Epileptic rocker storms off stage mid-concert telling crowd ‘You could kill me’

Ryan Adams’ recent Belfast show is being described as ‘chaotic’ by fans (Picture: Getty Images)

Ryan Adams reportedly stormed off stage during a recent show in Belfast, telling fans that their flashing cameras ‘could kill me.’

The singer-songwriter, 50, was playing at the Waterfront Hall as a part of his tour to mark the 25th anniversary of his debut solo album, Heartbreaker.

Fans present at the show said it ended abruptly after erratic behaviour from Adams, who shouted at the audience repeatedly.

One reviewer wrote on SubStack that Adams stopped, ‘mid-song, about 45 minutes in, because he believed that someone took a flash photo. He kicked the microphone and mic stand across the stage, shouted at the audience that he “had epilepsy” and, among a flurry of expletives, stormed off stage, ranting about not coming back.’

The Belfast Telegraph claimed that Adams shouted, ‘Stop f***ing flashing. I warned you. You could kill me. I have epilepsy and Meniere’s disease. F*** you, I’m not coming back until you stop flashing,’ before storming off stage.

Signs had been placed around the venue warning fans against using flash photography to prevent triggering Adams’ condition.

The singer allegedly shouted at the audience (Picture: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

When Adams did return to stage, about half an hour after his exit, he claimed he had had an epileptic seizure backstage.

X user @MacdonailSean wrote of the show: ‘I was there and have a ticket for tomorrow night. Despite what were clear irritations from the late comers, and one random flash, Adam’s reaction was completely over the top and reveals a nasty side to him which makes me question my decision to give him the benefit of the doubt.’

@yourslaggin agreed: ‘His treatment of the Belfast fans was rude and atrocious, from start to end. His performance was a car crash. Lots of people walking out.’

@Gareth_McCull expressed sympathy for Adams, writing: ‘It’s hard to know where to start with tonight’s Ryan Adams show at the Waterfront. But the man needs help badly. It’s quite sad to see someone so talented lose it in front of your eyes.’

Images posted by fans on social media show Adams exiting via the audience (Picture: Facebook / Tim Pentland) Win two tickets to Polygon Live, the UK's first immersive music festival

Polygon Live is a 360 immersive music experience (Picture: Marc de Groot)

Metro has teamed up to give away 20 pairs of tickets to Polygon Live LDN, a unique new festival taking place in London’s Crystal Palace Park from 2-4 May 2025.

Blending light and spatial sound, the 360º immersive festival has a stellar lineup including popular artists such as Max Cooper, Jon Hopkins and Tinariwen, as well as the likes of Arooj Aftab and Photay.

For a chance to win an incredible day out at this UK-first festival for you and a friend, simply enter your details here.

You have until midnight on 18 April 2025 to enter. Good luck!

*Open to GB (excluding N. Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion open from 12:01 on 02/04/2025 and closes at 23:59 on 18/04/2025. 1 entry per person. 20 prizes of 2x General Admission Single Day tickets to attend 1 day of Polygon Live LDN 2025 at Crystal Palace Park, valid for either Friday 2 May 2025, Saturday 3 May 2025 or Sunday 4 May 2025. 1 entry per person.
Full T&Cs apply, see here. Full Polygon T&Cs apply to entry and attendance, see here.

However, one fan suggested that Adams’ reaction may not have been irrational, alleging that there were fans intentionally using flash. @Cardinal_Smith_ wrote: ‘Perhaps the saddest part of tonight’s Ryan Adams concert in Belfast, near the end of the night, a group in front of me actively tried to use flash photography to cause another seizure.’

Adams’s tour comes as a part of his ongoing attempt to revive his image in the wake of accusations of misconduct.

In February 2019, a New York Times report accused the musician of being ‘manipulative, obsessive and controlling’, with seven women coming forward with allegations.

Among these women were his ex-wife and This Is Us star Mandy Moore, singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, and a fan who alleged that she exchanged sexual messages with Adams when she was underage.

One fan alleged that other audience members were intentionally aiming flashes at Adams (Picture: Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock)

It was reported after the allegations broke that the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Squad had opened an investigation and were attempting to reach out to the fan, known only as Ava, to obtain some of the 3,000 messages she and Adams allegedly exchanged.

Page Six later reported that the FBI found no evidence that would support charging Adams.

A source said: ‘Ultimately, the FBI found no evidence that would support charging Ryan with a crime, and closed its investigation, without charges, in the fall of 2019.’

The singer faced accusations of misconduct in 2019 (Picture: Sherry Rayn Barnett /Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

At the time, Adams called the allegations that he was ‘emotionally abusive’ in relationships and made ‘sexual advances’ while offering to help the careers of his accusers, ‘upsettingly inaccurate’, tweeting: ‘Some of its details are misrepresented; some are exaggerated; some are outright false. I would never have inappropriate interactions with someone I thought was underage. Period. 

‘I am not a perfect man and I have made many mistakes. To anyone I have ever hurt, however unintentionally, I apologise deeply and unreservedly.’

Last year, the Come Pick Me Up singer issued a lengthy apology to the Daily Mail, saying he had since gotten professional help to get sober.

Metro has contacted representatives of Ryan Adams for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.