Kids Wanna Rock

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins Kids Wanna Rock by Bryan Adams from the So Far So Good compilation album! This high-energy track, originally from the 1984 album Reckless, was never released as a single but became a fan favorite and a staple in Adams’ live performances. According to Wikipedia, the song was written after Adams’ manager, Bruce Allen, listened to the near-finished Reckless album and asked, “Where’s the rock?” This prompted Adams and his songwriting partner Jim Vallance to return to Vancouver and craft Kids Wanna Rock, along with re-recording other tracks to amplify the album’s raw energy. The song’s lyrics capture a rebellion against the rise of disco and synthesized music, with Adams singing about the universal desire for pure rock ‘n’ roll, from “London to L.A.”

The music video for Kids Wanna Rock, as noted on the Bryan Adams Wiki, was filmed live at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver, the same concert setting used for the Heaven video. Directed by Steve Barron and produced by Simon Fields, it captures the electric atmosphere of Adams’ 1984 tour. Various live recordings of the song were used as B-sides for singles between 1984 and 1992, showcasing its enduring popularity among fans. A 1985 live performance from the Reckless tour at London’s Hammersmith Odeon was included in the 30th Anniversary edition of Reckless, released in 2014, giving Zoo Freaks a chance to relive the song’s raw power. Adams himself has shared on Instagram about the 40th anniversary of Reckless in 2024, reflecting on how the album, including tracks like Kids Wanna Rock, catapulted him to global stardom.

Bryan Adams began his musical journey at a young age, born on November 5, 1959, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to British immigrant parents. According to Britannica, Adams taught himself guitar and was musically talented early on. His family’s frequent relocations due to his father’s career as a Canadian diplomat exposed him to diverse influences, but after his parents’ divorce, he settled with his mother near Vancouver. At 16, he dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time, having already joined the glam-rock band Sweeney Todd as their lead vocalist. He recorded their album If Wishes Were Horses in 1977 but soon left to focus on a solo career. In 1978, at 18, Adams met Jim Vallance, a former drummer for the band Prism, at a Vancouver music store. Their partnership, as detailed on Wikipedia, became a cornerstone of Adams’ success, producing hits for Adams and other artists like KISS and Bonnie Tyler.

Adams’ big break came with his third album, Cuts Like a Knife (1983), which gained traction in the U.S. with hits like Straight From the Heart. His 1984 album Reckless, featuring Kids Wanna Rock, soared to number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and earning diamond certification in Canada. Adams’ raspy voice, often compared to Joe Cocker and Bruce Springsteen, and his knack for catchy rock anthems made him a defining artist of the 1980s. Beyond music, Adams is a noted photographer, with work published in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and a philanthropist through the Bryan Adams Foundation. Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Adams through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours, photography, and new music.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into the Adams fandom, check out fan-driven spaces like the Bryan Adams Wiki, a treasure trove of detailed info on his discography and career. On Facebook, groups like Bryan Adams Fans offer a community for fans to share concert experiences and memorabilia. While no official fan club exists, these platforms keep the spirit of Adams’ music alive, much like the Zoo Crew keeps the airwaves rocking. So, turn it up, Zoo Freaks, and let Kids Wanna Rock remind you why Bryan Adams remains a rock legend!