My friends, time’s flat circle has finally made its way around: Ryan Adams has covered Bryan Adams’ classic, “Summer of ’69” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, making him the sort of musical Rust Cohle we deserve.
It’s a funny bit of circumstance, considering (the non-Canadian) Adams’ history with the tune. All the way back in 2002, Ryan Adams went on an epic rant against an obnoxious heckler who refused to stop requesting the Bryan Adams tune at this very same venue in a drunk and unruly fashion. It was a misunderstanding that followed the singer relentlessly in the early aughts and ultimately became a bit of a sore spot for him. (In that instance, Adams went so far as to have the guy booted from the venue — with a ticket refund though.) But these days the two singers seem to have become buds, which can only mean great things (and maybe even a collaboration or two) for people who enjoy rockin’ musical times.
Thankfully, as tends to happen with time and perspective, Adams’ opinions of the tune have changed, and the resulting bit of acoustic business is actually really lovely. As he tends to do, Adams made the cover his own, performing a slowed-down take, his delicate vibrato adding a bit more wistfulness to an already nostalgic tune. Is this the summer of ’69 or the spring of 2015, you guys? We can’t tell!
What song would you like to see the two Adams boys collaborate on? Let’s hear your suggestions in the comments.
HT: @TheRyanAdams
