LIVE: RYAN ADAMS – Nashville, TN, USA – August 2, 2025

Venue: Ryman Auditorium

Date: August 2, 2025

Review and Photographs by: Jacob Smith (https://www.jhs-photo.com)

Stepping onto the ‘Mother Church’ stage for the 5th time Saturday evening, Ryan Adams was met by a nearly packed house. The audience all stood and applauded and cheered for his entrance. He took a brief second to wave and then got down to the business of the evening. Playing two sets on the 25th Anniversary of his debut release, Heartbreaker, he was stripped down to a fully acoustic set, with one song played on electric guitar with his backing band for the tour.

From the very first song, “To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)” being played, I knew this was going to be a very special show for everyone in attendance. The evening was filled with short interludes of humorous commentary and stories. He stopped mid-way through his first set to dedicate “Oh My Sweet Carolina” to his sister, who was in attendance for the evening. He ended the first set with an electric performance of “Bartering Lines” and then stepped off stage for a 30-minute pause between sets. When he came back for his second set, the crowd was already amped and ready. The highlight song for me for the night was his performance of “English Girls Approximately” and a cover of The Smiths’ “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore.” He finished off the evening with performances of “When The Stars Go Blue” and “Come Pick Me Up.” Overall, this was by far one of the best times I have ever had and watched at The Ryman. The hallowed auditorium was filled with electric enthusiasm and high moments that left everyone talking and excited as they exited the venue. If you have the chance to catch this tour, I highly recommend it.

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 – Damn Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains) – Shakedown On 9th Street – To Be The One – Sweet Lil’ Gal (23rd/1rst) – Bartering Lines

Setlist – Set 2: Two – 16 Days – Desire – English Girls Approximately – Answering Bell – Somethings Missing – Lucky Now – Gimme Something Good – That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore – When The Stars Go Blue – Come Pick Me Up

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries