Expectations are high that we will see a new, fresh, friendly, together Ryan Adams when he returns Tuesday for a sold-out solo gig at the State Theatre. Word is the country-rocker cleaned himself up during his recent hiatus, which coincided with his marriage to actress/singer Mandy Moore in 2009. Most promising of all, Adams just put out one of his mellowest, most carefully refined, happy-sounding albums, "Ashes & Fire."
Minnesota fans, however, know all too well what can happen when Adams gets to talking. Here's a look back on Adams' rubber-band displays of personality, a bipolar history that can all too easily be compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Adams as Hyde: 1994-2000
His critically ballyhooed first band, Whiskeytown -- formed in Raleigh, N.C., when he was 20 -- went through a dizzying array of lineup changes and troubled tours, much of which was attributed to the singer's behavior. A Detroit Free Press headlined summed it up: "Whiskeytown: Half band, half soap opera."
Adams as Jekyll: September 2000
All was forgotten with the release of "Heartbreaker," Adams' triumphant solo debut, featuring guests Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch and enough classic songs to earn him a whole other level of acclaim.
Hyde: 2001
His next record, "Gold" set off a strained relationship with Lost Highway Records. He has since started his own label.
