RA at the RA

The urban legend says that back in 2002, Ryan Adams threw some guy out of the Ryman Auditorium for shouting out a request to hear a cover of Bryan Adam's "Summer of '69." I had a deja vu last night---because it happened again.

The concert was the third stop on the Queen MAB summer concert series, and unfortunately, I wish it had never of happened. The greasy rocker waltzed onstage in his skinny jeans and 4-inch white, patent leather platforms, drunk as a skunk and/or high as a kite. I knew from the moment he played his first song, that it was going to be a long, long evening.

I don't have a lot good to say, because I was incredibly disappointed in Ryan's choice of set list. Ryan is known for three characteristic styles of music: americana-country-rock, acoustic-alt-rock, and electric-metal-rock. I prefer the first two, being able to truly appreciate his scraggly voice and songwriting ability. Unfortunately, last night we were served the latter. I think he played his worst music on purpose, especially the second half of the show.

Ryan has a reputation as a pretentious jerk, but you allow his talent to override. I don't think his fans, including myself, were as ready to let him off the hook last night. Someone from the audience threw a beer can onstage at Ryan's guitarist. Then a few minutes later, in the middle of a song, some guy stands up and shouts out a request for "Summer of '69." After slamming the microphone down, verbalizing a string of four-letter words, and giving the guy the finger (including the "Super Finger"), security escorts the guy out of the building. Ryan comments, "It's always got to be someone at the [insert expletive] Ryman..."

I was pleased with one set of comments Ryan made about how it was great to be back in the "Rock-n-Roll House of Worship," because afterall, the Ryman is literally that. It's always nice to be in the Ryman. But I don't know that it's always nice to be in the Ryman with Ryan...

Doing a bit of research, I learned the irony of the sore-spot with Ryan Adams when it comes to all things Bryan Adams: they actually share the same birthday! Too funny!

EDIT: For the Tennesseean review, click here.