Photo: Press
Ryan Adams has told the tale of his encounter with a heckler at an early gig. In an essay the singer-songwriter wrote for New York Times, he discusses a tense, nerve-wracking performance which led to the infamous "Play 'Summer of '69'!" heckle from a drunk crowd member. Good one.
In case you didn't get it first time, the joke comes from the fact Ryan Adams and radio rock god Bryan Adams have quite similar names, with just one letter separating them. Get it? Good.
The essay describes in detail Adams' feelings of insecurity during the 2002 show, which was interrupted by the heckle, and led to the audience member being asked to leave the venue.
"As I approached the heckler’s wooden pew, I was shocked." Adams said. "He was only a few years older than me. Unshaven, bleary-eyed. He had on a baseball hat and seemed so drunk that his limbs hung from his sides like a broken doll. His eyes were like two poached eggs waiting to break. The anger left me, and I instantly felt bad. No one was there for this man. No one stopped him.
He continued, "I said, “Hey man, if you were trying to ruin the show you succeeded, but I need to try and finish this — it’s my job.” I pulled out two $20 bills and said: “Here is your money, please take a taxi and leave here. Go home and take an aspirin. Please. Leave.”"
Though the younger Adams was unable to see the humour of the situation that evening, he describes how the spat was the beginning of who he is today - with his aim now to see the best in human beings.
On top of that, the essay includes the mind blowing revelation that Bryan Adams and Ryan Adams also share a birthday (who knew?), and that Ryan emails the "genius writer" of 'Summer Of '69' every year on the day the came into the world.
With events coming brilliantly full-circle, Ryan Adams went on to cover both 'Summer Of '69' and 'Run To You' at 2015 shows, with Adams admitting the latter is his "jam". We agree...What. A. Tune.
Ryan Adams will release his new record Prisoner of February 17, and will perform at this year's Green Man and NOS Alive festivals.
