Ryan Adams says it’s time: He’s officially done.
It came as surprising news to the audience at The Hamilton Live in Washington DC, where the crestfallen rock star performed on Sept. 20 to a packed audience as part of a 25th anniversary tour commemorating one of his most celebrated albums, Heartbreaker.
On what he said would be his last visit to DC as a performing artist, Adams sat on a stage that imitated a living room. In the dim light provided by various house lamps, the 50-year-old singer-songwriter played his tunes, reminisced, and spoke as if he might in the comfort of his own home.
Those on hand heard barebones takes on every tune from Heartbreaker, along with the backstory to tracks like “Amy” and “Sweet Lil’ Gal.”
Ticketholders also listened to Adams direct the room on how to properly enjoy his music — calling out folks for talking too loudly, asking another to set down a cell phone.
Revisit Ryan Adam’s 2000 breakthrough solo album, Heartbreaker, via the 25th anniversary edition:
“I’ve always been in charge of proper etiquette,” Adams said, sighing to himself in recognition of his own idiosyncrasies, known to be a feature of his live appearances.
Two sets reinforced the emotional staying power of his first solo album and they reminded that Adams is indeed a terrific guitar player and talented on the piano as well. But the lengthy night also evoked the troubles he’s experienced away from the stage and that still appear to haunt him.
Adams addressed some of that matter himself. As the night went on, his lingering pain and his struggle became more evident. As he let himself ramble on past relationships, the tone became uncomfortably sour.
Voices from the crowd attempted to bring Adams out of his deep funk.
“We love you, Ryan,” offered more than one guest.
It seems his plan is not necessarily to disappear, but to channel his energy elsewhere. In the days after his tour finished, he announced his newest book, the darkly titled “Kill Yourself Tomorrow, Brenda.”
But as Adams himself stated on Instagram just last week, he’s certain that it’s time he step away from the stage, to get the rest he desperately needs.
“I want to thank my sponsors: Paxil,” his levity was a bit of a relief in DC. “Thanks so much for coming to my dinner party.”
Setlist
Set 1
To Be Young (Is to be Sad, Is to Be High)
My Winding Wheel
Don’t Ask for the Water
Why Do They Leave?
In My Time of Need
Oh My Sweet Carolina
Amy
Call Me On Your Way Back Home
Shakedown on 9th Street
To Be the One
Sweet Lil’ Gal (23rd/1st)
Dam, Sam (I Love a Woman That Rains)
Bartering Lines
Set 2
Gimme Something Good
Moor River (Henry Mancini cover)
The Changeling (The Doors cover)
The Rescue Blues
Firecracker
Walk in the Dark
When the Stars Go Blue
Come Pick Me Up
