Ryan Adams & The Cardinals @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney
It was a tad dark…
I’ll update this more fully tomorrow I think. But tonight Ryan and Sydney had a bit of a run in. The crowd never got into it, yelled things at the band, and Ryan cut things short. That said, the music was fantastic (except for the last five minutes of Easy Plateau when Ryan punished the crowd with noise and feedback to end the show).
Update
Alright, I’ll leave the controversy to the comments (please jump in there and contribute!) and just focus on the music from last night’s gig. While the show paled in comparison to the show I saw recently in Vancouver, when you got past the idiotic yelling from the audience and Ryan’s bad mood (is it ironic being told how to behave from an ex-junkie who has gotten himself so screwed up he’s had to cancel entire tours?) the actual set last night was rockin.
He played for 100 minutes over two sets and I really enjoyed hearing a few songs I’d never heard him play before. The first set’s highlight HAD to be Peaceful Valley; I think Ryan channeled all his frustration at the audience into an absolutely ferocious version of that song. Off Broadway, which was a (surprising) highlight for me in Vancouver seemed a bit lost last night. Didn’t help that Ryan got a bit snarky and left (early) for the intermission afterwards.
The second set started off beautifully with Blue Hotel, a song Ryan wrote for Willie Nelson’s last album. I was optimistic at this point that Ryan and the crowd had settled as it seemed a somewhat odd choice to play (as it’s relatively unknown) but it was politely received by the crowd. What Sin Replaces Love was absolutely immense (channeling that anger again?) and the Dear Chicago tease (before Trouble On Wheels) would have killed Quinn. I really enjoyed Arkham Asylum as well. It’s a newish song that will hopefully see the light of day sometime. The show ended with Ryan sarcastically thanking the crowd and then launching into Easy Plateau. The song ended with Ryan creating noise and feedback for about five minutes while the rest of the Cardinals looked a bit lost.
If you took away the toxic vibe in the Enmore it was a great show. Perhaps not as long as other Ryan shows but who says he has to play three hour shows every night? Here’s hoping tonight goes a bit better.
Setlist:
Goodnight Rose
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Mockingbird
Wild Flowers
Cold Roses
Dear John
Peaceful Valley
Off Broadway
—————-
Blue Hotel
Magnolia Mountain
What Sin Replaces Love
Trouble On Wheels
Arkham Asylum
A Kiss Before I Go
Easy Plateau
A couple blurry/dark photos here if you want to check out what everyone’s bitching about. FasterLouder wasn’t impressed while the Sydney Morning Herald found moments of brilliance.
August 24th, 2007 00:31
See this is why I was hesitant about this year’s Aussie gigs. Hopefully Friday’s show gets a better reception!
August 24th, 2007 01:27
There’s too much to discuss about this!
The audience, without a doubt (at least for the most part of GA) were the biggest pack of morons I can remember seeing.
I was in GA and the fact that we were up the back meant that a lot of people were losing interest, and ruining it for everyone else.
I was thoroughly enjoying the show and was surprised to hear in the post-gig banter how many people disliked it.
Fingers crossed no one calls out “Summer of ’69″ tomorrow.
August 24th, 2007 07:27
I’m going along Friday. What time did it kick off and was there a support?
August 24th, 2007 08:31
i am a huge fan but last night severely tested the relationship…
people had reason enough to be bored, i was 5 rows back and could barely see the band and what front man doesn’t say a word?
why play a gig like that, what does it prove? that you can play B-sides all night and charge people $70 for the privilege? wow…way to go…
and to demand people to shut up and like it (or get your guitarist to do it for you) and then cut it all short (or purposely play B-sides to punish the audience??? who does that???
thought it was going to be one of the gigs of the year…most dissapointing ever…the enfant terrible act is getting so old…
we should all get our money back…
August 24th, 2007 08:52
What sort of crap were people yelling at the band. Were these people freeloaders or what; is there any feeling that people don’t go to see bands anymore, but instead to get drunk and pick up? Please god no.
August 24th, 2007 09:15
all they yelled last night was “turn the lights on” and “you look better in the light ryan” – no “summer of 69″ douchebags at all…was all friendly banter too…
instead of stage lighting they had chinese lanterns to set the mood…this meant anyone more than 5 rows back couldn’t see ryan at all…
August 24th, 2007 09:26
I’m sure Picasso didn’t have to put up with people screaming at him to make changes while he painted his masterpieces. We got an amazingly unique sonic tapestry and high concept show that should have been a joy to behold. We were asked to “go with it”, but unfortunately some of the crowd were incapable of trusting this simple request; they wanted a three minute singles show presumably. As disappointing for the artist as it was for most of the crowd.
Rock on Ryan. Don’t ever stop dreaming, sunshine.
August 24th, 2007 09:56
I am still shocked at the fact a significant amount of people at the gig could not comprehend that the low lighting was deliberate. How stupid do you have to be to continue to yell “we can’t see you”? Are you going to a gig and listen to music or gaze at the rockstar?
Of course, some fools loved the reaction and wanted to make the show their own, so continued to yell comments. If you want to play the fool, go to a comedy club.
Just a shame those who actually enjoy live music lose out because some people decide to attend a concert rather than go down the pub.
August 24th, 2007 09:59
I was at the gig last night and I loved what Ryan and the Cardinals created but the crowd made me ashamed.
People don’t seem to be able to move with the artist and go along with what was a well crafted and really beautiful show.
It seemed that some members of the crowd were hellbent on attention seeking behaviour – they don’t seem to sit comfortably without placing their mark on a show.
Even around me I had people constantly checking their mobiles, texting, going out to get more drinks, chatting through songs…
It disappoints me that audiences are incapable of appreciating a lengthy moment.
I’d love to see him in a venue where the whole audience is more appreciative of Ryan and the Cardinals’ considerable talents.
Hope tonight goes better for everyone….
August 24th, 2007 10:22
You have got to be joking!
The reason the crowd “lost interest” is because he was a moody git from the minute he got on stage. Also maybe it was because we paid $70 each for a “dancefloor” ticket to find out that the “dancefloor” was actually at the back of the theatre near the bar. Add to this the fact that the band seemed to be playing by candlelight which meant the crowd were standing there staring at 2 faint purple lights at the back of the stage. I didn’t see one band member all night! It was a rip off. I am a huge Ryan Adams fan but last night was a joke!
August 24th, 2007 13:40
yeah
people suck
countless amounts of ‘big show’ ruined by drunk dicks..
August 24th, 2007 13:40
.. lately
August 24th, 2007 14:28
C’mon… The comments amounted to “Turn the lights on”, which was funny, and requests for songs, which he could have easily ignored.
In fairness, he did make a few attempts to have some banter with the crowd, but ultimately got into a sulk which seemed very unprofessional and childish.
August 24th, 2007 14:59
I thought Ryan and the band were incredible…. “Goodnight Rose” and “Dear John” in particular gave me goosebumps.
However, it became clear that the crowd started to piss him off, and he came back after a prematurely finished first set and punished the crowd with obscure songs, and extended, indulgent guitar solo’s. His final “fuck you” was a sonic assault on the audience with 10 mins of feedback.
Despite this, I enjoyed every tense minute.
August 24th, 2007 15:04
actually, i was one of those “morons” who yelled “arsehole!” during the show. i wasn’t drunk, and i do not make a habit of such behaviour. but if i pay $70 to see a big-shot rock star play and he abuses the audience, has the lights off so we can’t even see the band, plays only stuff from his most recent album, and generally behaves like a petulant fuck, i’ll call a spade a spade, or an arsehole an arsehole. ryan adams is a creep.
August 24th, 2007 16:20
At the start of the show I cringed everytime Ryan got a little bit of noise from his foldback – I was at Splendour when he berated the soundtech for making him sound like he was singing in the shower before walking off.
Then when the idiots started calling out requests for songs and more lights my nerves went to pieces. I’m surprised we got 2 hours out of him. But, I’d put up with a volatile hissy-fitter to get that kind of live music anyday. Awesome.
August 24th, 2007 17:13
wow…lots of comments quickly. thanks guys.
just for the record, ryan didn’t play an b-sides last night. he played one song he wrote for willie nelson, one song that’s been unreleased (more or less) for years and two new ones. i love getting stuff like that.
Jim: i don’t really have a problem with you thinking ryan was/is an asshole. but surely you know that by yelling stuff out like that you helped “ruin” the gig for a lot of people? whether ryan is over sensitive to that stuff or not is completely irrelevant. the fact is he’s known for shorter shows when the crowd isn’t into it. why tempt him?
August 24th, 2007 17:15
Oh. Wow. Sort of glad I can’t make it then. Audiences like that are torture for me too.
August 24th, 2007 17:28
Jim, just to clarify, he played two songs from Easy Tiger, his most recent album, a few from Cold Roses (about three albums ago), one from Love Is Hell (four albums ago) amidst various others. Read the setlist above! Also, if you thought you were paying to see a big-shot rockstar then you were sadly misled. Despite being the perennial next-big-thing, Ryan hasn’t quite cut it as a ‘big-shot’ yet. And when did he abuse the crowd? All I remember is him waving his lighter around his face (for the people asking for more light – see, he obliged them!) and then telling them to behave themselves, and then congratulating them for doing so at the end. Hopefully you won’t waste another dollar the next time he comes out so the rest of us can enjoy it without your inane abuse.
August 24th, 2007 17:33
Wendy: that “congratulation” at the end was COMPLETELY sarcastic.
As for the earlier comment regarding “behaving ourselves”…I think it was his tone that got to people. He was really talking down to an audience that, for the most part, was already behaving themselves.
August 24th, 2007 17:39
Sean, yeah, I got that it was sarcasm… I was trying a bit of it myself
And hey, I’m not saying I was completely happy with the show – he seriously needs his head read, and always has – but I do object to those people there who continually heckled him to get a rise (and succeeded in doing so). Like the girl yelling out “Neil… Neil.. Neil… Neil… Neil… Young…” What the?
August 24th, 2007 17:43
haha sorry wendy!
and i agree….hecklers are dumb.
August 24th, 2007 18:02
Maybe one or two “Turn The Lights ON!” comment could be ignored but not 25. It was ridiculous. Lighting is as much part of a set as the set list is… he isn’t going to change it mid-show just because a couple of bogans are yelling shit out.
August 24th, 2007 18:21
Wow legendary thread.
August 24th, 2007 18:25
I didn’t think people were heckling by calling out to turn up the lights. I for one found it physically unpleasant to be in such a large crowd with nothing to look at but people walking out in the hall on their way to the bathroom. I couldn’t concentrate on the music enough to enjoy it. Dim lights as part of the artistic expression is all well and fine, but if it makes people claustrophobic and want to vomit maybe he should review his approach. Or not if that is the effect he wants. Don’t think I’ll go back and I was a huge fan. And I’ve seen a lot of shows in a lot of venues. This was terrible.
August 24th, 2007 19:15
The show itself was average. Not the best but not the worst. I saw his Splendour set in 05 and it was pretty bad but his Enmore show was one of the best I’ve ever seen.
Generally speaking Ryan is known for being hit or miss and being moody. Maybe not every artist would respond in the way he would but the amount of times people called out would piss most performers off. They’re not a bear that dances at people’s whims.
The only upside I can think of is maybe less wankers at any future tours.
August 24th, 2007 19:35
wendy, you are soooo sensible. you’re right about the setlist– but the real point is that he couldn’t be bothered catering to the crowd by playing any of his “hits.” the casual ryan adams fan does not go to a gig to get an experience which is somewhere between dinosaur junior and crosby stills and nash. where was the rock? i’m sorry, the musicianship just wasn’t that astounding, and the endless guitar riffs were tedious.
as far as the overall experience goes, i’ve been seeing shows for over 20 years, and this was one of the worst i’ve ever gone to. you can’t have been paying attention if you didn’t notice that RA disrespected the audience enormously. he deigned to say little to us and when he did, it was to tell us to “behave properly.” well, a live gig is an interplay between the performer and the audience–if the performer is going to treat the audience like shit, he deserves what he gets. one hint that he possessed a sense of humour would have dispelled any ill-feeling, but he just couldn’t be bothered or perhaps he just doesn’t have a charming bone in his body. if his sheer musical genius is all that matters, why does he ever bother coming out of the studio?
as for adams being a big-shot, well, he might not be madonna, but he is pretty much as huge as you can get in alt-country. perhaps he is not that well known here in australia–i was shocked to be able to get a ticket only a few days before the gig–but in the states you wouldn’t be able to get a ticket to see him in a big city for months in advance. you may not think he’s a big shot but he obviously does. perhaps if he, or any of his “fans,” don’t want to deal with the live experience they should be the ones staying at home listening to the master’s genius on cd….
August 24th, 2007 19:54
That was quite a horrible show and the crowd had every right to be bored. It was plain boring. He played B-sides that were all the same and he didn’t entertain at all. He got up there, played a shocking show, and went off. What a moody little fucker
August 24th, 2007 19:57
and another thing….. i was so sure this would be great gig that i bought four tickets–two for friends who hadn’t heard of ryan adams but who i assured it would be the best thing they had heard for ages. so don’t lecture me about “ruining it for the rest of us.” there was only one person who ruined your night, and he supposedly no longer has the excuse that he was drunk. ryan adams ruined my night because he didn’t give a shit that i paid $270 to hear good music and see a great show. he couldn’t even be bothered turning the lights on. so, no, you’ll be glad to hear that i won’t be going next time. i’ll save my time, money, and upper-frequency hearing for worthwhile musical events. the fan-boys and girls are welcome to mr adams.
August 24th, 2007 20:01
Sorry Jim, I don’t get your closing sentence – ‘if any of his fans don’t want to deal with the live experience they should be the ones staying at home listening to the blah blah blah’… By this token you should have been the one staying at home in your slippers.
Last night was the first proper gig (let’s not discuss Splendour ’05, it’s just too traumatic for me) I’ve seen of Ryans for various reasons, despite being a huge (no I’m not fat) fan since 2000. But, despite my inexperience with what a live show of his entails, I knew from reading reviews, blogs and other forums that anything could happen. No, I’m not making excuses for his behaviour – I agree, it would have been sensational to have him banter with the crowd and tell us witty and maybe slightly crazy stories… but sadly, that’s not Ryan. He’s volatile, unpredictable, and a pain in the ass. And that is part of the reason we love him.
2005 saw three albums from the ‘master’s genious’, why isn’t anyone complaining about him not being conformist in that regard?
I saw the Shins two weeks ago at the Enmore, and yeah, they were great, they played all their hits and spent the right amount of time (just) interacting with the band and you could see how many zits the drummer had on his neck cos the lighting was so good… but did that gig leave me feeling elated and like I could have stood there, in GA, squinting at the stage for another 3 hours (but thanks to the hecklers we only got 2). No.
But dude, I’m not trying to argue. Well, not really. You had different expectations and didn’t enjoy it, and I’m sorry you didn’t. But did calling him an arsehole make it better for you? Or the rest of us? Yeeeeah, probably not. Maybe next time he comes you could stay at home, make your own playlist of what you think are his ‘hits’ and yell out arsehole at the cd player and we’ll all be happy.
August 24th, 2007 20:19
ok, you’re right wendy, the fact that ryan adams has a 20 year history of treating his paying audience like morons who should have no expectations of being treated like humans is my fault.
(the last sentence of my other comment, which you didn’t understand, referred to the fact that the audience is part of a live event. obviously ryan adams can’t really deal with this, and nor can many of his HUGE fans. not naming anyone…)
obviously i shouldn’t have been honest and admitted that i lost my cool and shouted out what i thought. you can attack me if you want. it doesn’t change the fact that as i was leaving i had unprompted conversations with a number of strangers about how disappointed and ripped-off they felt. i’ve never experienced that at any other gig before. i’m glad some people like you, wendy, had a transcendent experience. but i think you were in a minority. and i think that perhaps if his fans expected more of him, RA wouldn’t feel so empowered to treat them like crap.
August 24th, 2007 20:23
That would make Ryan’s debut gig at the ripe old age of 12, dude.
Jim, let’s be friends. I am a fan-girl, loud and proud, and so I’ll forgive him pretty much anything (except that horrible blond hair-do he sported in 2005), so we could argue until the wee hours of the morning.
Instead, I propose we nominate the bestus gigs we’ve ever seen instead of wasting cyberspace with how great I thought the master was and how crap you thought the arsehole was.
Please?
August 24th, 2007 20:54
wendy, you are an annoying fangirl, and so literal, but i accept your peace offering.
the best gig i ever saw was ryan adams at the enmore august 2007. ha ha.
August 24th, 2007 21:13
Wow – that was the best gig I ever saw too. Followed closely by Ryan Adams at Splendour in the Grass, 2005. What a bitch. I think I’ll have to go to the States and stalk him while he’s on tour. I should get at least one totally mind-blowing show.
Jimmy, I like my posts to be factual… so sue me
August 24th, 2007 23:02
I think a little explanation by R.A. of what was going to happen before starting (..& perhaps saying “Hi”) would have stopped all the bullshit negativity that went through the crowd like a dose of syphilis last night. I can understand why some nob heads were screaming “Turn on the lights!” – it’s a rock ‘n’ roll gig, for crying out loud, not Sigur bloody Ros. Great harmonies, though..
August 24th, 2007 23:22
I’m with jim on this one.
I thought we were going to be in for quite a treat with the band getting right into stride with Goodnight Rose. Harmonies were spot-on, guitars were warm and the lap slide created a great texture.
Musically, high standards were maintained all night, but the show was non-existent and the attitude sucked. When I go to a gig I like to watch the band as well as listen! I’ve never considered the Enmore to be large, but if you want to play a cosy little gig in the dark, then a venue the size of The Basement would probably be more suited.
Like Jim, I took along a couple of friends who knew little of RA, assuring them that this was going to be a great gig … I don’t think they’ll be taking any more recommendations from me in the near future.
By the time RA completed his ridiculous, self-indulgent, “f*** you” feedback frenzy at the end of Easy Plateau, I’d had more than enough.
August 24th, 2007 23:36
Just to address everyone on the internets talking about this gig right now:
RYAN PLAYED ZERO B-SIDES AT THIS GIG. You got some new stuff.
August 24th, 2007 23:53
He was MUCH happier tonight than he was last night, but I am glad I saw both – I’ll remember his petulant display on Thursday longer than I remember his tight but forgettable performance tonight.
Dancing when the stars go blue goes a long way towards making a great concert
August 25th, 2007 09:13
What a great little argument… Basically i was ashamed to be part of that crowd. This is not the stones or U2 with front men working the crowd- we ALL know what Adams is like! Why the hell would you want lights for?
All i can say is the ususal pretentious sydney crowd came out that night. I drove for almost 2 hours that night to listen to MUSIC! The lighting was intimate and great for the mood and who cares if they were B-sides? YOU PAYED TO LISTEN TO MUSIC DIDNT YOU?
The sound was billiant and all the songs (singles or otherwise) blew me away. I’d be the first to blame adams if it was to do with him, but like many have said, some people should have stayed at home or the pub.
Also.. thanks for posting the set list!
If any “too cool for school” sydney folks want to have a go at me feel free- loc81au@hotmail.com
August 25th, 2007 09:25
Amusing piece in The Australian today where Matt Price says that Ryan’s antics are due to Bob Dylan making it acceptable.
I so should’ve gone to his second show.
August 25th, 2007 17:14
I think a bit of healthy debate is fantastic. However, I have to comment on the “horrible” Sydney audience. I was sitting in the upper section of the Enmore where, I would hazard a guess, the majority of the audience were sitting. There were a few people calling out, you know the usual song requests, a couple of “Ryan, I love you!”, and one or two also said “Turn on the lights!”. Really who can blame them. I have loved Ryan Adams music for a number of years and marveled at his concert at the same venue a few years before, however, delivering such a mediocre and ill-tempered effort is surely below someone of his talent and experience.
I do understand people’s devotion to a performer but let’s be honest. The concert was poor. For a performer with so much talent and who has fans that are as devoted to his music, to deliver up such a night leaves a bad taste. While artist lighting has his place, it is simply too dark when you can not make out how many musicians are on stage…
August 25th, 2007 17:41
Well put Pete.
August 25th, 2007 20:04
Here’s my review
Mostly in the dark, Ryan Adams performed the first of his two Sydney shows.
Sadly, a few members of the crowd jeered Adams with “turn the lights on” and the vulnerable and sensitive Adams appeared increasingly angry as this was repeated throughout the night, storming off the stage at the end of the first set, it seemed to me as he was tuning to play the next song, as he heard “turn the lights on” yet again, he hurried to the microphone to say that was set one and he would be back for set two.
True fans respected the bands decision to perform with basically just silhouettes of the band to be seen (I was in row four so I could see his face at times)
I do agree with an earlier comment Adams changed his set play list and ultimately punished the whole audience. With just two songs from Easy Tiger, I wad a tad disappointed. But with Ryan Adams there are no requests, but if only I could, I would have requested Two, Halloweenhead and I Taught myself How To Grow.
It must have been hard for Ryan to perform under the bright lights on Rove on Sunday. He sung Two on Rove which was beautiful. It’s my favourite song on the album, and unfortunately we didn’t get to hear it on Thursday night and we didn’t get to hear any ballad or country rock style song. Luckily I recorded it on tape.
Thanks Lachlan for your comment, I was going to post a similar point across. Ryan Adams isn’t a showman; he doesn’t sell albums by his image or commercial crap. Bono is a great singer but is a little plastic singing exactly the same songs in the same way time and time again. Making the crowd happy through interaction isn’t Ryan’s thing and I don’t see a problem with that at all.
I took his final words when he thanked the crowd seriously, until he added a very sarcastic well done and looked toward the crowd where the “turn the lights on” comments were coming from.
Highlight for me were Goodnight Rose Please Do Not Let Me Go Mockingbird Peaceful Valley
Blue Hotel
Overall, I wasn’t that happy with the set list, but Ryan showed he is a genius, his voice is just beautiful and flawless, and I had goosebumps at times. I think overall it was the misbehaving crowd that ruined the night. Ryan’s allowed to misbehave he is the artist, the genius, almost a god. Leave the genius to perform his art the way he chooses.
I’m with another blogger, I’ll now have to now travel to the states and follow Ryan Adams and the Cardinals till I’m blown away by his shows like I am listening to all his albums everyday.
Would be interesting what happened on Friday night, with Ryan, either way I’m sure it was eventful…anyone go on Friday night?
August 28th, 2007 09:29
I’m definitely in Jim’s camp on this one.
I’d have to say this was the most disappointing gig I’ve been to.
Sure, musically brilliant – no one doubts the man is a magical singer/songwriter – but isn’t the whole point of a LIVE gig to offer something more to your fans? Something they can’t get from listening to a CD?
I was in the same boat as Rob – excited that our tickets were on the floor – only to find that we were right at the back of the room. The fact that he had seated ‘industry’ at the front (those actually close enough to be able to make out the band) in effect pushing his fans to the back, I think, shows where his allegiances lie.
We all know he’s temperamental – no-one’s surprised by his hissy-fits but I was there to listen to his music and watch a live gig. Not be pantronised and admonished for doing nothing more than travelling several hours to get there and spending $70 on my ticket. I didn’t yell anything out. I stood and ‘behaved’ myself impeccably. How ridiculous to judge the entire audience of several thousand on a few who called out.
Of course people are going to comment if they can’t see you. How many gigs do you go to where the band plays in darkness? If you don’t want comments from the audience why provoke them?
I agree with the fasterlouder review – why does he bother touring at all? Gigs are more than just a listening experience – isn’t that what CDs are for? The minute someone charges $70 for a live performance – that’s what you’d expect.
I don’t even really care about the whole lights thing – what I do find offensive is being insulted for nothing. Afterall – without his fans he’d be unemployed. He demands respect, yet offers none himself.
From our vantage point I could see streams of people leaving the theatre – so I do think that those who thought the gig was pure brilliance were definitely the minority.
I certainly won’t bother going back for more ‘discipline’ from such a wanker. Musical genius or not – you just don’t treat fans with such contempt.
August 28th, 2007 15:31
Again, thanks all for the comments. Nice to see a little debate!
I’m keeping my mouth mostly shut but Nic, I do have a couple comments regarding your post.
1. I think Ryan offers a LOT more to his fans than most bands do as far as the music goes. Many of his live arrangements are VERY different from the recorded versions (Peaceful Valley and Off Broadway from this gig for instance). It’s nothing like listening to a cd. Even with the lights off.
2. The whole issue concerning the standing section at the back. First, that was a terrible idea and I don’t know if that was Frontier Touring’ decision, Ryan’s decision, or the Enmore’s decision. But it was terrible for the vibe in the Enmore and hopefully it never happens again.
Having said that, the seating arrangement was there for all to see (on the Ticketek site) BEFORE anyone bought a ticket. I knew that the standing area was behind seats so I bought seats in the stalls up front. Blaming that on Ryan is ridiculous.
Which brings me to my next point. The front section was NOT full of industry. Were there those types there? Of course, there are at most gigs, but the vast majority of people down there were not. I saw tons of HUGE fans scribbling down setlists and squealing all through the gig down in the front section.
That said I agree with your general point: that Ryan’s decision to talk down to an entire audience based on a few hecklers was hard to stomach.
August 28th, 2007 21:18
Peaceful Valley was an amazing amazing performance, Ryan sung it 100% with heart and the guitar work was breathtaking. The highlight of the night.
I’ve had been waiting to see Ryan perform for a damm long time, if it mean’t been near the front, I was prepared to stand. However, I was lucky enough to see where the dance floor was ridiculously placed prior to purchasing tickets. That was a rip off for fans and their money should be handed back.
I’ll back Sean, I was in row 5 and I’m an ordinary fan who doesn’t work in the industry and was fortunate to sit in row four. There were a few tossers around where I was sitting, making wooo noises during quiet lines of songs. No wonder Ryan was bloody annoyed! If you read reviews from other recent performances Ryan has done no differently when he hears something from the crowd which is demanding in any which way.
August 29th, 2007 09:59
I have to say, Jim’s comments remind me of the kind of closed-minded stuff people said about Neil Young’s last tour of Australia. How dare he come here and play his new record in its entirety? – how disrespectful to his fans to not play his “hits”.Yet the whole reason these people claim to be “fans” is because they support Neil Young making the music that he has wanted to make in his career.
You do not buy the performers’ integrity when you pay $70 a ticket. If Ryan wanted to play in the dark, to create whatever mood/vibe he was seeking, he had every right to do so. You have every right to not go and see him next time he tours. One of the letters in the Drum Media this week says “he may get away with this in New York, but not in Sydney” to which I’d append “because Sydney Ryan Adams fans know better than him about being an artist”.
September 2nd, 2007 09:44
I’m new to Ryan’s music and saw the Friday night show and I have to say I was blown away by the music.
Someone with Ryan’s talent in songwriting AND singing AND playing is truly rare. He is an artist and if you want to see someone like this you have to put up with their peculiarities.
I know someone to do with the production. The lighting was of course intentional. Ryan finds it very hard to perform with bright lights, it totally puts him off. (I think he wears sunglasses often when performing on TV)
If you want to go to a show and hear him get into his music you have to put up with the dim lights. I guess it’s up to you but I’d prefer dim lighting with phenomenal music than bright lights with mediocre music…
December 28th, 2007 23:44
Although I have to admit to being newly introduced to Ryan Adams music that evening for the first time, I do believe I am good judge of musicianship. I walked into the Enmore with anticipation and excitement having read great reviews. I can appreciate that Ryan Adams is a talented musician but have to say he wins THE MOST unprofessional musician award. I was thoroughly dissapointed that he displayed such aggression towards the audience, most of which were devoted fans (myself excluded) who paid good money to see him and were largely silent. If you can’t control your behaviour Mr Adams, when 1 individual heckles, then give it up. That was the worst ‘performance’ I’ve ever seen – deliberate noise-making in an attempt to punish the audience – not what I came for, thanks. I would like my money back please. Any part of the show that was musical was COMPLETELY tarnished by that bad attitude. WORST gig of my life!
I don’t care who you are Mr Adams, that was disrespectful towards all the people that have supported you. What a Loser! Grow up.
November 20th, 2008 15:45
Probably my favourite post ever.