Bryan Adams delivers unforgettable Don Valley Bowl show with classic hits and star duets

The summer of ’25 has been a memorable one for music in Sheffield and, as we head towards autumn, Bryan Adams brought more iconic hits (and a few surprises) to the city last night.

Headlining a stellar day three of Rock and Roll Circus at Don Valley Bowl, Adams kicked off in style with Kick Ass and Run to You.

Yesterday also marked the release of his brand new album, Roll With the Punches, so new music was also on the cards.

Alongside its intro track of the same name came a giant flying boxing glove gliding above the crowd – both an impressive spectacle and some added jeopardy over whether you could end up with an SUV-sized sucker punch at any minute. A similar (slightly smaller) flying car also made a cameo for So Happy It Hurts later on.

The overriding surprise of the night, however, was from a duet with Cassyette.

Following on from her earlier main stage appearance, the unlikely duo nailed a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain. As you would expect, Bryan Adams delivering that guitar solo was a pretty unforgettable moment.

Mel C then duetted for not only their hit single When You’re Gone, but for a surprisingly fitting version of Spice Girls’ Say You’ll Be There as well. Two worlds that you wouldn’t expect to collide.

All the hits – of which there are many – got the crowd singing along and even with some parts of the Sheffield crowd swirling their tops above their heads.

Heaven, You Belong to Me, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You, and the list goes on. It was a reminder, if one was ever needed, of quite how remarkable his discography is.

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Summer of ’69 was not the only crowdpleaser for the show’s climax. Another wedding classic, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, was an excellent, upbeat choice.

Unfortunately, due to a series of medical incidents in the audience – which were handled excellently by medical staff and some small talk from the stage – the performance hit the 11pm curfew.

The acoustic finale of All For Love had to be helped over the finish line by the crowd, as the microphone was cut off halfway through.

The only slip up of the night from Adams? “This is not just a special night because we’re in Liverpool,” he told the crowd – triggering chants of “Yorkshire, Yorkshire”.

A faux pas that could have easily been excused as a joke had he not admitted later in the show: “Oh f***, I just realised what I just said”.

It’s ok, Bryan, we forgive you – because what a show it was. And the crowd at Liverpool’s Content on Monday will be in for a treat.

Before the Canadian legend, Melanie C spiced up the lives of a packed tent with a varied tracklist of her own.

Solo singles led the set, with I Turn To You serving as a showstopping ending.

There was of course a hark back to the Spice Girls as well, courtesy of Spice Up Your Life, Who Do You Think You Are, and a sky of torchlights waving in the air for 2 Become 1.

She also spoke of Sheffield having “a special place in her heart”, including reminiscing about her debut solo performance at The Leadmill.

Elsewhere among the circus of jugglers, stilts, and tightrope walkers was an array of new and established artists.

Nell Mescal’s mesmerising vocals sounded through the Big Top, as did Newton Faulkner’s – who ended on a gutsy rendition of his Bohemian Rhapsody cover.

Homegrown pop talent Bethany Grace is one to watch and brought her new single Break My Own Heart to the Electric Carousel.

Fresh from their Main Stage set at Tramlines, local group Sundress impressed the audience at the BBC Introducing stage – keep an eye out for their next single in September, it’s a good one.

Today at Don Valley Park, the city’s own Reverend & the Makers will headline the Big Top after 9pm. Pete Doherty, Groove Armada, and Lottery Winners will also be performing.

Nineties band James will headline on Sunday.

Tickets are still available for both days over on the Rock and Roll Circus website.