Bryan Adams Records Acoustic Show at Pompeii
On November 4, 2025, Canadian musician Bryan Adams performed an intimate acoustic concert at the historic amphitheater of Pompeii, Italy, as part of his Bare Bones tour. The concert was recorded to preserve the unique experience.
The Setting and Concept
The performance took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Adams accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, a piano, and his distinctive voice. The Bare Bones tour embraced a minimalistic approach, visiting select locations such as Rome, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Scotland, and Pompeii.
“Everywhere I go, the kids wanna rock.”
Forty years after originally singing those words, Adams proved their enduring truth in the ancient venue, where the stripped-down sound allowed his music to connect directly with the audience.
The Sound Engineering
Front-of-house engineer Stefan Holtz mixed the final show using a locally rented digital console. He deliberately avoided complex processing racks or analog equipment to preserve the raw, organic quality of the performance.
“People want to feel as if Bryan were standing right in front of them without a microphone,”
explained Holtz, who has worked with Adams since 2023. He emphasized that technology should become invisible to maintain the concert’s authenticity.
To achieve this minimalist sound, Holtz used a Neumann KM 185 microphone for the acoustic guitar, blending it with the built-in pickup for a natural balance. Adams’ vocals were captured with a custom-modified KMS 104 Plus.
“We tried it, and Bryan, monitors, and FOH all agreed immediately: this is a real step forward,”
said Holtz, reflecting the shared satisfaction with the clean, transparent mix that matched the spirit of the performance.
Author’s Summary
Bryan Adams’ acoustic show at Pompeii embodied the essence of simplicity and emotion, blending artistry with natural sound for a timeless live recording.