Run to You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic "Run to You" by Bryan Adams from the 1993 compilation album So Far So Good, and the Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out to this timeless hit. This song, originally released in 1984 as the lead single from Adams’ fourth album, Reckless, is a staple of his career, blending gritty rock with a tale of infidelity. Interestingly, Adams didn’t initially think much of the song. He wrote the riff while jamming on his guitar but dismissed it due to a “really silly” background vocal part he’d added to the demo. It wasn’t until producer Bob Clearmountain asked for another track for Reckless that Adams revisited it, and the first take with his full band became the version fans know today. The song’s raw energy, described by Billboard as “full-blast rock,” helped it top the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart and reach number six on the Hot 100.

Another tidbit about "Run to You" is its unexpected origin story. Adams and his songwriting partner Jim Vallance originally offered the track to Blue Öyster Cult in 1983, but the band passed on it, as did other groups like .38 Special. Adams himself wasn’t sold on it either, but its eventual recording proved its worth. The music video, directed by Steve Barron (known for Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”), features Adams in dramatic settings like rain and snow, with his guitar symbolizing the object of desire. The video’s highlight was meant to be a tree struck by lightning, but the effect didn’t quite land as planned. Fun fact for guitarists: Adams revealed in a 2020 X post that the song’s tricky verse riff uses a capo on the second fret, solving a mystery for many players. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in covers by artists like Rage Against the Machine, showcasing its versatility across genres.

Bryan Adams’ journey to becoming a global rock star began in Kingston, Ontario, where he was born on November 5, 1959. The son of a Canadian diplomat, Adams spent his early years traveling across Europe and Asia, which shaped his worldly perspective. Music became his anchor as a teenager, and by age 17, he was the lead singer of the Vancouver rock band Sweeney Todd. At 18, a pivotal moment came when he met Jim Vallance, a former drummer for the band Prism, at a Vancouver music store in 1978. Their partnership kicked off a prolific songwriting collaboration that defined Adams’ early career. They co-wrote songs not only for Adams but also for artists like Kiss, Tina Turner, and Joe Cocker. Adams signed with A&M Records for a symbolic $1, a contract he framed, and released his debut album, Bryan Adams, in 1980 at age 20. While his first two albums didn’t make waves, his third, Cuts Like a Knife (1983), went platinum, and Reckless (1984) catapulted him to stardom with hits like "Run to You" and "Summer of ’69."

Fans can connect with Bryan Adams through his official website, where they’ll find tour dates, merchandise, and news. His Facebook page, with over 5.6 million likes, shares updates like the release of Live At The Royal Albert Hall. On Instagram, Adams posts about his music and photography, a serious side hustle that’s seen him shoot everyone from rock stars to royalty. His X account offers glimpses into his tours and personal reflections, like his capo tip for "Run to You." For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Bryan Adams fanart page on fanart.tv showcases fan-created artwork, while Bryan Adams Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant group where fans share concert experiences and memorabilia. These spaces keep the spirit of Adams’ music alive for fans worldwide.