What If There Were No Sides At All

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin Bryan Adams’ anti-war anthem, “What If There Were No Sides At All,” from the album of the same name. This track, released in May 2023, is a powerful call for peace, co-written with Gretchen Peters, a collaborator on Adams’ hits like “Rock Steady” and “Here I Am.” Adams has shared that the song isn’t tied to one specific conflict but addresses global strife and the lack of constructive peace talks, urging governments to prioritize dialogue over division. In a statement on his official website, he noted, “The aim of this song is to provoke thought and perhaps even encourage governments to sit down and talk peace.” The music video, co-directed by Adams and Ben Ib, shows him carrying a peace sign flag through a dystopian warscape, with generic locations to symbolize universal conflict. Adams posted about the song on X on May 12, 2023, calling it a “Peace song to provoke thought,” and again on August 26, 2023, encouraging fans to check it out.

The song’s lyrics, like “Just a big blue ball - floating in space / It’s a beautiful world - but a dangerous place,” reflect Adams’ knack for blending hope with urgency, a theme consistent with his humanitarian work. As a longtime vegan and advocate for causes like veterans’ support and environmentalism, Adams channels his activism into his music. His Instagram often highlights these efforts, though it also drew controversy in 2020 when he posted about wet markets and COVID-19, later apologizing for the racially charged tone. Despite this, his commitment to peace shines through in “What If There Were No Sides At All,” which aligns with his history of supporting initiatives like Live Aid and the Bryan Adams Foundation. Fans on Facebook have praised the song’s message, with some calling it a “timeless plea for unity.”

Bryan Adams, born November 5, 1959, in Kingston, Ontario, kicked off his musical journey as a teen in Vancouver. The son of English immigrants, his early life was nomadic due to his father’s diplomatic career, living in places like Lisbon and Vienna. Music became his anchor, and by age 10, he bought his first electric guitar, an Italian Fender Stratocaster knockoff. Self-taught, Adams dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue music full-time, using his parents’ college savings to buy a grand piano. His first break came in 1976 as the lead vocalist for the glam rock band Sweeney Todd, appearing on their album If Wishes Were Horses. In 1978, he met Jim Vallance, a former Prism drummer, sparking a prolific songwriting partnership that shaped Adams’ career and produced hits for artists like Kiss and Tina Turner.

Adams signed with A&M Records for a symbolic one dollar in 1978, releasing his debut solo single, “Let Me Take You Dancing,” a disco track that hit the Canadian charts. His self-titled debut album followed in 1980, but it was 1983’s Cuts Like a Knife, with hits like “Straight From the Heart,” that launched him to stardom, followed by the diamond-certified Reckless in 1984, featuring “Summer of ’69” and “Run to You.” His raspy voice and relatable lyrics made him a global icon, selling over 75 million records. Beyond music, Adams is an accomplished photographer, with works like Wounded: The Legacy of War showcasing his activism. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For more fan interaction, check out the Bryan Adams Wiki or join groups like the Bryan Adams Fan Club on Facebook.