Simon reminded the singer of one of his most memorable performances in Johannesburg — a New Year’s Eve show at the old Dome where Adams famously disappeared mid-concert, only to reappear on a smaller stage at the back of the venue, much to the crowd’s surprise.

“Yes, I still do that,” Adams laughed. “It’s part of the shtick.”

Despite a catalogue packed with global hits — including Heaven, Run To You, Please Forgive Me and the record-breaking Everything I Do (I Do It For You) — Adams says he never gets tired of performing his songs.

“People always ask if there’s one I don’t want to sing anymore,” he said. “But honestly, I love them. Even songs like Straight From The Heart, which I wrote when I was 18 — I still love the lyric.”

Off stage, Adams has built an impressive second career as a photographer, capturing portraits of icons including Queen Elizabeth II, Mick Jagger and Dustin Hoffman. While touring doesn’t always allow time for photoshoots, he still travels with a camera and says the creative crossover between photography and music continues to inspire his work.

Fans heading to the upcoming Johannesburg show can expect a night filled with classics — along with a few new tracks from his latest album Roll With The Punches, written in part with South African producer Mutt Lange.

As Adams told the HOT 1027 team: “Come on down and see the show. It’s going to be great fun.”