HAGERSTOWN — Amy and Greg Fleming live in a house divided.

She loves rock ’n’ roll; he prefers country.

But there is one type of music for which they have mirrored tastes — the music of Bryan Adams.

So when tickets went on sale for the artist’s show at The Maryland Theatre, the Hagerstown couple were among the first in line.

“We met in college at a Bryan Adams concert,” Greg Fleming said at Tuesday night’s performance. “For that reason alone, he has to be our favorite artist.”

For almost three decades, Adams has been a prominent presence on the music scene, performing at stadiums and concert halls around the world.

But since last year, he has been giving his fans an opportunity to see him in a different setting — as a solo acoustic performer.

The Canadian rocker brought his show to the intimate setting of The Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, playing to a standing-room-only audience.

There were no drums and no backup singers, just Adams, his acoustic guitar and — on occasion — his piano man.

The venue was a hit with the audience, with some fans giving him a standing ovation after every song.

Brad Linley of Hagerstown said he wasn’t sure how Adams’ songs would sound with only an acoustic guitar, but after the singer kicked things off with “Run to You,” Linley voiced his approval.

“He sounds great,” Linley said. “He’s got those signature vocal cords. Anything he sings is terrific.” 

Before the concert, Adams met with people who purchased VIP tickets for a reception at the theater.

Bob Rider, his wife Karen, and children Rebecca, 18, and Robert, 12, of Greencastle, Pa., were among the fans who had an opportunity to meet and speak with Adams.

“It was outstanding,” Bob Rider said. “He was very personable and went out of his way to spend time with each person there.  He was very friendly. I think he asked us more questions than we asked him.”

Rider said he has been a Bryan Adams fan since the 1980s.

“I think it’s the lyrics that make his songs so special,” Rider said. “He was a well-known writer for other bands before he went out on his own, so he has a way with words. The songs reach out to you, talk to you, touch you.”

Also attending the reception was Emily Keller of Hagerstown.

“It was great to be able to meet him one-on-one,” she said.  “He was very nice.”

Keller said she and her family were excited about attending the concert, especially since her father once played in a band that covered Bryan Adams songs.

“It’s going to be a fun night,” she said.

Tuesday night was the second time Anne Ryan of Waynesboro, Pa., saw Adams in concert.

“About 15 years ago, I saw him play in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “When I heard he was going to be in Hagerstown, I thought it would be a great chance to see him again.”

Ryan said she has been a big fan since the beginning of Adams’ career.

Now, she’s hoping to make a fan of her nephew, Patrick Moore, 13, who accompanied her to the concert.

“He’s never been to a concert,” she said. “I thought this would be a nice introduction. I think he’ll really like his music.”

Katrina Grubb of Hedgesville, W.Va., was attending the show courtesy of her fiancé, Kevin Jenkins of Martinsburg, W.Va., who bought her tickets for her birthday.

“He told me about a week ago,” she said. “I was surprised and really happy. I’ve been a Bryan Adams fan for a long time. I like the classics.”

“Today is my birthday,” Grubb said. “It’s been a perfect day and this is the icing on the cake.”