Music

After 12 years of heckling, Ryan Adams finally covered Bryan Adams' 'Summer of 69'

by Mark Teo

If you’re Ryan Adams, the joke has surely gotten old: “You’re Ryan Adams? Like, the guy who sings ‘Summer of ’69’?” And nearly 13 years ago, Adams announced that he’d had his fill of the joke: When one obnoxious fan repeatedly requested “Summer of ’69,” the singer snapped, went on an expletive-laden rant, and booted the fan from the show. More than a decade on, that infamous incident—which occurred at an intimate acoustic show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium—and the incident has become an essential part of Ryan Adams lore.

But if Adams was frustrated 12 years ago, it looks like he’s finally forgiven that wayward fan. And unexpectedly, over the weekend, he finally delivered on the request, playing a gorgeous, irony-free rendition of “Summer of ’69.” Poetically, the moment occurred as Adams returned to the Ryman, the site of the original heckling.

It may sound too good to be true, but there’s footage of the song being played. Check it below.

This isn’t the first time Ryan’s covered Bryan, however. Watch him covering “Run to You” below.