Ryan Adams returned to London last night with his band The Shining for a gig at the Hammersmith (in old money) Odeon and a rock n’roll sad songs show was delivered in fine style.
Ryan is still a young man but with the back catalogue of a veteran. He could play five nights at the same venue and play five different sets without blinkin’ an eye, which makes it slightly strange that the set list on this particular UK tour has not changed that much.
Following his last magnificent acoustic tour, we have since last year been in rock n’ roll territory with the Shining (who follow the long missed Cardinals). I for one really like the ‘Ryan Adams’ album released in 2014 and with the current release of the 7" series of songs this man’s power to write great songs is undiminished. Proved still more by ‘I Ate Something Off The Street ‘ an on the spot improv last night after a muffled audience cry for, what song was it?
Last autumn’s shows with the Shining at the Shepherds Bush Empire, seem intimate compared to the wider expanses of Hammersmith and this is where the crowd came slightly unstuck. Ryan’s songs when being belted out by the band at full volume were auditorium filling. Once he picked up the acoustic guitar for some quiet songs, the bar and audience noise was so loud that it seemed like we were watching a support act with all the crowd chatter going on.
But this is Friday night, this is the dawn of the weekend, this is rock n’ roll! So enjoy this version of Ryan Adam’s world whilst it lasts because what comes next, a metal band or some heartbreakingly fragile acoustic songs?
A great night out, with a great band. Support Natalie Prass impressed greatly and received a cover song and a couple of major duets with Ryan during his set as well.
Pete
Set
Gimme Something Good
Let It Ride
Stay With Me
Dear Chicago
This House Is Not For Sale
Everybody Knows
My Winding Wheel
Dirty Rain
Magnolia Mountain
New York, New York
I Ate Something Off The Street
Kim
Two
My Wrecking Ball
I Just Might
I Love You But I Don't Know What To Say
Your Fool
(Natalie Prass cover)
Oh My Sweet Carolina
(with Natalie Prass)
La Cienega Just Smiled
Trouble
When the Stars Go Blue
I See Monsters
Come Pick Me Up
(with Natalie Prass)