Yesterday,
Ryan Adams posted a lengthy blog entry on his Web site announcing he was taking a break not just from his band, the Cardinals, but from music in general. A quick glance at his Web site today, however, finds no trace of the original posting, rather a new, equally long missive where Adams elaborates and defends his original decision.
“I am very sorry if my blog post concerning my need to walk away for however long from [the] Cardinals (and from doing music related to the music I have made during my solo career and during my very long and substantially frustrating time at my former label) was alarming or shocking or seemed off base,” Adams writes. “It was not my intention to be dramatic. I feel like I am entitled to my feelings and that I certainly do not deserve to be further ridiculed for my deteriorating inner ear issues and the physical pain that goes along with that.”
The “inner ear issues” Adams speaks of is actually Meniere’s Disease, a condition characterized by vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss that can last for several hours. The blog post includes a detailed description of other symptoms that accompany the ailment.
Adams also goes on to say he feels the Cardinals are “far better musicians than [himself],” and that “if anything [he thinks he] was holding the band back.”
“I hardly feel like I am over-reaching or being dramatic by saying it is in my and everyone’s best interest to do what is best for all concerned and I am just not cutting it anymore,” Adams laments. “I mean, I know I will really give this last tour here my all. I know I have that much strength and yes, I know people will get weird and say ‘whatever’ but Cardinals have the BEST fans and I am being open to those very fans our band loves and respects as much as a band could ever. This is my loss truly but I know good and amazing things will come.”
To read the blog post in its entirety, click here.