Bryan Adams turns concert into political moment for Palestine

At a concert in Alberta Hall, Canada on 27 September 2025, rock legend Bryan Adams took an unexpected turn from the usual setlist to spotlight the tragedy unfolding in Palestine. Midway through his performance, Adams paused the show and addressed the crowd, reminding them of the dire situation in Gaza and calling on them to raise their lights in solidarity for the children. His gesture transformed what was an evening of hits into a striking political moment.

The shift came during a marathon performance in which Adams had already delivered many of his signature songs. According to clips shared on social media, he paused before All for Love and told the audience that the conflict in Palestine cannot be ignored. He asked attendees to hold up their lights, vocalising the message, “Raise your light in solidarity for the children.” The gesture was met by thousands doing exactly that, phones and lighters raised in unison.

Online observers were quick to react. Many praised Adams for using his platform to bring attention to a humanitarian crisis, calling it a bold move for a rock icon. Some questioned whether political statements at concerts divide audiences, but the crowd’s unified response suggested strong support for the sentiment at that moment. On Instagram and Facebook, the videos went viral, with users highlighting how rare it is for major Western acts to make such explicit references to Palestine from the stage.

In addition to the live moment, Adams reportedly acknowledged Canada’s recent recognition of Palestine, weaving it into his address. That added relevance earned him further praise. The event has since been shared extensively by activist groups as an example of how artists can use cultural influence for social causes.

This moment marks one of the few times Adams has publicly linked his music to contemporary political causes. In doing so, he not only energised his concertgoers but also inserted himself into global conversations about accountability, empathy, and the role of art in activism. It remains to be seen whether this statement will spark further backlash or lead to new expectations for his future performances.