PANAJI
Even as fans in Goa anxiously wait to experience the exhilaration of listening to superstar Bryan Adams perform live at the athletic stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday, there is one ‘superfan’ of the Canadian singer-songwriter who is counting the hours.
She sidestipped her crippling disability and confinement to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, just as she does to adorn the hat of an accomplished author, poet and artist, hasn’t missed a chance to go to Adams’ previous concerts in India -- in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2018.
So when the superstar’s team first announced his multi-city ‘Happy It Hurts Tour 2024 to India, Frederika Menezes was among the early birds to book tickets for the Bengaluru concert only to junk them and immediately pick front row tickets for the Bambolim concert, no sooner the singer rejigged his schedule to add the Goa leg to the tour.
“Bryan Adams coming to Goa is a huge dream come true for this Baddie (Bryan Adams’s fan),” Frederika said in a conversation with The Goan.
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been to concerts by different music artists here in Goa and actually said to myself ‘Wish this was Bryan. And now, he’s going to be here. Thank you, Universe,” she added.
Frederika has been a big Bryan Adams fan for decades, saying she “simply loves his music and photography”.
“It was a glorious summer decades back that I got hooked to Bryan’s music. It just speaks to me. Ask me which songs by Bryan Adams I don’t like or love. Having said this, I know it’s gonna be a rocking evening with BA performing,” she further said.
At past concerts, Frederika has even had personal encounters and chats with the Canadian singer (see pic). She is hoping the organisers afford her a similar opportunity to say ‘hello’ to her singing hero on Tuesday as well.
Adams on his part has often spoken of his ‘’unique’’ connection with fans in India.
“I’m incredibly excited to be coming back to India! There’s a unique connection I feel with the Indian audience,” Adams was quoted as saying before the start of his India Tour by ‘Rolling Stone’ an American magazine which focuses on music, politics, and popular culture.
“Your passion for music is truly inspiring and I can’t wait to perform all your favourite songs “ the old ones and some new ones too. This tour is a celebration of music that has connected people across generations. Get ready to rock!” Adams said in the American magazine.
Fredricka may not be able to physically ‘rock’ on Tuesday but she says she will definitely soar to ‘Cloud 9’ much as she had a month ago when she tasted success with sale of her art (she paints digitally, using a single finger) at the “Colours of Resilience” exhibition at the Taj Cidade de Goa.
