Bryan Adams has announced the launch of his new independent label, Bad Records, with a special release that revisits his past work. To mark the inauguration of Bad Records, Adams is releasing a double A-side single featuring two tracks he co-wrote with Gene Simmons and Jim Vallance for KISS’s iconic 1982 album Creatures of the Night.
The limited edition double A-side 7″ single includes “War Machine” and “Rock And Roll Hell” and is now available for pre-order exclusively through Bryan Adams’ webstore. The single is set for release on August 30, 2024.
“Rock And Roll Hell” is already available digitally, accompanied by a music video filmed on the rooftop of London’s Royal Albert Hall during Adams’ recent residency. “War Machine” will be released on all digital platforms on the same date.
In a statement, Adams reflected on the release, saying, “To commemorate the first single on Bad Records, here are two songs I co-wrote when I was a 22-year-old struggling songwriter. I received an unexpected call from producer Michael James Jackson, who invited me to write for KISS. I was thrilled to take on the opportunity, and these tracks were the result, written with Gene Simmons and Jim Vallance.”
Adams elaborated on the creative process, noting, “While working with the band, Gene played me an amazing bass riff that became the backbone of ‘War Machine.’ I wanted to find a theme that matched the riff, leading me to the title. Given that our other song was about hell, war seemed like a fitting theme to complement it.”
He also discussed “Rock and Roll Hell,” explaining, “This song was originally Jim’s, having been released a few years earlier with Bachman-Turner Overdrive. I suggested we rewrite it for KISS. It’s remarkable how these themes, unfortunately, still resonate in today’s world, but I am very grateful to KISS for the opportunity back then.”
The launch of Bad Records and the release of these classic tracks celebrate Adams’ enduring impact on rock music and his continued connection to his musical roots.
