For many in the country world, New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ The Forum don’t equal the Grand Ole Opry. For people like Mike Ryan, playing Opry and being part of a long-running broadcast fulfilled a lifelong dream, as they played the same stage that launched careers and created legends. Mike’s first performance on November 8 took place a few weeks after its release Long cuthis first album since 2017 Blink and you’ll miss it.
“My first time at Opry was on a mission trip with my youth group,” says Mike. Hollywood life. “We were in a nearby town doing some repairs, and one day we went into town to go to Opry Mills. There’s a Gibson store in the mall and I’m just starting to learn how to play guitar, so I’m excited about that! We went through Opry.
Years later, when Mike had mastered the guitar and was in Nashville on business, he made a trip to Opry. “Back then, I just imagined how cool it would be to play on that stage,” he said in a statement. “So I am very proud to be invited to perform on the Opry stage, where so many artists and country music legends have performed. My two young sons surprised me with this news, and that makes it all the sweeter.”
While saying EXCLUSIVE to hollywood lifethe “Jacket On” singer shares songs from her new album, Long cutWhat other songs should fans watch and what other songs new listeners should shoot if they want to get a better sense of the country star’s sound.
HollywoodLife: Did your Opry debut sound real? Or is it all just in that fog until you finally reach the wooden circle?
Mike Ryan: Oh, it’s okay! I’ve been hearing from family and friends for weeks now. A lot of them are flying out to watch me play. We are all very excited!
Do you remember your first impression of the Grand Ole Opry? Like, your first memory of Opry?
The first time I went to Opry was actually on a mission trip that I took with my youth group. We were in a nearby town getting some repairs done, and one day we went into town to go to Opry Mills. There’s a Gibson store in the mall and I’m just starting to learn how to play guitar, so I’m excited about that! We went through Opry. I didn’t get inside, but it was there!
Would you dedicate this performance to anyone? Or, is there someone in particular that you would like to see you have this historic debut?
I don’t have any dedication plans, but I’ve always had a very supportive family and a sizable family there! We’ve got a lot of them coming, so that’s going to be pretty cool.
You just released your first album in 5 years. First of all, how has there been a reaction to Long cut?
As far as possible! But if anyone has something bad to say, I won’t listen. It is not your favorite.
What would you say is your personal standout track from the album? For example, in a few years, you will choose a song from which to synthesize ‘Best Songs’, which song will you choose and why?
I can never choose just one! “Longcut” has always felt special to me. Like it would put us in front of more people. We’ll have to see if it’s a song or an album, but either way, I’ve felt something special about it for a long time.
“Loser” and “Get Away with Anything” are some of my other favorites. Time will tell which gets the most light, but I’m glad we can finally include them in the live settings list!
For those who may not know you, what 3 of your songs should they listen to to know your sound and style?
“Damn it, goodbye”
“New Hometown”
“Dear country music”
I think those three would be good bait.
