BRYAN ADAMS RELEASES “THE BALLAD OF TERRY FOX,” A POWERFUL MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO A CANADIAN ICON
New single and official music video out August 27; song featured in the documentary, Run Terry Run, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO, ON (August 27, 2026) – Today, Bryan Adams releases “The Ballad of Terry Fox,” a heartfelt and uplifting new song celebrating one of Canada’s most enduring heroes.
Inspired by the extraordinary life and legacy of Terry Fox, the song tells the story of his historic Marathon of Hope and honours the courage, determination and spirit that made Terry an inspiration to millions around the world.
Terry’s journey began with a simple but extraordinary idea: to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. What followed became one of the most powerful stories of perseverance and hope in Canadian history and a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world more than four decades later.
For Adams, it was Terry’s ability to turn one person’s determination into a movement that inspired the song. The release of “The Ballad of Terry Fox” comes as Terry’s story continues to inspire new generations. More than a tribute to a Canadian hero, the song is a celebration of the enduring power of hope, perseverance and the belief that one person can make a difference.
“I remember Terry’s run back in 1980 when I was on tour In Canada playing 200-capacity clubs,” shares Adams. “I was 20 years old and I think Terry was a year older than me.
When he stopped near Thunder Bay on September 1, I had just played in Ottawa, and his run was all over the news. Thinking back, it was a pivotal time in Canada (after the Quebec referendum). Without knowing it, Terry gave a slightly fractious country a ‘something’ and ‘someone’ that everyone could agree on and unite behind.
I’m extremely proud to be part of Sean Menard’s film and especially proud of Terry and his legacy.”
“The Ballad of Terry Fox” is released today alongside an official music video directed by Sean Menard, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the upcoming documentary Run Terry Run. The video brings together Adams’ musical tribute and the story of Terry’s Marathon of Hope, capturing the spirit of a journey that continues to resonate across generations.
The song is also featured in Run Terry Run, Menard’s new feature documentary about Terry Fox and his historic Marathon of Hope. The film draws on previously unseen archival footage and previously unheard material to offer an intimate look at Terry, his journey and the extraordinary determination behind one of Canada’s most defining moments. The documentary will premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
About Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams is a Grammy and JUNO Award-winning singer, songwriter, and recording artist, whose career spans more than four decades. One of Canada’s most celebrated musical exports, Adams continues to perform for audiences across the globe, and his music reflects a lifelong commitment to storytelling, authenticity, and the enduring power of rock and roll.
About Run Terry Run
Directed by Sean Menard, Run Terry Run is a new feature documentary exploring Terry Fox’s legendary 1980 Marathon of Hope. Through never-before-seen archival footage and previously unheard material, the film offers a fresh and intimate perspective on Terry Fox and the extraordinary journey that captured the imagination of a nation. The film premieres at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Lyrics
The wind was cold and thin – out on the highway’s edge
A solitary figure with a solemn pledge
One leg of bone – one leg of steel – a skip and a heavy heel
Brought up in BC and Manitoba – he didn’t fail to make us feel
Yeah the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country – that’s the plan
That’s the spirit of our man
He didn’t run for medals – he didn’t run for gold
But for the people and their stories – that never will be told
Across the asphalt and the gravel – through the heat and the rain
he carried the nations weight for 26 miles, then he’d go again
Yeah the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country – that’s the plan
That’s the spirit of our man
The road was lined with people – who came out to see him run
But the lungs grew tired and he got weary – before he was done
On a lonely stretch near Thunder Bay
His stride was halted – the body gave way
Yeah the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country – that’s the plan
That’s the spirit of our man
The finish line was in his mind – not a city on a map
There was no closing ceremony – just a roadside clap
He might have had to stop the run – but the fight still carries on
For every heart that followed him – the race was bravely won
Yeah the road was long where he once ran
He did the best any human can
Get across the country – that’s the plan
That’s the spirit of our man
If there ever was a hero – if there ever was a saint
He ran through fire and through pain – any lesser soul would faint
He said “its a mission greater than himself” – and his words are still ringing true
He ran for everybody – he ran for me and you
BRYAN ADAMS – 2026 Canadian Tour
August
- 24: Trois-Rivieres, QC / Amphitheatre Cogeco
- 25: Kingston, ON / Slush Puppy Place
- 26: Oshawa, ON / Tribute Communities Centre
- 28: Hamilton, ON / TD Coliseum
- 29: London, ON / Canada Life Place
- 31: Sudbury, ON / Sudbury Community Theatre
September
- 1: Sault Ste. Marie, ON / GFL Memorial Gardens
- 2: Thunder Bay, ON / Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
- 3: Thunder Bay, ON / Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
- 5: Saskatoon, SK / SaskTel Centre
- 8: Lethbridge, AB / visitlethbridge.com Arena
- 10: Red Deer, AB / Westerner Park/Marchant Crane Centrium
- 11: Dawson Creek, BC / Ovintiv Events Centre
- 13: Penticton, BC / South Okanagan Events Centre
- 15: Abbotsford, BC / Rogers Forum
