Ryan Adams Walks Off Stage in Belfast After Flashing Lights Incident: "I'm Not Coming Back!"

In a tumultuous concert at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, Ryan Adams abruptly left the stage during what fans described as a "chaotic" performance on April 5. This event celebrated the 25th anniversary of his debut solo album, ‘Heartbreaker’, but quickly spiraled into confusion and tension.

Reports detail that halfway through his set, Adams became visibly frustrated with the audience. “Stop fucking flashing! I warned you. You could kill me. I have epilepsy and Meniere’s disease. Fuck you, I’m not coming back until you stop flashing,” he declared before tossing his microphone down and exiting the stage. This outburst came despite prior warnings posted throughout the venue against using flash photography, which Adams had requested for medical reasons.

After nearly a 30-minute hiatus, during which he claimed to have suffered an "epileptic seizure" backstage, Adams made a return to explain his abrupt departure to the 1,400 fans in attendance. However, his behavior throughout the night raised eyebrows, with reports of his erratic demeanor surfacing. At one point, he presented a fan with a copy of his upcoming novel, “The Greatest Movie Ever Made,” while also requesting that a disruptive audience member be moved to a location where he could "keep an eye on him."

Fans took to social media to express mixed feelings about the night’s performance. One concertgoer tweeted, “It’s hard to know where to start with tonight’s Ryan Adams show at the Waterfront. The man needs help badly. It’s quite sad to see someone so talented lose it in front of your eyes.” This sentiment of concern was echoed by many others who witnessed the show.

Adams' behavior during the concert has reignited attention toward his controversial past. In 2019, multiple women, including his ex-wife Mandy Moore and singer Phoebe Bridgers, accused him of emotional abuse and manipulative behavior, with further allegations of sexual misconduct leading to an FBI investigation. Although no charges were filed, Adams issued a public apology for his “harmful behavior,” asking for a “second chance” in the music industry. Mandy Moore, in particular, noted the irony of his public statement lacking a private apology to those affected.

As fans reflect on the chaotic events of the evening, many are left hoping for better days ahead for Adams, as well as improvements in his interactions with audiences in the future. What will be next for the troubled artist remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the spotlight is firmly on him once more.