On May 2 Ryan Adams kicked off his two-night run of sold out shows at The Beacon Theatre as a part of his tour in support of his new album Prisoner, which he released in February via Pax-Am Records.
Kicking off with Prisoner‘s opening cut “Do You Still Love Me?,” Adams eased the crowd into the show, before nonchalantly diving into a more fast-paced version of one his biggest songs, “To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High). Within the first notes of the track, the seated crowd rose from their seats, and remained standing the entire way through.
Much of the set featured new material from Prisoner (which was nice as the last time I saw him they were all played acoustic) and the tracks were nicely in sync with the dozens of old school tube televisions that the stage was decked out with. They provided a simple, but nice, visual touch, amongst Adams’ towering amps.
His stage banter between songs are often act as a chance for Adams to tease a possible side-career as a stand-up comedian (stand-up comic Alex Edelman even opened up both shows). Adams was now sporting a new drummer, mocking that he had to replace his last one in the middle of this tour because his last one didn’t want to stay up too late. There was plenty of laughs to be had with Adams, which contrasting with the more serious song performances he offered that night, including a beautiful solo version of the ever-appropriate “New York, New York” and even his special cover of Oasis’ “Wonderwall.”
Adams’ 21-song set was a powerful and magnificent one that spanned throughout his career, including his work with his band The Cardinals. His one-song encore featured “Come Pick Me Up,” and while the crowd was left wanting a little bit more, it was hard to argue when we just witnessed a powerful and memorable set from one of the best in the business.
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