Ryan Adams - Wasted Years (Iron Maiden cover)

[@rmegens]

Ryan Maiden

[@killzer48]

Adams in time

[@JulianFernandez]

underrated comment. props dude.

[@johncrawford2510]

😂😂😂

[@petermcdonna4160]

@rmegens This comment will never get the recognition it deserves.

[@trollson66]

You win the comments

[@bellmeisterful]

Wow. Im 49. I bought this cassette whene it came out. Theyre why I started playing guitar. And this is the best cover of a Maiden song Ive ever heard. He wins.

[@neil139]

Yep, couldn't agree more. Its quite beautiful.

[@wkboggs5]

See Stuart Cliffords version. You're welcome

[@saxoncrow2500]

Ha! Me too. Big 50 next year! Man I've had wasted years..... But now I'm sober boom boom.

[@alphacause]

Given the melancholy that is expressed in the lyrics, I am surprised more people don't do a slower version of this Iron Maiden classic. This was awesome!.

[@misterphinam]

***** Me either... the slower this song, the greater is going to get!

[@misterphinam]

***** Me either... the slower this song, the greater is going to get!

[@davistheyeti]

Check out the group 'hellsongs' they have done some maiden. The trooper is actually a very sad song but played in major with that big galloping happy sounding riff in the original

[@arnox666]

Because the original is much better.This is not awesome,it's a simplified version,as always....diet music !

[@davistheyeti]

@@arnox666 of course it's simplified its arranged for one guitar and vocal. It certainly isn't anywhere as good as the original, but power to him for covering it considering his output commercially is nothing like metal.

[@80sbmxkid]

You realize what a beautifully written song this is when stripped down. I know real Maiden fans know how talented they really are just wish people outside the metal community knew.

[@fernandorobertovelber2085]

São universos distantes !!!

[@chadlevitan7886]

Yeah when it's stripped down to an acoustic version with just the guitar and lyrics you can really appreciate just how strong the songwriting and lyrics by Iron Maiden really are. It's easy for some people to dismiss metal genres as "not real music" because it's loud and fast, but stuff like this proves that's simply not true. A lot of metal artists are some of the most technically proficient musicians in existence.

[@brentlanyon4654]

I've been out of the "metal community" since the mid 80's, and definitely know that Iron Maiden has song writing talent. I think most folks who truly appreciate music understand this, even if it's not the style they listen to most often. Just like I also know that Hank Williams Sr. was a very talented artist, but don't listen to his stuff much these days.

[@chadlevitan7886]

@@brentlanyon4654 I agree. I don't think real music fans feel that way, just that many people do. Check out Between the Buried and Me's covers of Queen vs their regular stuff if you haven't.

[@stevep9739]

Watch Stuart Clifford's version,just a British grandpa on the acoustic,haunting. 2.2m views is testimony!

[@pierguidopriori7378]

One of the best cover version ever made. Simply amazing.

[@wkboggs5]

See Stuart Cliffords version. You're welcome

[@douglasstephens6693]

I'm a huge Maiden fan and I love this.

[@Kapteinkoelle]

+Zamblee Best comment on youtube ever ! I'm a radio by the way.

[@sixbone1]

Im a huge Maiden fan too! This was a great cover!

[@drn13355]

Yeah so many of those 80s songs had great lyrics and people don't know until you strip them down. The original is my favorite, but this one kind of hit me.

[@wlgj1341]

Ryan Adams got this TO IRON MAIDEN, BTW...THE STORYLINE IS MINE: MORE THAN LIKELY THE CHOREOGRAPHY IS ADAMS’

[@wlgj1341]

Adams has done this with quite a few big name artists and my storylines

[@valley_robot]

One of the greatest songs ever written , played and sung beautifully

[@Footjones]

This speaks volumes for the unbelievable talent of both Maiden and Mr. Adams. Two of my favorites.

[@richardsaure4392]

Beautiful! One of Iron Maiden's very best songs taken to yet another level. Kudos to Ryan Adams! 👍

[@WhoKnows-q3b]

This version is on a video playlist, always worth coming back to.

[@tz7813]

Some of the greatest lyrics ever put to paper. An all time classic, and a fantastic rendition.

[@AndalusianIrish]

This is awesome and shows just how good at songwriting the members of Maiden are. One of the marks of a great song is that it will stand up to completely different versions. Credit to Ryan for doing a great cover.

[@written12]

Well said. A truly good song can work with different instrumentation, or a spare setting like this

[@black88coupe]

Agreed. People who have never heard the IM version may never realize just how heavy this song is when they perform it.

[@rfurdaylee]

I would imagine Steve Harris played this to the band on the acoustic guitar the first time he conveyed the song to them. Then they "Maidenised" it. Fabulous song whoever plays it.

[@AndalusianIrish]

@@rfurdaylee Ooh I hadn't thought of that!

[@rfurdaylee]

@@AndalusianIrish Incidentally I saw Iron Maiden in the Cart and Horses pub in the East London in 1976, I was 21 yrs old. My old school mate Paul Mario Day was making his singing debut for them that night. I didn't know he could sing 😲 I still keep in touch with him. He now lives in Australia. Little did I know I was unwittingly part of rock history. NOBODY back then knew what was ahead of Iron Maiden. Great days❤️😅

[@TwistedWrathMetal]

The original has aggression and power... a type of flamboyance that comes with metal band like Iron Maiden. This cover does what every great acoustic cover does - it exposes the true melody of the song. It gives it a whole new feeling. It's very rare to find two versions of one song that can say two very different things.

[@mattfabi1040]

True Maiden fans will appreciate this

[@sgmusic88]

True music fans will appreciate this.

[@davidsykes6896]

Matt Fabi ....yes true .. yes

[@halvormyklebust4583]

Wet Pussy Apparently

[@nathanbosley76]

Been listening to maiden since middle school in the mid eighties. I love to hear talented men and women cover songs such as this one. This cover is very peaceful and appealing to the ears. He did a really nice job.

[@bunnybook6590]

True humans will appreciate this

[@RonaldSanz]

From the coast of gold, across the seven seas I'm travellin' on, far and wide But now it seems, I'm just a stranger to myself And all the things I sometimes do, it isn't me but someone else I close my eyes, and think of home Another city goes by in the night Ain't it funny how it is, you never miss it 'til it's gone away And my heart is lying there and will be 'til my dying day [Chorus:] So understand Don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years Face up... make your stand And realise you're living in the golden years Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind Can't ease this pain, so easily When you can't find the words to say it's hard to make it through another day And it makes me wanna cry and throw my hands up to the sky

[@shanescott5148]

A Aussie fan since 82,Maiden forever

[@guidobachetti5629]

I wish I could hear this cover on Spotify :(

[@eugejnr1]

that finger work is a degree in an of itself!! what a ledge!!

[@JSnyder]

I know of a few of Adam's covers and he does them in a way that's perfect. ("Wonderwall"? A-maz-ing...) The original song is definitely present, but he finds another dimension in it. He respects the song while adding his fingerprints to it.

[@gabrielleflorentine2155]

Well I keep coming back to this. Thankful for musicians like this who can communicate our pain in a way we can’t x

[@davidreschalaska]

This hard rock metal fan just gained newfound respect and appreciation for Ryan Adams...I usually can't stand hipster/indie-alt rock critics darlings like him, but this is just so flat out good and heartfelt, it can't be denied.....wow!

[@wlgj1341]

This cut was arranged and delivered to IRON MAIDEN per Ryan Adams and Adams got the storyline from me… that’s the music industry

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

his lyric provider provided this storyline for IM from my portfolio…I wrote this

[@abigaillkruss8823]

Love Iron Maiden. And love his cover. This guy is a genious, really

[@shanec36]

This is amazing! God I love Iron Maiden! I can't believe what he can do with other groups songs. He could redefine the art of "cover" songs. He mastered this transition to an acoustic version!

[@halojonestv]

By far in a way the greatest cover I've heard for a long, long time

[@scottsherman1218]

The fact that this sounds so great, in a completely different style from the original is a great testament to whatva fantastic song it is ......its not just a great metal song, its a fantastic piece of music. Metal is so underappreciated by those outside of the metal community, but i maintain the metal has some of the best musicians and composers in the music industry!!!!

[@michaelpattan9033]

Beautifully done. You not only did a great song justice but you made it your own. Bravo.

[@gekindel]

Please record this on an album. This is FANTASTIC

[@stevenroyfairclough]

A masterpiece. Really love the song anyway and Ryan adds another dimension to it. Superb.

[@uzzername007]

I would have to put this right up there with the origional version and I'm a huge Maiden fan. Such a great cover, Ryan Adams never seases to amaze

[@danielzemlik3546]

Love it ! I am cming back every now and then to this song all the time!

[@mrcards93]

Ryan makes this song more relatable for most people. Love both versions.

[@TURTLEORIGINAL]

The way you sung and interpreted this song, was expressed beautifully. Thank you. Beautifully sung and played on your guitar.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

He always gets the tone of the voice and guitar just right. I'd easily buy an album of obscure covers from him, like Evan Dando did with "varshons". Wow..this is something special..he really gets to the point. Beautiful playing too.

[@andrewbowen6875]

His version of the Dead’s Wharfe Rat is stunningly beautiful

[@lbcvisnudas]

For years I have thought that the lyrics were so very deep and spoken from a place of long life experience. Beautifully rendered.

[@TexasAxeSlinger]

A beautiful song, that evokes many emotions in me. It is overcoming loss, and sorrow and wants you to appreciate what you have Right Now! Many times we already have the best things in our life, and many times it's standing right in front of our eyes, and yet we always yearn for more. Then when that person is taken from us, we realize we were already living in our "Golden Years" and we should have taken the time to appreciate that gift we had all along. Up with the Irons!

[@kimmerz1111]

WOW incredible version of this song!!!! LOVE IT!!!! 🎉❤

[@gmonner1]

Many people will not give metal the time of day to learn the lyrics actually have deep meaning. Whether you like this version of the song or not, it lets those who would never listen to Iron Maiden to actually take time out and listen to the message of the song. Now for myself I like the metal version, acoustic not my thing, but again it oddly enough this version does serve the metal world some good. The singer/guitarist is talented. Good for him. Another way of saying this is "opera, not my thing, not something i would listen to, however I can appreciate the talent of those who sing it." Does that make any sense? And those are my thoughts for today.

[@HipsterEatinShark]

This... I agree with. I just don't think it's better, or "just as good." To use your analogy, a fellow whistling Mozart might sound pleasant, but don't tell me it's "better" than the opera lol.

[@robheirbaut8525]

Eeeh. No.

[@spencermiller4661]

Thats funny since about half of Iron Maiden lyrics are just cringey high-school poetry summaries of 80s B-movies.

[@anuruprao2056]

amazing acoustic cover

[@MtnMan802]

wow, ive ben into ryan adams for a few minutes, never knew he covered this!!! awesome

[@Josh-vp1hw]

So many great acoustic covers of this song, Iron Maiden songs in general. Shows how timeless and beautiful they truly are . Great job 👏

[@jeffbaloga4376]

That's talent. Always knew I liked this guy. Even before I stumbled on him doing a cover from one of my all time favorite bands Maiden!!!

[@eternity9099]

Ryan Adams is so inspiring in his original work and in his covers. A talent like this only comes along once in great while and I love the fact that he is such a humble down to earth guy. Much love and respect to you Ryan Adams. You are truly one of the greatest musicians of our time.

[@nahiankhan2964]

From the coast of gold, across the seven seas I'm travellin' on, far and wide But now it seems, I'm just a stranger to myself And all the things I sometimes do, it isn't me but someone else I close my eyes, and think of home Another city goes by in the night Ain't it funny how it is, you never miss it 'til it's gone away And my heart is lying there and will be 'til my dying day [Chorus:] So understand Don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years Face up... make your stand And realise you're living in the golden years Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind Can't ease this pain, so easily When you can't find the words to say it's hard to make it through another day And it makes me wanna cry and throw my hands up to the sky [Chorus

[@shelley9000]

Being that I was a huge Maiden FREAK in the 80's and I discovered Ryan in the 2000's...you can only imagine my DELIGHT in this...anything he covers is epic.

[@d.a.thorndike8772]

I have seen photos of Ryan wearing Iron Maiden t-shirts, so he is obviously a true fan of the band before he covered their song. he picked a great song to make a cover of. It really does lend itself to being stripped down and slowed down like this. Great version. Would love to see Ryan make a single of it officially.

[@unt561]

Acoustic but not slowed down

[@davidanderson6516]

sounds to me like it is the soul of the song.

[@jms980]

I'm a big Maiden fan and this one is one of my top three maiden songs. Anyway, this version is amazing! I love how the vocals match the sentiment and mood of the lyrics. Great job!

[@JuhaPuuma]

True master showing his appreciation on how good the original song is, beautiful!

[@TrooperLFC]

Beautiful, outstanding effort! UP THE IRONS!

[@scotttheboss1]

Fuck me how can he make this song so fuckin beautiful!! Give him credit man he's a genius

[@AnthonyWW68]

Just beautiful. And for the people who don't like it, I get it... it's not a heavy metal version, and I love the original, but Wasted Years is such a transcending song and such a timeless and beautiful melody and lyric, it totally works in forms like this. Good for Ryan Adams. Funnily enough, a lot of people might think that THIS is the original version and say "crap" to the original Heavy Metal version if they heard it after!

[@astralcrab]

Some rock tunes were created first for acoustic guitar. As far I know, it's not the case of Wasted Years, but if my memory serves me right, the song "Can I play with madness" (Also written by Adrian Smith) was originally composed to be an acoustic ballad before turning it into the song rock and metal fans know.

[@leoquinteromusicproject1902]

I´m an Iron Maiden´s fan and it´s really toched my heart... it´s awesome the new feeling and meaning. Very good job my friend, congratulations Ryan.!!!!

[@michaelhorn9114]

Best cover yet Ryan! Only problem is that it needs to be longer!

[@dannyboy0169]

I never realized how awesome these lyrics were until Ryan brought it back.....thanks!

[@ambersoftmedia4983]

Incredible! No other word could describe your version of this song. Iron Maiden would be proud of your version.

[@richieroma]

they were :)

[@ratbatblu]

Been a die-hard Maiden fan since '82 and I LOVE this.

[@ophuls]

One of the best cover version ever made. Period. Eternal classic by the Maiden.

[@S_Tadz]

Californication brought me here. This show is awesome on so many levels, especially the fact that it's so music-related. Plus Lemmy got on the show, which is a big plus in my book.

[@MrDraven37]

This is such an awesome cover, love it. It shows a couple of things. The talent of Ryan Adams to do such an amazing cover, and the talent of Adrian Smith/Iron Maiden. I've heard it said so often and it's true, that you can tell the real quality of a song if it can be played acoustically, and it is still just as good.

[@MizzNeta]

GOD I'VE LOOKED EVERYWHERE! Californication...... THANK YOU. THIS COVER IS FREAKING .... INSANE! I am in love.

[@sumitt2052]

Really awesome !!! Just loved this cover..

[@MitchRimland]

Wow. Fantastic ! Bravo !!!!!

[@bergh94]

I love how this cover gives the song so much more meaning! Ive never payed that much attention to the lyrics in this song, but Ryan Adams sure as hell made me. These lyrics are so good and so much thought through!

[@HipsterEatinShark]

More meaning? No. Just... no.

[@jms980]

@bruce cockinson dude, chill out, theres no reason to be rude. I'm glad that this cover has shown people that Iron Maiden have some insightful, and thought provoking themes in their lyrics, and that can be shown through this cover. Not everyone knows what we about Maiden to be true, so be happy that someone has seen what we see, Up The Irons!

[@jms980]

@@HipsterEatinShark he simply means, he didn't hear the lyrics as clearly in the original version, and now he does, and as a result, the sings means more now.

[@jms980]

Thanks for noticing. Maiden have a lot of songs with meaning about history, wars, and the human condition

[@HipsterEatinShark]

@@jms980 No, the song means as much as it ever did. He didn't pay attention to the lyrics. That's what he said, even if you have some kind of secret insight into what he meant. It's not like Dickinson was growling or anything. The lyrics are very easy to understand. I'm going to propose that you are trying to speak for somebody else because you dislike criticism and conflict. That's admirable and all, but the song always meant what it meant haha. And Maiden's version is way better in my view.

[@julianbirch7466]

Keep coming back to this, such a wonderfully realised version.

[@keefriff99]

Fucking awesome...much respect to him for doing this cover. Saw Ryan open for the Stones about 10 years ago...he's really good.

[@SouthernAceCrafts]

Wow. I was going to hit the back button right before he started singing. Awesome.

[@stormcloud-9369]

EXCELLENT!!!! I loved it!

[@robviso]

I grew up with IronMaiden & this is just, holy shit,,, amazing. He can touch almost any song and turn it into gold.

[@MrDraven37]

Fuck... it is so great to see Maiden given the respect they have always deserved outside the metal arena. Anyone who has ever listened to metal, knows it has never gotten better than Maiden, but those on the outside haven't always given them the respect that is due. In this cover, Ryan has shown the true art of Maiden's song craft that us fans have always appreciated. And in doing so, he has shown his own great talent. Holy shit is right.

[@michaelhorn9114]

Same goes for MEGADETH! Very underrated band! IMO, better than MAIDEN

[@kevinhorner6902]

Amazing voice, style, and a guitar genius. Ryan is amazing.

[@xavieregea104]

Iron Maiden best band all over the world

[@michaelhorn9114]

IMO, MEGADETH is better. Both bands are great though! MAIDEN used to be my favorite, but, now, I would have to say MEGADETH is!

[@mr.neuhaus1937]

FENOMENAL VERSION, dude !! jut LOVE it !!

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Wonder if Adrian Smith has heard this. It's his song afterall.

[@meguto]

this is one of most magical covers on the planet earth. you let so far away from my office. i'm trying to keep my self at work.

[@kaylaallen8722]

And he's wearing an Emperor shirt. Maybe this dude is cooler than we give him credit for!

[@nickwaves6420]

Good catch!

[@jumpfart666]

Everyone wears an Emperor shirt and says "I like black metal"..gay trendy poser

[@guitarofdestiny]

@Nick Bundy good call

[@khnarry7938]

He's not…………………...

[@khnarry7938]

I was replying to Kayla Eidson……………..I could care less what he's wearing ………..

[@alexandrejohnston7797]

Man this song is really fantastic on acoustic ! Great version of a classic of one of the greatest rock bands of all time 🤩🤩🤩 Nice work ! Thanks for sharing 😃

[@lucavaccari9258]

Emperor T shirt !! GREAT

[@wkboggs5]

Beauty! Just glad you found it. It’s my favorite.

[@brunafraga3454]

Terrific! Great cover for a great band! Harris must be thrilled

[@SunshineSailing84]

I’m sure Adrian is even more thrilled, as he wrote the song ;)

[@patches6309]

OMG this cover is just simply INCREDIBLE!!! WOW! great Job!!!

[@daliesandmentlegen8811]

Now we need to make Iron Maiden do a cover of Let It Ride.

[@flipliip]

OMFG This is .... My jaw is still dropped on the floor... AMAZING!!!!

[@middlecreekguy]

I just can't get enough of this cover tune. More bourbon please.

[@williamkeese9287]

The metal fans might disagree but I like this version

[@TrooperLFC]

no true Maiden fan will ever say a word against this beautiful cover mate!

[@craigdawson7564]

We don't disagree

[@valley_robot]

Nope we all agree this was beautiful

[@pedro_cfms]

Essa versão deu destaque para a letra!

[@samboy1288]

The man is brilliant... turning a Maiden song into an acoustic folk song takes some serious talent.

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

The reality is reversed

[@mrmarc83]

Love it!! I always listen to covers with an open mind and ear. Awesome! Just awesome

[@okrajoe]

Nice cover version.

[@IvanKaz1]

This is one of my favorite Maiden songs and this version blows me away. Great job!

[@MatthiasMontgomery]

This is a classic example of a killer song. Any Maiden fan that thinks of this arrangement as “neutered” has metal tunnel vision and no ear . Excellent work Ryan.

[@YThatesTRUTH]

Beautiful rendition. Loved it.

[@thevirus7368]

This kid has heart.

[@kizmetgraphics]

I bought Somewhere in Time on Cassette in 1987, been Listening to Maiden for 26 years....and this is IN-FRICKEN-CREDIBLE....Excellent creative license, so good i have no more word to describe it....ill just say, ive played it at least 10 times.

[@JackF99]

Wow excellent. Expect Iron Maiden is honored for a songwriter of Adam's caliber to cover them.

[@agentlead]

i think you have that one backwards.

[@seanmcnally4392]

beloog99 Ryan does a great job, but as far as the caliber statement Ryan is a pimple on Bruce ass. And he she be honored to even listen to this song. All good. 👍

[@b0tb0t83]

Mind blowing guitar harmony.And what a voice!

[@yudimariadi345]

Brought me here after an episode of Californication. Beautiful rendition!

[@zlatkoc7113]

Same. This song ended the episode perfectly.

[@MrGaableenz]

@@zlatkoc7113 I watched Calif S06 few minutes ago. I thought at first, it must be something from some hairmetal band of late 80'. Some huge MTV hit. I was shocked! Iron Maiden! Great!!!

[@MelodyChase]

Everything he touches, turns into heavenly gold...

[@MelodyChase]

@Frank Noel So sad isn't it? I actually heard what's been going on with the accusations literally the day after I posted that comment. 😒 It's very disheartening when someone so talented uses it as manipulation.

[@jonarmandhalle8021]

Sure looks like he is wearing an "Emperor" T-shirt. Man of many talents and tastes, that's for sure!

[@krticka3]

I simply adore him. He can cover anything & make it 1000% better!

[@untitleditem2334]

This is even better than the "studio" version. Tapping his foot for the drum effect really kicks that portion of the song into a higher gear. Damn, this is good.