Bryan Adams will be releasing his own versions of “War Machine” and “Rock and Roll Hell,” two songs he co-wrote for KISS back in the early 1980s, on a limited-edition vinyl single on August 30. In advance of the release, Adams has debuted an intense music video for “War Machine,” which you can check out now at his YouTube channel.
Videos by American Songwriter
Shortly before his own music career took off, Adams teamed up with his songwriting partner Jim Vallance and KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons to write the two songs, which KISS recorded for their 1982 album, Creatures of the Night.
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Bryan decided to record his own versions of the tunes to put out together as the first release on his newly launched independent label, Bad Records.
The 7-inch vinyl single can be pre-ordered now. It’s available exclusively at his official online store. “War Machine” also will be released via digital formats on August 30.
About the “War Machine” Video
“War Machine” is a heavy, ominous rock song about the evils of military conflict. The video takes the viewer over and into a war-torn city in the middle of a battle. It also features Adams portraying a tyrannical leader who’s directing the attack from a command center.
At the beginning of the clip, we see Adams walking in a grassy field holding a white flag with a black peace sign painted on it. As the camera pulls back, we’re taken into an embattled city, as soldiers fire their guns while marching through the rubble of destroyed buildings. We also see ground-to-air missiles being fired at fighter jets flying overhead.
The video then shows the jets bombing the city, as soldiers continue their attack, accompanied by drones. The scene eventually shifts to the command center, where we see a stern-faced Adams, donning makeup to make him look older, giving orders and watching the battle on video screens.
Later in the clip, we see planes drop large crates marked “aid” via parachutes, but when the packages reach the ground, they explode. As the video nears its end, Adams gives the order to launch a ballistic missile, but the rocket doesn’t reach its intended destination.
About Adams’ Version of “Rock and Roll Hell”
Adams recently released his version “Rock and Roll Hell” as a digital single. A video featuring him performing the song on the roof of the famed Royal Albert Hall in London premiered at the same time.
More About the Two Singles
In a press statement about the new single, Adams explained that he was “a 22-year-old struggling songwriter” when he was contacted by KISS producer Michael James Jackson “out of the blue” asking if he’d like to write for the band.
Adams noted that “Rock and Roll Hell” was a song Vallance had written for Bachman-Turner Overdrive several years earlier that Bryan suggested they rework for KISS.
Adams also shared how “War Machine” came together.
“While sitting with the band, Gene played me this fantastic bass riff, which ended up being the backbone of ‘War Machine,’” he recalled. “I was trying to think of a theme that could possibly match the riff and came up with the title. Seeing as the other song we’d written was about hell, War was the obvious theme to coincide with it.”
Reflecting on the two tunes, Adams added, “It’s incredible to think these themes are unfortunately still playing out for real in the world today, but I’m very grateful to the Kiss guys for giving me the chance back then.”
Adams’ Upcoming Tour Plans
Adams will launch a new European leg of his So Happy It Hurts Tour on September 5 in Berlin. The trek will run through a December 6 concert in Schladming, Austria. He’ll then head to India for a series of six December dates. Bryan’s 2024 itinerary will wrap up with a December 19 show in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Tickets to Adams’ 2024 concerts are available now via various outlets, including StubHub.
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