Ryan Adams

by Jenny Lynch

Having been a fan of Ryan for the past 5 or so years I couldnt wait to see him back on tour. I was slightly worried though and I'll fill you in on a little secret. This man doesn't like me. I went with my friends to see him on his Rock and Roll tour a couple of years ago in Manchester. This gig was amazing. I bought the tickets in my name and thoroughly enjoyed it. As you do when you're young and highly influenced by a fit male, red blooded American, we decided to hang around outside the Academy. Luckily we got talking to a band member who informed us they were headed to the bar next door with the man himself. I was so excited a little bit of pee came out. Off we went, got our drinks in and waited at the bar. One by one the band entered and Ryan walked straight past. I could smell him. I wanted to speak to him, touch him, sit on his lap and play with his ears, so I went up, mobile in hand to get the photo I wanted. Politely, I asked if I may take a picture of him on my phone. After getting the OK, I pointed, zoomed, moved closer, focused some more, laughed nervously and bit my lip. What the hell was wrong with my phone? "I'm ever so sorry Mr Adams sir, My phone is Rubbish, wont be a sec!" Try and try as I did, I could not get a good enough picture. Ryan gave up too and continued with the conversation I had so selfishly interupted. After 5 mins of pointing a mobile phone in his face and looks from him as if to say 'where the hell is securtiy' I interrupted again, this time to ask for a mere autograph. After getting a more annoyed OK I rummaged in my bag for a pen and something to write on. No luck there, so I told him to hang on (I told HIM to Hang on? what was I thinking!?) and ran off up the bar frantically to get my ticket and a pen. I took the ticket back to him which he signed quicker than I have ever seen anyone sign anything in my life and I went away a happy and slightly disturbed young lady.

He had since cancelled two gigs. And yes I booked them in my name.

This time I had learned my lesson. I got my boyfriend to buy tickets. Not only did I save money, I knew there was no chance of a cancellation and off we went to Nottingham Rock City. Now, in case you haven't quite got it yet, I love this man. I love his hair, his style, his voice, his music and I'm thinking of being him for my next fancy dress affair but something just wasnt quite right. The gig was flat, full of energy yes, but not Ryan. Touring with the Cardinals had changed him. There was no red wine, no cigarettes, very little swearing, no talking to the audience and no rambling about nothing in particular. It was just a show. Not a Ryan Show. This was Ryan in a Ryan Adams tribute band. I liked it.

His songs were electric. All of the Cardinals set had been transformed from his southern American country roots to something magical and alive, to songs that would fit on Rock and Roll more than Jacksonville. Yes, he is just Ryan in a band and not Ryan the solo artist but change is good right? and it did kinda suit him. The spark had gone from Ryan's persona but this man has grown up. This man can change with the best of them and changed he has. I see Monsters was so distorted into a metallica-esque anthem that it took me at least a verse to figure out what it was and I love that song!

I left deflated and confused. There was no encore, I couldnt bop as I didn't know what was gonna happen to each song yet I was on a high because of this. I had to see him again. So I did.

Birmingham Academy was just starting to fill as I pushed my way to the barrier. There I stood for 4 hours. They say anticipation is the best feeling in the world and tonight it excelled all other feelings I have ever had. My view was amazing, unfortunatly not that good that I could touch him, but that's just wrong isn't it?

Tonight's set was completely different. Ryan was proving to all that he was still the man in charge. There were orders and changes, cigarettes and swearing, a random 5 minute monolgue about people impailing themselves and I'm sure I saw him smile at one point. The set was altered slightly and the songs were played in a mixture of album originals and 'what the hell is this song'? All of a sudden they left. The lights stayed low and people were shouting, people were freaking, I'm staring at the ceiling, waiting for the encoure.

After a long ten minutes he appeared, this time with no harmonica, hooded suit and mask suit for 'Come Pick Me Up' but to sit alone at his piano and play a new song. He tried, bless him but couldn't contain it any longer. He just had to heckle back at the crowd and let them know they were here to see him and listen to what he was playing. Not to do requests. So, under the lone spotlight he relayed to us a new magical melody ony Ryan could write. And then cut it short and stormed off stage. That spot light was just far too bright.

Ryan is back.