Adams frames his work not as angry protest, but as respectful commentary on 'current affairs' and 'irony,' insisting he is simply stating facts about the geopolitical temperature.
Insiders whisper that the 'one dude' lyric was originally an expletive, toned down for radio. Adams admits 'dude' was the original word but notes other expletives could fit, though he considers himself respectful.
1. Album 'How’s It Goin’' drops Nov. 6. 2. Adams revealed Trump ordered Lake Ontario renamed 'Lake America' in federal records. 3. '51st State' received standing ovations in St. Louis and Texas during the summer tour.
Bryan Adams is leveraging his classic rock credibility to stage a quiet rebellion, proving that even in red states, the love for Canada—and the disdain for tariffs—might be stronger than the MAGA hat.
Bryan Adams has never been one to shy away from a melody, but the Canadian icon is currently riding a wave of political controversy that would make even the most hardened rock critic raise an eyebrow. In his latest interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Adams confirmed that his upcoming album, *How’s It Goin’*, is a direct response to the deteriorating relations between Canada and the United States. While he refuses to name Donald Trump directly in the lyrics or the interview, the target is unmistakable.
The album, set to drop on November 6, features the singles "51st State" and "Lake Ontario," both of which serve as sonic protests against the former president’s trade policies and territorial rhetoric. Adams, who has lived in Los Angeles for 25 years but maintains strong ties to his Montreal roots, describes the work as "angry, beautiful words" that helped him process the betrayal he feels from his southern neighbor. The drama escalates when you look at the specific grievances fueling Adams’ pen.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has implemented punishing tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly threatened to annex Canada as the "51st state." Perhaps the most petty move, according to Adams, was Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" in U.S. federal records. Adams’ reaction is less about shouting matches and more about bewildered disappointment. "If you have that much power, why would you not want to channel it for good?" Adams asks, highlighting the disconnect between political power and moral leadership.
He insists the songs aren't angry, but rather ironic and factual, capturing the "temperature in the room" regarding the global situation. It’s a diplomatic stance, but the receipts show a man who is deeply unsettled by the direction of his country’s biggest ally. What makes this scandal truly spicy is the unexpected reception from American audiences.
Adams debuted "51st State" during his summer tour in St. Louis, fearing backlash from the local crowd. Instead, he received a standing ovation.
The same happened in Texas, a deep-red state known for its unwavering support of Trump. "I’m not sure everybody agrees with what’s going down," Adams noted from his tour stop at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The audience’s reaction suggests that the American public’s affection for Canada—and their fatigue with political brinkmanship—might be more widespread than the political elite realize.
Adams used these live performances as a barometer, testing the waters to see if his critique of the "one dude" who would fuck it all up would resonate. The verdict? The people are listening, and they are applauding.
Beyond the politics, Adams offered a glimpse into his creative process, revealing that the entire album was written and recorded in just three months. The project began with a request to write a song for a documentary about Canada’s East Coast, but Adams’ pen wouldn’t stop. As he reviewed his notes, he found a cohesive narrative emerging from his frustration with current affairs.
He even addressed the viral moment from a recent concert where a drunk fan climbed onstage during "Summer of ’69." Adams’ decision to let the chaos unfold rather than ejecting the fan speaks to his philosophy: "I let the universe do its thing." It’s this same spirit of acceptance mixed with pointed observation that defines *How’s It Goin’*. With the November 3 election looming, Adams isn’t predicting outcomes; he’s simply writing his truth, leaving the rest of us to decipher the subtext and enjoy the tunes.
