Bryan Adams brings the "Roll With The Punches" tour to Antwerp
Bryan Adams will perform on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the AFAS Dome in Antwerp, Belgium, as part of the European leg of his "Roll With The Punches" tour. Doors for visitors with regular tickets will open at 18:30, while the concert is scheduled to begin at 20:00. According to the published schedule, the performance is expected to end at approximately 22:20. The Canadian singer and guitarist will bring a combination of rock songs, major ballads and newer compositions that reflect his current musical phase to the stage.
The concert comes at a time when Adams is simultaneously promoting his album "Roll With The Punches", released in 2025, and preparing his next studio release, "How's It Goin'", announced for November 2026. This schedule adds another interesting dimension to the tour: alongside songs that audiences have known for decades, recent performances have also featured compositions connected to his new material. For fans of classic rock, this means an evening in which guitar-driven choruses alternate with more emotional parts of his repertoire.
AFAS Dome, formerly known as Sportpaleis, is one of Belgium's best-known concert venues. Its size allows Adams to perform in front of a large audience, while the combination of floor space and tiered seating offers different ways to experience the concert. The venue currently reports a limited number of remaining tickets, so it is worth checking availability in good time, especially if a particular position in the auditorium is important.
The music of Bryan Adams: from powerful rock choruses to familiar ballads
Bryan Adams has built his distinctive sound on a combination of melodic rock, straightforward guitar arrangements and his characteristic raspy vocals. His songs often rely on simple but exceptionally memorable choruses. This kind of music works particularly well live because audiences can participate without complicated arrangements or lengthy instrumental passages.
The album "Reckless" consolidated his international success and produced some of his best-known songs, including "Run to You", "Heaven" and "Summer of '69". Each represents a different side of Adams' approach to rock music. "Run to You" is built around a distinctive guitar riff and a driving rhythm, "Heaven" is one of his most famous ballads, while "Summer of '69" combines an energetic rock performance with a chorus that audiences can easily sing along to.
An equally important part of his repertoire consists of "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You", "Please Forgive Me" and "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?". These songs also appeal to listeners who do not regularly attend rock concerts. Their melodies, slower rhythms and prominent vocals create a different atmosphere from more energetic compositions such as "Kids Wanna Rock" or "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You".
This diversity is precisely one of the reasons why Adams' concerts attract different generations. Visitors who listened to his albums when they were first released share the venue with audiences who know him through radio, films and digital music platforms. The songs are varied enough to prevent the performance from remaining at the same pace throughout, yet sufficiently connected by his voice and guitar style to form a recognisable concert experience.
"Roll With The Punches" and a new chapter in Adams' career
The album "Roll With The Punches" was released on August 29, 2025, through Adams' own record label, BAD Records. It is his 16th studio album, on which he once again turns to guitar-driven rock while also leaving room for slower, more emotional songs. The title track is built on a driving rhythm and a chorus designed for audiences to sing together, while "Make Up Your Mind" takes a more melodic approach. Other songs on the album include "Never Ever Let You Go", "A Little More Understanding", "Life Is Beautiful" and "Be The Reason".
The establishment of BAD Records marked a change in the way Adams releases music. Rather than relying on a major record company, he now presents new releases under his own label. Nevertheless, his recognisable sound has not moved significantly away from the foundations on which he built his career: the guitar remains the main instrument, melody takes centre stage, and the songs are structured to work both in a radio format and on a large concert stage.
Particularly interesting is the fact that the Antwerp concert takes place shortly before the release of the new album "How's It Goin'", scheduled for November 6, 2026. Adams has described the album as a musical tribute to Canada, its people, landscapes and history. Unlike the stronger rock orientation of the previous release, the new material combines elements of rock, folk and country music.
The title single "How's It Goin'" was released on October 9, 2026, just a few days before the Antwerp concert. The song features a lively rhythm driven by acoustic guitar and lyrics that travel through different regions of Canada. Recent performances on the tour have also featured "51st State" and "The Ballad of Terry Fox", both belonging to the repertoire of the forthcoming album. This means the current tour is not merely a reminder of past successes but also an opportunity to discover the music Adams is currently introducing.
What the concerts in Hamburg and Leipzig reveal
The best insight into the current concert concept comes from performances held in early October 2026. According to recorded setlists from the concerts in Hamburg on October 9 and Leipzig on October 10, Adams performed a wide selection of songs from different periods of his career. These included "Run to You", "Somebody", "Heaven", "Please Forgive Me", "So Happy It Hurts", "Summer of '69" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You", along with the title track of the current tour.
A distinctive feature of these performances was an acoustic opening on a smaller, separate stage, where Adams performed songs such as "Can't Stop This Thing We Started" and "Straight From the Heart". Following this introduction, the concert continued with a more powerful rock section on the main stage. This is an interesting way of connecting the performer with the audience in a large arena, as the acoustic performances create a more immediate atmosphere before the full sound of the band takes over.
At the Leipzig concert, Adams also performed "The Ballad of Terry Fox" and "51st State", while the final part of the setlist included several of his greatest hits. The recorded performance also featured "All for Love", a song known from his collaboration with Rod Stewart and Sting, which Adams performed alone in an acoustic version.
These examples provide a good idea of the possible concert experience, but they do not constitute a confirmed setlist for Antwerp. The order of performances, individual songs and arrangement of acoustic sections may change. Nevertheless, it is useful for visitors to know that recent performances have not been limited to a handful of his best-known singles but have also included songs from less frequently represented albums.
AFAS Dome: a large concert arena with a distinctive history
AFAS Dome is located at Schijnpoortweg 119 in Antwerp and was known as Sportpaleis until September 2025. The venue opened in 1933 and was originally built for cycling competitions. Over the decades, it has been transformed into one of Belgium's main venues for major musical performances, having hosted artists such as Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and Prince.
Renovations over the years have significantly changed the interior. New audience sections, permanent stands and a balcony were added, while the former cycling track was removed. The venue's capacity has increased to a maximum of 23,001 visitors, although the actual number of places available for an individual concert depends on the arrangement of the stage, floor area and seated sections.
For a Bryan Adams concert, the relationship between the size of the venue and the type of music is particularly important. Powerful drums, electric guitars and audiences singing choruses together naturally suit a large indoor arena. On the other hand, during quieter songs, attention focuses more closely on the voice and individual instruments. The actual sound experience and view of the performer depend on the position within the venue and the concert production.
Visitors with floor tickets can expect a different experience from those seated in the stands. Proximity to the main stage is particularly attractive to fans of energetic rock performances, while elevated seats provide a broader view of the stage and auditorium. Since individual sections offer different perspectives, it is useful to pay attention to the relevant ticket category and the seating or standing arrangements when choosing a ticket.
Adams has performed in Antwerp before. His concert archive records appearances at Lotto Arena during 2022, while an earlier performance at Sportpaleis took place in 2016. His return to AFAS Dome therefore represents another meeting with the Belgian audience in a venue that is already part of his concert history.
Concert schedule and important entry information
A schedule has been published for Bryan Adams' performance, allowing visitors to plan their arrival without unnecessary waiting or the risk of missing the beginning. The time of 18:30 indicates when doors open for regular visitors, not when the musical programme begins. The concert itself is scheduled for 20:00.
- Artist: Bryan Adams
- Tour: "Roll With The Punches"
- Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Venue: AFAS Dome, Schijnpoortweg 119, Antwerp, Belgium
- Doors open for regular ticket holders: 18:30
- Scheduled performance start: 20:00
- Planned finish: approximately 22:20
- Special VIP packages: may include earlier entry times and separate instructions
Published times are subject to change, so visitors are advised to check them again before setting off. Holders of special packages should follow information relating specifically to their category. Certain packages include additional experiences or special access, which does not mean that the same entry rules apply to all visitors.
Tickets are checked at the entrance, and the venue recommends preparing digital tickets in advance and increasing the brightness of phone screens to make scanning easier. Designated places in the auditorium are available for visitors with reduced mobility, subject to arranging the appropriate access category beforehand.
Public transport and parking near AFAS Dome
AFAS Dome is well connected to the city's public transport network, and the nearest major stop is Sport. From there, the entrance to the venue is approximately a two-minute walk away. Visitors arriving by train can use Antwerpen-Centraal railway station and then continue on underground tram lines 2 or 6 from Diamant station, which is connected to the main railway station.
A particularly useful benefit is that a ticket for an event at AFAS Dome also serves as a transport ticket on the De Lijn network within the province of Antwerp, covering travel to the event and the return journey on the same day. No additional ticket validation is required for such journeys. The benefit does not include rail services operated by the national railway company SNCB, for which a separate ticket must be purchased.
Visitors arriving by car are advised to use Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts of the city. P+R Luchtbal is located at Noorderlaan 500 and is connected to Sport station by line 6, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes. P+R Merksem, at Bredabaan 965, offers connections via lines 2 and A3, with an estimated journey time of approximately 15 minutes.
Both car parks offer free parking for venue visitors who complete the required vehicle registration procedure. Visitors must scan the appropriate QR code inside the venue and enter their vehicle registration number to link the parking session to the event. There are also car parks closer to the arena, but different conditions may apply at those locations.
It is important to take account of transport works in Antwerp. During October 2026, the tram connection between Linkeroever and Rechteroever is interrupted because of tunnel infrastructure works. Visitors travelling from the western part of the city should check alternative connections in advance. Drivers should also check the rules governing the city's low-emission zone, particularly if arriving in a vehicle registered outside Belgium.
After the concert ends, large numbers of visitors leave the venue simultaneously, so crowds around stops and car parks should be expected. Passengers returning by train to another city on the same evening should check the final departures in advance, as the availability of late trains varies depending on the day of the week.
Antwerp as a destination for a concert trip
Antwerp is one of Belgium's most important cities, known for its historic architecture, port, fashion and art. Visitors arriving early can use the time to explore the historic centre, particularly Grote Markt square with its city hall and guild houses. Nearby stands the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal cathedral, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
Antwerpen-Centraal railway station is also worth visiting for its monumental architecture. For visitors staying overnight, accommodation near the station can be practical because of the transport connections to AFAS Dome and the opportunity to explore the city centre on foot.
It is also possible to walk from the main railway station to the venue, although the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Public transport is therefore the simpler option immediately before the concert begins. Those visiting Antwerp for the first time should check the location of the entrance and their return route in advance, especially if they need to continue travelling after the performance.
What to bring and how to prepare for the evening
AFAS Dome applies rules regarding the permitted size of bags. Handbags must not exceed 21 x 30 x 10 centimetres, while large backpacks and travel luggage are not permitted in the auditorium. Bringing personal bottles, cans, food, drinks and certain items that may pose a security risk is prohibited. Smartphones with cameras are generally permitted unless stricter rules have been established for the specific event.
The venue has lockers for storing smaller belongings. Food and drinks can be purchased inside, and payments are made electronically. Earplugs are available for visitors sensitive to loud music, including free disposable pairs at the information desk.
For those wishing to hear Bryan Adams live, the Antwerp concert brings a current tour that combines familiar rock songs, a repertoire of ballads and newer releases. It is worth securing remaining tickets in good time, particularly if choosing between seated sections and the standing floor area is important. Before arriving, visitors should check the latest schedule information and entry rules so that their time at the venue can be devoted to the music rather than organisational details.
Sources:
- AFAS Dome (afas-dome.be/en/event/bryan-adams-cb390fa3) - confirmation of the Antwerp concert, event date, door-opening time and ticket availability information.
- Concert organiser (livenation.be/event/bryan-adams-roll-with-the-punches-antwerpen-tickets-edp1651152) - detailed arrival schedule, performance start and expected finishing time.
- Bryan Adams (bryanadams.com/tours/europe-roll-with-the-punches) - European tour schedule and previous performance dates.
- Bryan Adams (bryanadams.com/news/hows-it-goin-new-album-6th-nov) - announcement of the album "How's It Goin'" and its release date.
- Bryan Adams (bryanadams.com/news/new-single-hows-it-goin-released-today) - announcement of the new single "How's It Goin'" in October 2026.
- Apple Music (music.apple.com/us/album/roll-with-the-punches/1811462346) - release date and track listing for the album "Roll With The Punches".
- setlist.fm (setlist.fm/setlist/bryan-adams/2026/quarterback-immobilien-arena-leipzig-germany-7b48d21c.html) - setlist and performances at the Leipzig concert on October 10, 2026.
- setlist.fm (setlist.fm/setlist/bryan-adams/2026/barclays-arena-hamburg-germany-6348d21f.html) - setlist from the Hamburg concert on October 9, 2026.
- AFAS Dome (afas-dome.be/en/about-us/about-afas-dome) - venue history, name change and maximum capacity.
- AFAS Dome (afas-dome.be/en/mobility) - public transport, parking, venue access and traffic information.
- AFAS Dome (afas-dome.be/en/plan-your-visit/practical-information) - entry rules, bag restrictions, lockers and practical information for visitors.
- City of Antwerp (antwerpen.be) - historic centre, Grote Markt and the city's cultural landmarks.