A blast from the past: Bryan Adams unveils new label and re-recorded singles originally penned for KISS
Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams, famed for his powerhouse vocals and string of chart-topping hits, is back with a bang. Not only is he gracing fans with new music, but he’s also making waves in the industry by launching his very own record label, Bad Records.
To mark this exciting new chapter, Adams is treating listeners to a double A-side single featuring two re-recorded tracks, “Rock and Roll Hell” and “War Machine.” These songs hold a special place in Adams’ history, as they were originally co-written with Gene Simmons of KISS and Jim Vallance back in 1982, intended for KISS’s album Creatures of the Night.
Adams shared his thoughts on the experience, reflecting on his early days as a songwriter: “To commemorate the first single on Bad Records, here are two songs I co-wrote when I was a 22-year-old struggling songwriter,” he revealed. “I got a call out of the blue from producer Michael James Jackson to see if I would like to write for KISS, which I was thrilled to do, and these are a couple of the songs that were the result, written with both Gene Simmons and Jim Vallance.”
The creative process was a collaborative effort, as Adams explained: “While sitting with the band, Gene played me this fantastic bass riff, which ended up being the backbone of ‘War Machine.’ I was trying to think of a theme that could possibly match the riff and came up with the title. Seeing as the other song we’d written was about hell, War was the obvious theme to coincide with it.”
Bryan Adams reminisces about collaborating with Gene Simmons on "War Machine."
The origins of “Rock and Roll Hell” are equally intriguing. “‘Rock and Roll Hell’ was actually Jim’s song that had been released a few years earlier with Bachman Turner Overdrive, and I suggested that we rewrite it for KISS,” Bryan added.
Revisiting these songs decades later brings a sense of reflection, particularly given the current global climate. “It’s incredible to think these themes are unfortunately still playing out for real in the world today, but I’m very grateful to the KISS guys for giving me the chance back then,” Adams shared.
The release of these early collaborations coincides with Adams’ own prolific career, which saw a meteoric rise shortly after his work with KISS. His 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife catapulted him to international fame, solidifying his status as a rock powerhouse with hits like “Straight from the Heart” and the title track.
Now, with decades of experience in the music industry and countless accolades under his belt, including a Grammy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Adams is embarking on a new adventure with Bad Records. The decision to revisit these early tracks for the label’s debut release speaks volumes about his enduring passion for music and his desire to share a piece of his history with fans.
While details surrounding future releases on Bad Records remain under wraps, the re-emergence of “Rock and Roll Hell” and “War Machine” hints at a treasure trove of unreleased material waiting to be unearthed. As Adams continues to rock stages worldwide, the launch of Bad Records promises an exciting new chapter for the legendary musician, offering a platform for his creativity to flourish and potentially showcasing emerging artists alongside his own iconic sound.
