It’s a cold autumn Saturday night in Sydney. Whilst Vivid festival is lighting up the other side of Sydney tonight thousands of denim clad music fans are headed to see Ryan Adams take the stage at the Hordern. I’ve personally seen Ryan a few times over the years including venues like the basement and Sydney Opera House so I was excited to see what Ryan at Hordern would be like especially knowing I would hear songs from his new album Prisoner.

Warming up the stage were new Aussie up and coming indie rockers The Middle Kids. After a short break which provided a good chance for the crowd to grab a drink or two the time had come for Ryan Adams and band to grace the stage. Wasting no time he got straight into “do you still love me?” taken from his newest album. Everyone in the venue who had ever gone through a break up were in solidarity and hanging on every lyric. He would then proceed to take us on a journey of his catalogue throughout the night with the majority coming from his newest album.

Some highlights of the night came from “New York, New York” and “When The Stars Go Blue”. Also hearing his cover of “Wonderwall” in solo mode is something to behold. The set was closed out with “Shakedown on 9th Street” and after sadly the house lights came up with no encore. The gig itself was all about the music. A night full of music for music lovers by a truly talented songwriter who treads the line between alternative rock and mainstream success.

The Hordern may not be the most intimate venue but considering how captivating you were Ryan in answer to the title of the first song you played yes we still love you.

Photo Gallery – Christian Ross