Kimball sang some portion of the record before leaving, the exact amount is unknown. David Paich says it was a third of the record,[14] Steve Lukather also says it was only 3 or 4 songs,[15] but Kimball says it was most of the album.[16]. However, some of Bobby Kimball's background vocals were left on the record. Although still a commercial success, Isolation did not achieve the acclaim of Toto IV and only went Gold. Furthermore, the album did not produce any major hit singles outside of "Stranger in Town". The "Isolation Tour" started in February 1985 and concluded three months later.[7]

[edit] Fahrenheit and The Seventh One

David Paich during a live concert

At the close of the Isolation tour, Fergie Frederiksen was let go. Lukather claimed that the band was not meshing well with Fergie because he had a difficult time recording with them in the studio.[17] The band had an audition for a new lead singer and Joseph Williams, son of famous film composer John Williams, was chosen in early 1986 from the individuals who auditioned.[18]

With Joseph Williams now on board officially, Toto wrote and recorded Fahrenheit, released in October 1986, which had already been started with Frederiksen handling lead vocals. The track "Could This Be Love" features Fergie on background vocals.

Fahrenheit showed the band moving back in a more pop direction and featured the hits "I'll Be Over You" and "Without Your Love", which were both sung by Lukather (since the first album, Paich, Lukather, and sometimes even Steve Porcaro, would sing lead vocals on some songs in addition to whoever their front man was). There was also an instrumental piece, "Don't Stop Me Now", performed with jazz great Miles Davis. Furthermore, a then-unknown Paula Abdul appeared as a dancer in their "Till the End" music video. In addition, one of the studio-singers heard on the song "I'll Be Over You" is Michael McDonald. As well, Eagles founder and song writing giant Don Henley offered background vocals on the haunting Steve Porcaro penned track "Lea". Despite its accolades however, the album was not received well compared to previous releases and failed to go Gold initially.[19] After its release, the band embarked on another world tour. Upon its conclusion in 1987, Steve Porcaro left the band to pursue a career in film and television scoring. The Fahrenheit album eventually went Gold on October 3, 1994. [20]

Steve Porcaro was never replaced, and Toto decided to continue with only five members. Although Porcaro occasionally assisted the band on synthesizers for their subsequent studio albums (and appeared on their 1988 tour), David Paich handled most of the live keyboard work (with keyboard tech John Jessel assisting on certain dates) post 1988. In 1988 Toto released their next album The Seventh One, featuring Jon Anderson of Yes on backup vocals on the single, "Stop Loving You." The record's other single, "Pamela" also became very popular and would be the band's last to hit the U.S. Top 40. The Seventh One became the band's most successful release since Toto IV, and according to David Paich, the record was supposed to be their comeback record, but personnel changes at the record company saw the album's promotion and advertising money pulled.[21] The band toured from February until July 1988.[7]

[edit] Past To Present and Jean-Michel Byron

Steve Lukather

Although "The Seventh One Tour" was very successful, after it was finished, the band decided to replace lead singer Joseph Williams. During the European leg of the tour, Joseph had lost his voice before many of the performances because of a combination of the flu, excessive partying and drug-use, prompting Toto to decide that a change needed to be made.[13] Originally, the band wanted to reunite with original vocalist Bobby Kimball to record new songs for a greatest hits record, but the record company instead insisted they hire South African singer Jean-Michel Byron. Before Byron was brought in, the band recorded 'Goin Home'. This song was later featured on the Toto XX album as an 'unreleased song'. When Byron was brought in, he and Toto recorded 4 new songs which were included on their greatest hits album, Past to Present 1977-1990, released in 1990. Toto then embarked upon on the "Planet Earth Tour" that lasted from September until December of 1990.

Shortly into this tour, it became clear that Byron's decidedly non-rock image and bizarre on-stage antics would not mesh with Toto's vision for their live shows, and he was subsequently fired.[22] Because many of the fans were so outraged at Byron's stage persona, most of his performance was removed from the subsequent live video release, "Toto Live" and Byron was listed only as a "background singer" in the album credits. All of the live performances of the new songs from Past to Present were removed from the recorded setlist, and the only songs on which Byron appears are "Rosanna" and "Hold The Line" and a few wide shots.[23] The rest of the tracks were sung by Steve Lukather and David Paich.

[edit] Death of Jeff Porcaro

Once again without a lead vocalist, guitarist Steve Lukather stepped up to the microphone and became the new front man, and the band recorded Kingdom of Desire which was released on Columbia Records in most parts of the world and on Clive Davis' label Relativity Records in the United States. Tragedy then struck, however, just before the record's release when drummer Jeff Porcaro died. On August 5, 1992, Jeff suffered an allergic reaction from a pesticide he was using in his garden. Facing the prospect of a tour without Jeff, Toto almost broke up. However, Jeff Porcaro's family insisted the band continue on. Englishman Simon Phillips was the only drummer ever contacted to replace Jeff Porcaro, since the band knew that Porcaro liked Phillips, and because Lukather had worked with Simon on a previous tour with Santana and Jeff Beck in Japan in 1986. Phillips joined the band and they went on the tour which they dedicated to Jeff's memory. In 1993, they released a live album called Absolutely Live. From 1991 on, Steve Lukather would handle a majority of the vocals (until Bobby Kimball's return in 1998) but some older songs originally sung by Kimball, Fergie Frederiksen and Joseph Williams were put in the setlist and sung by the new backup singers: Fred White (who was replaced by John James in 1992), Jackie McGee (who'd joined for the 1990 tour and was replaced by Donna McDaniel in 1992) and Jenny Douglas-McRae (who'd also come aboard in 1990). John sang "Stop Loving You" and Bobby's part on "Rosanna". Donna sang "Home Of The Brave" and "Angel Don't Cry", and Jenny sang "Hold The Line".

At the close of the tour, the band performed the Tribute to Jeff Porcaro Concert in Los Angeles on December 14, 1992. It featured Toto as well as Don Henley, Eddie Van Halen, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Boz Scaggs, James Newton Howard, Michael McDonald, Richard Marx, and many more, and a special appearance by George Harrison. At the close of the tour, the band took a break to pursue individual projects as well as to keep up their session schedules.

[edit] Simon Phillips and Tambu

In 1995, Toto recorded Tambu, their first album with Simon Phillips, which saw the band back with CBS, now Sony. A departure from Toto's sound of the late 1970s and 1980s, Tambu was a very organic release and featured the single "I Will Remember" which received moderate radio play. Other singles released were "Drag Him To The Roof" and "The Turning Point". Tambu also featured John James and Jenny Douglas-McRae as session singers on some of the tracks. Jenny also sang lead on the album's bonus track "Blackeye" and also in a duet with Steve Lukather on "Baby He's Your Man". The album did not sell well in the United States (and in fact was not even released there until almost a year after it came out overseas) and the planned second single "Baby He's Your Man" ended up being cancelled.[24] Unlike the domestic disappointment, however, Tambu sold 600,000 copies worldwide.

The "Tambu Tour" proved to be another success, although there were no North American dates. Simon Phillips suffered from a back problem so Gregg Bissonette had to fill in for him during the first leg of the tour in late 1995. The tour concluded in 1996. The rest of the tour personnel remained the same, with the exception of Donna McDaniel who left in 1994 shortly after the "Night of the Proms" performances (which Jenny had missed since she was out touring with Joe Cocker). The song "Hold The Line" was now sung as a duet between Jenny and John.[25] Both Jenny and John were dropped from the band at the conclusion of the 1997 tour.

[edit] Bobby Kimball's return

1997 marked the band's 20th Anniversary, and in order to commemorate it, David Paich and Steve Lukather started to go through several old tapes and demos for a special record of unreleased songs. In 1998, they released Toto XX with the single "Goin Home." Toto went on a small promotional tour with former members Bobby Kimball, Steve Porcaro, and Joseph Williams.

After the "Toto XX Tour", Bobby Kimball rejoined the band as lead singer after 14 years. The band released Mindfields in early 1999 and embarked on the "Reunion Tour", touring worldwide and returning to the United States for the first time in 6 years. The new album featured 3 singles, "Melanie", "Cruel", and "Mad About You", a song co-written by David Paich and former Toto vocalist Joseph Williams. Later that year, a live album titled Livefields was released. The tour officially concluded in 2000 but the band played a few shows throughout 2001. David Paich briefly took a break from touring in 2000, so Jeff Babko filled in on keyboards.[26] Paich then resumed touring with Toto in 2001.

[edit] Toto's 25th anniversary

In 2002, in celebration of Toto's 25th Anniversary, the band released Through the Looking Glass, a covers album that paid tribute to the band's musical influences, such as Bob Marley, Steely Dan, George Harrison and Elton John. Two singles were released, Could You Be Loved, a Bob Marley cover, and While My Guitar Gently Weeps, a Beatles cover. The album was not a commercial success and many fans were upset about the release, thinking that the band should have written new material instead.[27] However, the record gave the band material to promote their "25th Anniversary Tour", which started in 2002 and concluded in 2003. After the tour, Toto released a live album and DVD of the show titled Live in Amsterdam. Both the live album and the DVD were released in late 2003. Steve Lukather himself was critical of his performance at this concert.[27]

[edit] Greg Phillinganes and David Paich's semi-retirement

Steve Lukather and Greg Phillinganes

Beginning in June 2003, near the end of their "25th Anniversary Tour", keyboardist David Paich took a leave of absence from touring to spend time with a sick family member. Steve Lukather, known also for his sense of humor, released a fake story that Paich was actually undertaking a sex-change operation and would become "Davida." The story was posted on the band's website, and was picked up by media all over the world. Although the fans thought it was funny, many people were offended, and Lukather apologized for his post and all references to the joke were removed from the website.[28] Veteran keyboardist Greg Phillinganes filled in for Paich for the rest of the tour.

In late 2003, Toto headlined Night of the Proms for 2 months straight. David returned but was only able to play for a few weeks before he had to leave again, so Greg once again filled in for the remainder of the shows. In early 2004, the band embarked on a small world tour that went throughout all of 2004 as well as 2005. David Paich only occasionally appeared with Greg playing at a majority of the shows. In 2005, Greg was asked to permanently join the band, and David Paich then retired from touring altogether. Paich was still a member of Toto, however, as he continued to record and produce on all of Toto's releases.[29]

[edit] Falling In Between and Falling In Between Live

In early 2006, Toto released Falling In Between on the Italian label Frontiers, their first album of new material since 1999. The release featured extensive keyboard work from Steve Porcaro and a duet with Joseph Williams on the first single, "Bottom of Your Soul". The album received very positive reviews from both critics and fans, some reviews even saying that it was the best Toto album since Toto IV.[30] Following the record's release, Toto embarked on an extensive worldwide tour in 2006, which continued into 2007 for a second leg. The 2007 leg featured Leland Sklar filling in on bass for Mike Porcaro, due to an undisclosed illness. 2007 featured extensive dates in both Europe and the United States, including an appearance at Moondance Jam in Walker, Minnesota. Former lead singer Fergie Frederiksen made a guest appearance at the Minneapolis, USA date on May 5, 2007[31] and Joseph Williams also made a few guest appearances with the band in June 2007.[32]

Toto has recently released a 2-CD set Falling In Between Live on Eagle Records to commemorate the tour. This live set marks the fourth for the band, following 1993's "Absolutely Live", 1999's "Livefields", and 2003's "Live In Amsterdam".

For 2008, a companion DVD of the show was released, which was recorded in Paris in March 2007.

[edit] 2008: Toto no more

After a period of rumors and some allusions, on June 5, 2008, Steve Lukather made an official announcement on his website stevelukather.net, stating:

“ The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto. I just can't do it anymore and at 50 years old I wanted to start over and give it one last try on my own. ”

Lukather further stated that after 31 years of recording, producing and playing with Toto without even missing one single gig, he couldn't do it anymore. With Lukather being the only original member left in the band (Bobby Kimball was also an original member, but was out of the band from 1984–1998) there was no other option than to call it quits. As the main motivation for his decision, Lukather said:

“ When Dave retired that was REAL hard for me 'cause we started the band together. Hell, it's 35 years if you count High School where the core all met. When Mike fell ill and had to leave that was it for me. If there isn't Paich or at least one Porcaro how can we even call it Toto? ... Honestly, I have just had enough. This is NOT a break. It is over. I really can't go out and play Hold The Line with a straight face anymore. ”

He added later

“ Hey guys,

Well It seems I started a fire storm. That was never my intent. It was really to explain myself. My comment about Hold the Line was a bit harsh and it reads more serious than I meant it. I[t] was a tongue in cheek statement. ALL those songs have been VERY VERY good to me and the guys. I am sorry if I sounded like an asshole. I would like to retract that statement. I am a bit BURNT on it but they have become somewhat classic so who am I to say such stupid things. I am sorry. YOU guys have made Toto and also been there for me as well. I hope that doesnt change.

I also have nothing but the deepest respect for all the guys. I did not want to make it seem otherwise. This was a personal decision that I needed to make and they all knew it before the last tour anyway.

I want to thank everyone for the well wishes and understanding. This is NOT a hateful move at all. It has been a long time coming for me and those around me. Paich and the Porcaro's knew and totally understood and I asked them before I posted. I was just getting alot [sic] of e mail about all of it due to my comments so I wanted to post my feelings. You might get other opinions from other people but speculation on WHY I left is ridiculous unless you know me or someone in the band and even then one mans truth is not another mans truth alot [sic] of the time. Sometimes one just has to move on.

I hope to see some of you at one of my shows and hope we can still be friends. I know some of you may be upset with me. I guess I cant help that Anyone who REALLY knows me knows where I am at. I am sorry if I have upset anyone. The music will live on. I am very proud of what we have done over ALL the years and I am sorry if I made it sound like I wasnt. Have a great day, Luke." .

”

[33]

The break-up of Toto after 31 years received mixed reactions from the fans. On April 5, 2008, Toto played what would be their last show ever, in Seoul, Korea, as a part of their Falling In Between Live tour. This left many fans without a real farewell tour, which was something that the band had said they would do. In their 31 years of existence, Toto sold over 30 million records, scored a worldwide number 1 hit with the song "Africa" and other hits that topped various charts. Toto did over ten world tours which consistently sold out everywhere but in the US. The band and its individual members worked with and wrote for artists such as Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, Santana, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Larry Carlton, Chicago, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Lionel Richie, Olivia Newton-John and hundreds more.

In October 2009, the individual founding members of Toto will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.[34][35]

[edit] Band members

[edit] Official band members

[edit] Former lead/co-lead vocalists

  • Jenny Douglas-McRae - Vocals (1990–1993, 1995, 1996-1997)
  • John James - Vocals (1992–1997)

[edit] Tour musicians

  • Tony Spinner - Guitar, vocals (1999–2008)
  • Leland Sklar - Bass guitar (Filling in for Mike Porcaro in 2007-2008)
  • Ricky Lawson - Drums, percussion (Filled in for Simon Phillips in late 2003)
  • Jon Farriss - Drums (Filled in for Simon Phillips in October 2003)
  • Jeff Babko - Keyboards (Filled in for David Paich for the 2000 tour)
  • John Jessel - Backup keyboards/effects/vocals (1990-2003)
  • Buddy Hyatt - Percussion/guitar/vocals (1999)
  • Gregg Bissonette - Drums (Filled in for Simon Phillips in late 1995)
  • Donna McDaniel - Vocals (1992–1994)
  • Sofia Bender - Vocals (filled in for McRae in early 1996)
  • Chris Trujillo - Percussion (1990-1993)
  • Denny Dias - Guitar (1991)
  • Fred White - Vocals (1991)
  • Jackie McGhee - Vocals (1990–1991)
  • Luis Conté - Percussion (1988)
  • Warren Ham - Sax/harmonica/keyboards/guitar/vocals (1986–1988)
  • Ralph Rickert - Horns/Backup vocals (1986-1987)
  • Paulette Brown - Backup vocals (1985-1987)
  • Scott Page - Sax/guitar/backup vocals (1985)
  • Jon Smith - Sax/backup vocals (1981-1982)
  • James Newton Howard - Keyboards (1981-1982)
  • Timothy B. Schmit - Backup Vocals (1981, 1982)
  • Keith Landry - Guitar/backup vocals (1980)
  • Lenny Castro - Percussion (1979-1981, 1982-1987)
  • Tom Kelly - Guitar/backup vocals (1979)

[edit] Discography

[edit] References



The Bangles










The Bangles are an American all-female band that originated in the early 1980s, scoring several hit singles through much of the decade.

Background information
Also known as The Supersonic Bangs, The Bangs
Origin Los Angeles, California,
United States
Genres Rock, pop rock
Years active 1981–1989[1]
1999–present
Labels I.R.S., Columbia, Koch
Website The Bangles.com

History
[edit] Formation and early years (1981–1983)

When Susanna Hoffs joined sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson to form a band in Los Angeles in the waning days of December, 1980, the trio briefly christened itself The Colours, shortly renamed itself The Supersonic Bangs, but soon morphed its name to The Bangs. The band was part of the Los Angeles Paisley Underground scene, which featured groups that played a mixture of 1960s-influenced folk-rock and jangle pop with a more modern punk–ish/garage band undertone.[2] In 1981, the threesome recorded and released a single (Getting Out Of Hand b/w Call on Me) on DownKiddie Records (their own label). In 1982, the trio was signed to Faulty Products, a label formed by Miles Copeland.

The early Bangles line-up of Susanna Hoffs (vocals/guitars), Vicki Peterson (guitars/vocals), Debbi Peterson (vocals/drums) and Annette Zilinskas (vocals/bass) recorded an EP in 1982 and a single, The Real World, was released. A legal issue forced the band to change their name at the last minute so they dropped the "The" from their name and added the letters "les" to the end to become Bangles. Their first EP was retitled Bangles and was released. In 1983, Faulty Products issued a 12 inch "remix" single of "The Real World" to radio and media however another setback came as the label folded. I.R.S. Records picked up distribution and re-issued the EP. What could have been yet another setback for the band came when Zilinskas left the band to focus on her own project, Blood on the Saddle. She was replaced by Michael Steele, formerly of the all-girl band The Runaways.
[edit] Career peak (1984–1986)

The Bangles' full-length debut album on Columbia, All Over the Place (1984), captured their power-pop roots, featuring the singles "Hero Takes a Fall" and the Kimberley Rew-penned Beatlesque "Going Down To Liverpool" (originally recorded by Rew's band Katrina and the Waves). The record attracted good critical notices, and the video for "Liverpool" featured Leonard Nimoy, which helped to generate further publicity.

All this went some way to attracting the attention of Prince, who later wrote "Manic Monday" for the group.[3] "Manic Monday" went on to become a #2 hit in the US, the UK and Germany, outsold at the time only by another Prince composition, his own "Kiss". The band's second album Different Light (1986) was more polished than its predecessor and, with the help of the worldwide #1 hit "Walk Like an Egyptian", saw the band firmly in the mainstream as radio and MTV stalwarts.
[edit] The kingdom of Bangles

There was friction among band members after the media began singling out Hoffs as the lead singer of the group, due to Columbia Records practice of releasing mostly singles on which Hoffs sang lead vocal. In fact, the group's albums were fairly evenly divided among all of the band's members, all of whom wrote or co-wrote their songs.[4] In 1987, Hoffs starred in a film, The Allnighter, which was directed by her mother, Tamar Simon-Hoffs, and was critically panned. That, and the firing of their manager Miles Copeland, further exacerbated the dissent among the band members.[5] But they soon had another US #2 hit with a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Hazy Shade of Winter" from the soundtrack of the film Less Than Zero, whereas on the other side of the Atlantic the melancholic "If She Knew What She Wants," written by Jules Shear, reached the U.S. Top 40 and the German Top 20.

1988's Everything was another multi-platinum smash and included their biggest-selling single, the soft ballad "Eternal Flame". Co-writer Billy Steinberg came up with the title after Susanna Hoffs told him about the band's visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley's former estate in Memphis, Tennessee. An "Eternal Flame" in memoriam to Presley is maintained on the site, but on the day the band visited, the flame had gone out and its clear-plastic enclosure was flooded. When they asked what was in the box, they were told, "That's the eternal flame." [6] The single became another worldwide hit.[7]

The working relationships within the band had broken down, however, and they split shortly after,[4] with Hoffs embarking on a solo career and Vicki Peterson touring as a member of the Go-Go's and the Continental Drifters.
[edit] Bangles go their separate ways

Hoffs released a solo album When You're a Boy, produced by former Bangles producer David Kahne. The album spawned a minor hit "My Side of the Bed", and a Cyndi Lauper penned "Unconditional Love", but it stalled, and Hoffs was dropped from Columbia during the recording of her second solo album.[8] The second solo album Susanna Hoffs, released in 1996, fared better critically,[9] but it too had disappointing sales. Hoffs married film director Jay Roach (Austin Powers and Meet the Parents), and their union led to the Bangles' reunion of 2000.[9] Vicki Peterson joined and contributed songs to the New Orleans band the Continental Drifters, which received rave reviews. Debbie Peterson had a short-lived career with Siobhan Maher under the name of Kindred Spirit, while Steele lived in semi-retirement in California.
[edit] Bangles join forces again

The Bangles re-formed to record a song for the soundtrack of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, at the behest of the film's director (and Hoff's husband) Jay Roach.[10] The song chosen for the album was "Get The Girl"; it was released in 1999. The reunion continued with a tour in 2000. The group was also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000.[11] In 2001–2002, they recorded a new album Doll Revolution. A cover version of "Eternal Flame" was a 2001 UK #1 for Atomic Kitten. Doll Revolution, featuring such songs as "Stealing Rosemary", "Ride the Ride", "Nickel Romeo", and the single "Something That You Said", was released in early 2003. The title track was written by Elvis Costello, who initially recorded it for his 2002 album When I Was Cruel. Doll Revolution was a solid comeback success in Germany after the Bangles had performed in Germany's biggest TV show Wetten dass, but failed to make any impact in other important markets such as the UK, the U.S. and Australia.

In July 2004, The Bangles were made Companions of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

In 2005, the Bangles announced the departure of Michael Steele. Steele was replaced by Abby Travis for live appearances. Travis is not an official member of the group.[12] On December 31, 2005, they reunited to perform "Hazy Shade of Winter" in front of Times Square and later performed "Eternal Flame" as part of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006. Their third single, "Light My Way", is available as a download via iTunes. August 2007 saw the release of their first official live DVD, Return to Bangleonia - Live in Concert.

In 2008, the band toured with dates in Las Vegas, Louisiana, Austin, Glasgow, and Ojai. Summer 2008 sees the Bangles perform European Dates as well, e.g. in Germany, the Netherlands and at the popular Cornbury Festival in Oxfordshire, England on July 5 and 6.

The Bangles are headed back into the studio in spring of 2009 to begin work on a new album. [2] While a new album is in the works, Debbi Peterson indicated that the album is in the early stages of production during a May 2009 interview with Music Geek Media. [3]
[edit] In popular culture

Like many other modern music groups, the Bangles have contributed to many other artists' works and to compilations. They provided the song "I Got Nothing" for the soundtrack album for the 1985 film The Goonies, and made a cameo appearance in Cyndi Lauper's music video for "Goonies 'R' Good Enough". Lauper later enlisted them for backup vocals in her 1986 hit song "Change of Heart". In 1988, while recording his album Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty and his lead guitarist Mike Campbell called on the group to provide backing vocals for the song "Waiting for Tonight". The song never made it to the album, but instead made the compilations Playback and Anthology: Through the Years.[citation needed] In February 2001, the first-season Gilmore Girls episode "Concert Interruptus" involved a trip to see a Bangles concert, and featured cameos and music by the band.[13] They also covered the Beatles hit "Good Day Sunshine" for the 2006 album All Together Now: Beatles Stuff for Kids of All Ages.[14]

Several artists have referenced the Bangles in their own songs. The Saw Doctors include an irreverent tribute to them, "I'd Love to Kiss the Bangles", on their 2003 album Play It Again Sham!.[15] Alternative-country artist Robbie Fulks sings a wistful ode to "That Bangle Girl", a song identified as one of his "personal favorites", on his 2000 Very Best album.[16]
[edit] Band members

* Susanna Hoffs - vocals/guitars
* Vicki Peterson - vocals/guitars/bass guitar
* Debbi Peterson - vocals/drums/bass guitar
* Annette Zilinskas - vocals/bass guitar (1982–1983)
* Michael Steele - vocals/bass guitar/guitars (1983–2005)

[edit] Discography
Main article: The Bangles discography

* All Over the Place (1984)
* Different Light (1986)
* Everything (1988)
* Doll Revolution (2003)

[edit] References

1. ^ VH1 - 100 Greatest songs of the 80s
2. ^ The Bangles Collective Biography. Retrieved: September 15, 2006
3. ^ Greenwald, Matthew. ""Manic Monday: The Bangles: Song Review"". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:8bjxlffekcvo. Retrieved 2006-09-08.
4. ^ a b Muze UK Ltd, Biography of The Bangles Retrieved: September 15, 2006
5. ^ The Bangles Collective Biography. Retrieved: September 15, 2006
6. ^ Susanna Hoffs, "Commentary", the Bangles, Return to Bangleonia, DVD, 2007
7. ^ Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, 500 Nr. 1 hits uit de Top 40, page 261, 9023009444
8. ^ nndb.com Biography Susanna Hoffs Retrieved: September 15, 2006
9. ^ a b BBC Biography The Bangles Retrieved: September 15, 2006
10. ^ [1] The Bangles: The Making of a Rock & Roll Legend Retrieved: March 7, 2008
11. ^ Vocal Hall of Fame The Bangles page. Retrieved: September 15, 2006
12. ^ [http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/bangles-shake- again/2005/11/03/1130823343333.html theage.com.au] "Bangles shake again" Retrieved: September 15, 2006
13. ^ ""Gilmore Girls: Concert Interruptus (2001)"". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0588131/. Retrieved 2007-11-25. Excerpts of the songs "Hero Takes a Fall" and "Eternal Flame" were featured in the concert that the Gilmore party attended.
14. ^ Berick, Michael. "All Together Now: Beatles Stuff for Kids of All Ages [B&N Exclusive]". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:azfoxqqrldje. Retrieved 2007-11-25.
15. ^ Sleger, Dave. ""Play it Again Sham!"". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dzfyxqeald6e. Retrieved 2007-11-25.
16. ^ Fink, Matt. ""The Very Best of Robbie Fulks"". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3vfoxqrkldde. Retrieved 2007-11-25. Although Fulks never says her name, the line "When the little one took the mike, I knew I'd fallen" suggests the particular "Bangle girl" he pines for is Susanna Hoffs, the shortest member of the group and frequent lead singer. Susanna Hoffs most recently lent her voice for the video "We Are The Ones" for Presidential Hopeful Barrack Obama. The band can be seen this summer in Europe for select dates for events such as Retrofest.

[edit] External links

* The Bangles official website
* Return Post: The Bangles official message board
* The Bangles Discography
* Allmusic.com Entry
* 'The Bangles' Vocal Group Hall of Fame Page

Rabu, 16 September 2009

Bryan Adams








Bryan Adams, OC, OBC (born Bryan Guy Adams on November 5, 1959) is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter and photographer. Adams was first nominated at the 28th Grammy Awards for Reckless and "It's Only Love" and won the Grammy and in 1992 won the award for "Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media". He has won numerous Junos, MTV, ASCAP, American Music and Ivor Novello awards. He has also been awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia for contributions to popular music and philanthropic work via his own foundation, which helps improve education for people around the world.[1][2] Adams was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998 and in April 2006, he was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame at Canada's Juno Awards.[3][4] He was nominated for his fifth Golden Globe in 2007 for songwriting on the film Bobby which was sung by Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige, and has been nominated three times for Academy Awards for

Birth name Bryan Guy Adams
Born November 5, 1959 (1959-11-05) (age 49)
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Genre(s) Rock, Pop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, musician, photographer
Instrument(s) Vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, harmonica
Years active 1977 – present
Label(s) A&M, Polydor
Associated acts Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Mary J. Blige,Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Anne Murray,Sweeney Todd, Chicane, Kiss, Roger Waters, Mel C, Barbara Streisand, Paco de Lucía
Website BryanAdams.com

Musical career

[edit] Early years

Adams was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to English parents.[7] From his grandmother he also inherited a Maltese ancestry.[7] As Adams' father was a diplomat, he grew up travelling around the world with his parents.[7] Subsequently, most of his youth was spent growing up in Europe and the Middle East, part of the time in Birre, Portugal, situated close to Lisbon; where he learned the Portuguese language. In 1973, Adams' family returned to Canada and settled down in North Vancouver, British Columbia. His musical goals began during his teenage years, and as he explained to Carlo D'Agostino from Rolling Stone magazine, "In high school, I was too far into my music to even pay attention to girls."[7] He washed dishes, sold pet food, and worked in record stores, and at the age of 15, Adams quit school to play in nightclubs with bands like Shock and Sweeney Todd, who released an album called If Wishes Were Horses with the fifteen year old Adams as lead singer.[8] A serendipitous meeting with drummer Jim Vallance in a Vancouver music store led to a song-writing partnership that continues to this day.[7] They wrote songs for many other artists notably Neil Diamond, Kiss, Prism, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon and Loverboy[citation needed] to name a few. Adams and Vallance were both disenchanted with the club scene and both worked in Vancouver studios doing sessions.[7] As O'Hara from Maclean's magazine phrased it, "Vallance was looking for a singer, Adams was looking for a route to musical respectability, and the two hit it off immediately."[7]

In 1978, at the age of 18, Adams sent a few demo recordings to A&M Records in Toronto. Not long afterwards he signed with them for the sum of one dollar.[9] Some of the first demos written in 1978 have surfaced over the years, most notably "I'm Ready" (recorded for both the album Cuts Like a Knife and later his release for MTV Unplugged) and "Remember", which was recorded on his first album. Both songs were covered by other artists even before his first album was released. Also recorded during this time was a demo of the song, "Let Me Take You Dancing".[7]

[edit] 1980s

His self-titled debut album was released in February 1980, and marked the beginning of what was to become a long songwriting partnership between Adams and co-writer Jim Vallance. With the exception of "Remember" and "Wastin' Time", most of the album was recorded from October 29 to November 29, 1979 at Manta Studios in Toronto and co-produced by Adams and Vallance. The album was certified gold in Canada in 1986.[10]

Adams' second album, You Want It You Got It, was recorded in New York City in two weeks and it marked Adams' first album co-produced by Bob Clearmountain. It was released in 1981 and contained the FM radio hit "Lonely Nights", but it was not until his third album that he achieved international recognition, popularity and sales.

Adams also co-wrote many songs for other bands during this time including "War Machine" and "Rock and Roll Hell" for Kiss, and "No Way To Treat A Lady" for Bonnie Raitt.

Cuts Like a Knife released in January 1983, was Adams' breakout album due mainly to the lead singles. "Straight from the Heart" was the most successful song from Cuts Like A Knife, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.[11] Another single, "Cuts Like a Knife" charted at number fifteen. "This Time" also placed on the Hot 100. Music videos were released for four of the singles from the album. "Cuts Like a Knife" arguably became Adams' most recognizable and popular song from the album. Its music video received heavy airplay on music television channels. The album peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 album chart and achieved three times platinum status in Canada, platinum in the United States and gold in Australia.[10][11][12]

Adams' best-selling album, Reckless co-produced by Adams and Bob Clearmountain, peaked at number one on the Billboard 200.[11] The album was released in November 1984 and featured the singles, "Run to You", and "Summer of '69". The hit single "It's Only Love" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. In 1986, the song won an MTV award for Best Stage Performance.[13] After the release of the album, Adams was nominated for Best Male Rock Performance.[13] The album is Adams best-selling album in the United States and was certified five times platinum.[14]

Reckless included the hit singles "Run to You", "Heaven", "Summer of '69", "One Night Love Affair", and "It's Only Love", a duet with Tina Turner. All the singles had accompanying music videos and all charted on the Billboard Hot 100 but only "Run to You", "Summer of '69", and "Heaven" peaked in the top ten.[11] "Heaven" would become the most successful single from Reckless at the time of its release on the pop charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the mainstream rock chart.[11]

In December 1984, Adams and his touring band which consists of Keith Scott, Dave Taylor, Pat Steward and Johnny Blitz played concerts in Chicago, Detroit, New York and Philadelphia.[15] In early 1985, Adams' started a tour throughout the United States, then later Japan, Australia, Europe and at last Canada.[15] After winning four Juno Awards Adams started a Canadian tour through major cities across that country. Later he headed south towards the American West Coast, culminating with two dates at the studded Paladium in Los Angeles.[15]

After the tour in the United States, Adams traveled to Ethiopia to aid famine relief in the country.[15] Adams later headed back to Europe for a fifty-city concert tour with rock singer Tina Turner, culminating in April with his return to London to headline three sold-out shows at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.[15] Adams began the first leg of his tour entitled "World Wide in 85" which started in Oklahoma and ended in October 1985.[15][15] Adams would later visit Vancouver, Canada, and afterward returned to the American East Coast to play two sold-out concerts in New York.[15]

The follow up album to Reckless was Into the Fire which was released in 1987 (see 1987 in music). The album was recorded at Cliffhanger Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia and mixed at AIR Studios in London and Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. This album contained the hit songs "Heat Of The Night" and "Hearts On Fire" and hit the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic.

[edit] 1990s

Adams' next album, Waking up the Neighbours, co-produced by Adams and Mutt Lange, sold over ten million copies worldwide and peaked at number six on the Billboard 200.[11]. It was even more successful on the other side of the Atlantic, reaching number 1 on both big European markets, the UK and Germany. The album was released in September 1991 and featured the powerballad (Everything I Do) I Do It for You". This song was featured in the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner and Alan Rickman. The single topped the charts in numerous countries around the world including big markets such as the US, the UK, France, Australia and Germany. "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" spent a record-breaking sixteen weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart. He also made the Miles Prower Pictures logo.[16][17] It also achieved record-breaking sales of four million copies in the US.[14] [16][17] Canadian content regulations were revised in 1991 to allow radio stations to credit airplay of this album towards their legal requirements to play Canadian music.[17] Adams won a Grammy Award in 1991 for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television.[18][19]

Adams further supported the album with his tour, Waking Up the World which started on October 4, 1991, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On December 18, 1991, Adams played two first-ever shows in Reykjavik, Iceland and then performed in the U.S. with a concert at the Ritz Theatre on the 10th of January.[15] It was a sell-out in less than twenty minutes.[15] In attendance were music legends Ben E. King and Nona Hendrix.[15] The Canadian leg of the ‘Waking Up The World’ Tour kicked off in Sydney, Nova Scotia on January 13, 1992, and wrapped up with a standing room only concert in Vancouver, Canada, on the 31st. In February 1992, he started touring in New Zealand and Australia for seven dates—kicking off with a press conference in Sydney. On February 21, the tour headed to Japan for approximately a dozen shows in six cities. Bryan taped an interview with Much Music’s Terry Dave Mulligan in Calgary, Alberta and the air date was scheduled for mid-March.[15] The tour continued through several European countries in June 1992, including Italy, Germany, Holland and Scandinavia, and in July 1992, Bryan performed for the first time in Hungary and Turkey (where he filmed his video for Do I Have To Say The Words?). During the long tour, further singles from the Waking up the neighbours album were released: In the US, the rocky Can't stop this thing we started peaked at number 2, while the powerballed Do I have to say the words reached number 11. In the UK, the mid tempo hymne Thought I died and gone to heaven was the most successful single behind Everything I do by reaching the Top 10. In September through December 1993, the tour took place in the US. The Asian tour headed to Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong in February, 1993, before returning to the US during March through May. [15][19]

In November 1993 Adams released a compilation album entitled So Far So Good, that again topped the Charts in numerous countries such as the UK, Germany and Australia. It included a brand new song called "Please Forgive Me", that became another number 1 single in Australia as well as reaching the Top 3 in the US, the UK and Germany. In 1994 he collaborated with "Rod Stewart" and "Sting" for the single All for Love, another power ballad written for a movie. The single topped the charts worldwide. It was followed in 1995 by Adams 3rd movie song, "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?" (song released with the Motion Picture Soundtrack of the movie Don Juan DeMarco). It became another number 1 in the US and Australia as well as a Top 5 hit in the UK and Germany. Released in June 1996, the album 18 til I Die contained the UK Top 10 singles The only thing that looks good on me and Lets Make a Night to Remember. The album peaked only at number thirty-one on the Billboard 200 in the United States and held that position for three weeks.[11] It was much more successful in Europe and Australia and reached the top spot on the UK charts which would be Adams' third #1 in a row. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] The album has been certified platinum in the United States and is Adams last studio effort which has been certified by the RIAA.[14] 18 til I Die was certified three times platinum in Canada and Australia and two times platinum in the UK.[10][12][30]

In December 1997, Adams released "MTV Unplugged" with three new tracks: "Back to You", "A Little Love" and "When You Love Someone". "Back to You" was the first single, followed by "I'm Ready", an acoustic version of the "Cut's Like A Knife"'s track. The album was a top 10 success in Germany while both Singles reached the top 20 in the UK.

On a Day Like Today was released in 1998 and was the first studio album since Cuts Like a Knife which wasn't certified by the RIAA.[14] However it entered the Top 5 in Germany and was certified platinum in the UK. It generated two British Top 10 singles: "Cloud Number Nine" and "When You're Gone", a duet with Melanie C, from Spice Girls.

After the release of On A Day Like Today Adams released The Best of Me, a greatest hits collection that includes two new songs, the title track "The Best of Me" and the dance track "Don't Give Up". The album reached the Top 10 in Germany and was certified three times platinum in Canada and Platinum in the UK. The single from the album, "The Best of Me" became a very successful hit with the exception of the US, where it was not released as a single.

[edit] Recent years: 2000—present
Bryan Adams playing live in Hamburg, Germany.

In 2002, Adams wrote and performed the songs for the DreamWorks animated film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. The songs were included on the film's soundtrack. The most successful single from the soundtrack was Here I am, a British Top 5 and German Top 20 hit.

Adams had a cameo role in the 2002 Russian-language film House of Fools.

Six years after the release of On a Day Like Today, Room Service was released on September 2004. It topped the charts in Germany and peaked at number four in the UK, selling 440,000 copies in its first week in Europe. The single, "Open Road", was the most successful single from the album and peaked at number one in Canada and number twenty-one in the UK. In May 2008, the album was also released in the US but charted only at #134 on the Billboard 200.

In 2005, "Anthology, the first 2-disc compilation was released, containing two new tracks. The US release features a new version of "When You're Gone", a duet with Pamela Anderson. Also in 2005, Adams re-recorded the theme song for the second season of Pamela's FOX sitcom Stacked.

In 2006, Adams wrote and performed the theme song "Never Let Go" which was featured in the closing credits of the film The Guardian starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. Adams also co-wrote the song "Never Gonna Break My Faith" for the film Bobby. The song was performed by the R&B singers Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige and earned him a Golden Globe Nomination in 2007.[5]

Adams released his eleventh album internationally on March 17, 2008. It was appropriately called "11". The album was released in the US exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club retail stores on May 13, 2008.[31] The first single released from the album was "I Thought I'd Seen Everything". Adams did an 11-day, 11-country European acoustic promotional tour to kick off the release of the album. [32] The album debuted at number one in Canada (making it his first album to reach that position since Waking Up the Neighbours in 1991) as well as reaching number 2 in Germany. In the United States the album charted at number eighty.[11] In May 2009 Bryan Adams announced on his Twitter account that he has started writing and recording a new album in Paris.

Adams will be one of the four musicians who will be pictured on the second series of the Canadian Recording Artist Series to be issued by ‎Canada Post stamps on July 2, 2009.[33] The total estimated number of Bryan Adams stamps to be printed is one and one-half million.[34]

[edit] Social activist

Most of Adams' philanthropic activity is dedicated to his foundation "The Bryan Adams Foundation", which aims to advance education and learning opportunities for children and young people worldwide, believing that an education is the best gift that a child can be given. The Foundation’s area of support is broad and far-reaching, enabling grants to be given for projects supporting the elderly, victims of war and natural disasters, and those suffering from mental or physical illness. The foundation is completely funded by his photographic activities.

Since the 1980s, Adams has participated in concerts and other activities to help raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. His first high profile charity appearance came in 1985 when he opened the US transmission of Live Aid from Philadelphia.[35] In June of the next year, Adams participated in the two-week Amnesty International "A Conspiracy of Hope" tour alongside Sting, U2 and Peter Gabriel.[35] His next appearance for Amnesty was in February 1987 on Rock For Amnesty with Paul McCartney, Sting and Dire Straits, among others.[35]

Playing in the U.S. section of Live Aid, Adams did not get the chance to play at Wembley Stadium; however, another opportunity came in June 1987 when Adams played there at the 5th Annual Prince's Trust Rock Gala along with Elton John, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and others. Adams was to return to Wembley Stadium the following year when he performed at the Nelson Mandela birthday party concert.

Adams helped commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall when, in 1990, he joined many other guests (including his songwriting partner Michael Kamen) for Roger Waters' massive performance of The Wall in Berlin, Germany.[36] He performed on the song, "The Tide Is Turning" with Waters, Joni Mitchell, Cyndi Lauper, Van Morrison, Paul Carrack and others.

On January 29, 2005, Adams joined the CBC benefit concert in Toronto for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Twenty years after performing at Live Aid in the USA, Adams played at Canada's Live 8 show in Barrie, Ontario.[37] Later that year, he performed in Qatar and raised £1.5M ($2,617,000) from the concert and the auction of a guitar that had been signed by many of the world's most prominent guitarists for this occasion.[37] The money went to Qatar's "Reach Out to Asia" campaign to help the underprivileged across the continent.[37] Money raised also went to some of his own projects like rebuilding a school in Thailand and building a new sports center in Sri Lanka, both of which had been devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami.[37]
"Historic Day." Adams in Karachi.

On January 29, 2006, Adams became the first Western artist to perform in Karachi, Pakistan, in conjunction with a benefit concert by Shehzad Roy to raise money for underprivileged children to go to school.[38] Some of the proceeds of that concert also went to victims of the 2005 Pakistan earthquake.[38]

On October 18, 2007, Adams was billed to perform in Tel Aviv and Jericho as part of the OneVoice Movement concerts, hoping to aid in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.[39] The peace concert for supporters of a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel was called off because of security concerns.[39]

In the mid 1990s, Adams successfully campaigned for the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary with Greenpeace Chairman David McTaggart (the two distributed over 500,000 postcards at concerts around the world encouraging politicians to vote yes for the creation of the sanctuary).

Adams occasionally writes letter on behalf of the animal rights group PETA to support treatment of Animals. He wrote to KFC Canadian CEO in November 2007 [40] asking them to become leaders in using more modern and more humane methods of killing. Adams has been a vegan for 17 years[41] and was also featured as a nominee for PETA's Sexiest Vegetarians of the Year.

On May 25, 2005, Adams raised £1.3M with cousin Johnny Armitage, from a concert and auction entitled Rock by the River for the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.[42] On May 15 of the next year, Adams returned to London to attend the Hope Foundation's event (hosted by designer Bella Freud), helping to raise a portion of the £250,000 to support the Palestinian refugee children.[43] The following June, he offered individuals from the public the chance to bid to sing with him live in concert at three different charity auctions in London. Over £50,000 was raised with money going to the NSPCC, Children in Need, and the University College Hospital.[44] On February 28, 2008 he appeared in One Night Live at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada with Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden and RyanDan in aid of the Sunnybrook Hospital Women and Babies Program.[44]

To support the peace in Georgia, Adams played a special outdoor concert in Tbilisi, on September 19, 2008.

He is also to appear on CMT'S Crossroads with Jason Aldean

[edit] As a photographer
Adams accepting a LeadAward for photography in 2006.

Adams has had his photographs published in British Vogue, L'uomo Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Interview magazine and i-D, among others.[45] His other photographic efforts include publishing Zoo Magazine, the fashion/art magazine based in Berlin, Germany. On June 1, 2005, he published his first book of photos in the United States with Calvin Klein called American Women; proceeds from this book go to breast cancer research for programs at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.[45] He released a similar book of photos called Made In Canada in December 1999 followed by Haven in 2000. All of his books were dedicated to his friend Donna, who died of the disease.[45]

As a photographer, Adams has worked with many of his musical peers, including Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Robert Plant, Joss Stone, Placido Domingo, Celine Dion, Billy Idol, Moby, Amy Winehouse, t.A.T.u., Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Lenny Kravitz and Morrissey to name a few.[46] On November 27, 2000 Bryan played onstage with The Who at the Royal Albert Hall. A DVD of the concert was issued. Bryan photographed the band and his photos appear in the DVD booklet.

In 2002, Adams was invited, along with other photographers from the Commonwealth, to photograph Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee; one of the photographs from this session was used as a Canadian postage stamp in 2004 and again in 2005 (see Queen Elizabeth II definitive stamp (Canada)), another portrait of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is now in the National Portrait Gallery in London.[47]

Bryan Adams supports the Hear the World initiative as official photographer in its aim to raise global awareness for the topic of hearing and hearing loss. Adams has been shooting the covers for their magazine, a quarterly culture and lifestyle publication dedicated to the topic of hearing.[48]

Photographic exhibitions include:

* Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto 1999
* McCord Museum, Montreal 2000
* Saatchi Gallery, London 2000
* Photokina, Köln (Cologne), Germany 2001
* ICA, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London 2004
* Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto 2004
* Calvin Klein, NYC, Dallas, Paris 2005
* Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London 2005/2006
* Il Tempio Di Adriano, Rome, Italy, July, 2006
* Photokina, Köln (Cologne), Germany, September, 2006
* Leica Gallery, Vienna, Austria, November, 2006
* Galerija Fotografija, Ljubljana, Slovenia, November, 2006
* H.Stern exhibition, São Paulo, Brazil, March, 2007
* PhotoEspana, Madrid, Spain, Fotografos Insospechados (Unsuspected Photographers) Mickey Rourke photographs, May to July 2007
* Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire, England, May to June, 2007
* 401 Projects, NYC, NY September to November, 2007
* The Hospital, Covent Garden, London, England. November 2007 (Modern Muses)
* The National Portrait Gallery, London, England. Feb - May 2008 (Modern Muses)
* Haus Der Kunst, Munich, Germany. May 2008 (Photos of the German National Football Team)
* 14th Street Gallery, NYC, NY. May 2008. (Hear The World) (plus other exhibitions in Berlin and Zurich with the same show)
* Saatchi Gallery, London July, 2009 (Hear The World)

[edit] Discography
Main article: Bryan Adams discography
Year Title Label
1980 Bryan Adams A&M Records
1981 You Want It You Got It
1983 Cuts Like a Knife
1984 Reckless
1987 Into the Fire
1988 Live! Live! Live!
1991 Waking Up the Neighbours
1993 So Far So Good
1996 18 til I Die
1997 MTV Unplugged
1998 On a Day Like Today
1999 The Best of Me
2002 Spirit
2003 Live At The Budokan
2004 Room Service Polydor
2005 Live in Lisbon
2008 11

[edit] Awards
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by bryan adams