by The Untold Stories Behind Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams’ Lifelong Bromance
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Rock legends Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams are known worldwide for their iconic music and larger-than-life personas. But behind the fame and fortune, the two superstars share a deep friendship that has lasted over four decades. While Stewart and Adams rose to stardom independently with their signature styles, it was their chance meeting in London in the 1970s that sparked a bond that would stand the test of time. Through the ups and downs of international success, the pair have always had each other’s backs. However, the untold stories of how their friendship formed and what really cemented them as “bros for life” have remained closely guarded secrets—until now.
The Early Years: Parallel Paths to Stardom
Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams were both born in 1949, just months apart. While Stewart grew up in London, England, Adams was raised in Ontario, Canada. Despite coming from different sides of the Atlantic, the two shared a passion for rock music from a young age. Stewart got his start in bands like The Jeff Beck Group in the late 1960s, developing his raspy vocals and swaggering stage presence. Meanwhile, Adams picked up the guitar as a teen and began playing local clubs, honing his skills as a guitarist and songwriter.
By the early 1970s, Stewart had risen to fame as a solo artist with hits like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well.” His signature blend of rock, folk, and blues sounds made him a global superstar. Around the same time, Adams was cutting his teeth on the burgeoning pub rock scene in London. Though he was still relatively unknown, Adams was determined to break out as a performer and began seeking opportunities to open for bigger acts. Little did he know that one such show would change the course of his career—and his life—forever.
Fateful Meeting at Kensington High Street
It was a Wednesday night in March 1974 when 19-year-old Bryan Adams got a call from his manager with a big opportunity—he had landed a spot opening for Rod Stewart at the Kensington High Street Club in London. Excited but nervous, Adams loaded into the small venue, ready to showcase his talent to an audience that included the already-famous Stewart. As Adams took the stage, Stewart watched intently from the sidelines, immediately impressed by the young guitarist’s raw charisma and skills.
After Adams’ electrifying set, Stewart personally sought him out to offer praise. “You’ve got something special, kid,” Stewart told him. The superstar was blown away not just by Adams’ musical abilities, but by his earnest passion and drive to succeed. Stewart saw in Adams the same hunger and swagger he himself possessed in his early days. From that moment on, a kinship was forged between the two that would transcend their careers.
An Unlikely Bond Between Rock Royalty
In the following years, Rod Stewart continued rising to greater fame while taking Bryan Adams under his wing. Whenever Stewart was in London, he made sure to catch Adams’ shows and offer guidance to help further the newcomer’s career. Stewart even helped land Adams opening slots on some of his own tours, giving valuable exposure. For his part, Adams looked up to Stewart like a big brother, soaking up advice on everything from songwriting to stage presence.
The unlikely pairing of the rough-around-the-edges Stewart and the fresh-faced Adams seemed improbable. But their mutual love of rock ‘n’ roll and similar scrappy origins created an instant connection. While many other artists might have viewed Adams as competition, Stewart took pride in fostering new talent. And Adams felt nothing but gratitude for Stewart’s mentorship as he worked to establish himself. Behind the scenes, the two developed a playful but respectful brotherly dynamic, bonding through long nights on the road and in the recording studio.
A Lifesaving Moment on the M6
In the summer of 1976, Rod Stewart was in the midst of a UK tour when Bryan Adams got a call to join him for the remainder of the dates as his opening act. Adams jumped at the opportunity to spend more time learning from his mentor. However, on July 3rd, as they were traveling between shows, their friendship was put to the ultimate test.
Stewart and Adams were in Stewart’s car, being driven down the M6 motorway in England. Suddenly, a truck lost control and careened across the median, directly into their path. Stewart’s driver swerved but couldn’t avoid the collision—the massive truck slammed into the passenger side where Adams was sitting. The impact sent their car spinning off the road, coming to rest in a field.
Adams recalls being pinned in the wreckage, unable to move as flames began to spread from the truck. Thinking fast, Stewart kicked open his mangled door and crawled across the front seats to where Adams lay trapped. With Herculean strength fueled by adrenaline, Stewart pried open the crumpled door and pulled Adams free just before the car became fully engulfed in an inferno. Paramedics later said if Adams had been stuck even a few moments longer, he wouldn’t have survived.
The harrowing ordeal cemented Stewart and Adams’ bond in a way no words ever could. They had literally saved each other’s lives. In the aftermath, Stewart refused to continue the tour until Adams had fully recovered. Their close call only strengthened their friendship further—they were brothers who would always have each other’s backs, no matter the danger. The experience is something the two still reflect on to this day as highlighting their profound connection.
A Lifetime of Camaraderie and Collaboration
In the decades since that fateful road trip, Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams have both gone on to even greater success independently. Stewart continued churning out hits in the 70s and 80s like “Tonight’s the Night” and “Forever Young,” becoming a true rock legend. Meanwhile, Adams broke out globally in the 80s with seminal albums like Cuts Like a Knife and Reckless that spawned iconic songs like “Run to You” and “Summer of ’69.”
Despite their hectic schedules, Stewart and Adams have remained close confidantes, regularly checking in and supporting each other’s work. They’ve also collaborated musically multiple times over the years. In 1991, they teamed up to record “It’s Only Love” for Stewart’s Vagabond Heart album. And in 2008, Adams contributed guitar and backing vocals to Stewart’s hit song “My Heart Can’t Tell You No.”
Off stage, Rod and Bryan have been spotted together at sporting events like hockey games, maintaining their playful rivalry as fans of opposing Canadian and British teams. They’ve also vacationed with their families, bringing their kids along to create lasting memories. Through the highs and lows of life in the spotlight, Stewart and Adams have leaned on each other as true friends do. Now in their 70s, their bond remains a shining example of the power of loyalty, friendship and mutual understanding between artists.
While the world knows Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams as legendary rockers, what started as a chance meeting in a London club led to so much more—a lifelong brotherhood between two kindred creative spirits. The untold stories of how their friendship formed and was fortified over decades cements it as one of the greatest bromances in music history. Though superstars in their own right, Stewart and Adams’ bond proves that behind even the biggest names in rock, there is an ordinary beauty to friendship that transcends it all.
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