Words by Ryan Oxley
Sat in the third row at the front of the stage, the 75% capacity Sheffield City Hall (this was a Tuesday night) seemed eager to applaud Americana singer/songwriter Ryan Adams, who was due on stage at 20:00. As the lights dimmed at 20.05, and I've been a fan of his for 20 years, my excitement was palpable at my first time seeing him live. It was a solo show, so I expected this to be a Ryan Adams plus guitars show.
I wasn't expecting a piano, a coat rack, or dim lights, which gave the evening a cabaret club feel. Sat within a metre of two of the ‘Gimme Something Good’ tunesmith, I had a perfect seat, but I did feel for those who would have sat much further back, the atmosphere (just like the guitars) wasn't electric - it was dark and in more ways than one. Ryan Adams seemed self-deprecating, dour and came across as arrogant.
Although his eclectic back catalogue and demonstratable music talent were present tonight, the eagerness of the audience virtually disappeared about three songs into the set-list, when Adams stopped the show to complain about camera phones, and their flashes ruining his concentration.
Although billed as a 3-hour 30-song show, which he did complete, he threatened to call the show off earlier if the cameras continued flashing, so the audience seemed to cool, although the atmosphere did not. Ryan had guitar tech ‘Drew’ and a lightning guy - that was it. When the music flowed, you could have heard a pin drop. However, at times he appeared distracted, had his back to the audience when on piano, and even singled out a fan, whom he called a ''douchebag'' for taking some film of one of his songs; ‘'It’s (the footage) is for a friend who couldn't make the gig tonight’' said the fan, but Ryan was not amused.
He (Ryan) spoke candidly in between songs about depression and sobriety, which is perfectly fine ( I think I misconstrued the self-deprecation for that) but being sat so close whilst he chastised fans was seriously awkward.
Calling the interval early, Ryan came back on stage in a markedly different disposition and gave an incredible second half of the show, delving into his mighty back catalogue and showcasing talent, yet the atmosphere remained remarkably dour.
I'd waited 20 years for this gig and paid £70 for the pleasure, all whilst sat at the front, but had I been sat further back? I would have probably left earlier, and unlike Ryan Adams, I would have meant it.
Ryan Adams is still on tour
www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com
Have you seen a brilliant artist who was also a bit of a douchebag?
Let me know in the comments section.
