Adam Duritz, the lead singer of Counting Crows, spoke with Apple Music about his music and inspirations, sharing insightful stories about the band’s hit songs and his love for other artists.
Adam Duritz, lead singer of the Counting Crows (whom you can catch at the upcoming Bluesfest), recently sat down with Apple Music to discuss his music and some of his biggest inspirations. In typical Adam Duritz fashion, he shared some interesting anecdotes about his experiences in the music industry and his love for various bands and artists.
One topic that came up was the Counting Crows’ hit song “Mr. Jones.” Duritz explained that the song is about dreaming of being a rockstar to meet girls, but it’s also about the realization that life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. “Nothing in life turns out like that, and this won’t either,” he said. It’s a sentiment that many people can relate to and it’s one of the reasons why the song has remained so popular over the years.
Duritz also talked about his love for the Beastie Boys, recalling how he used to go to all their concerts and even got knocked over in the mosh pit at one of their shows. He also shared a funny story about wearing a knit cap to their concerts so that no one would recognize him.
Another topic that came up was the Counting Crows’ hit song “A Long December.” Duritz revealed that he wrote and recorded the song in under 24 hours. He played it for the band before dinner and they recorded it in just six takes. “It’s a completely live recording,” he said. Duritz also shared a touching moment when he played the song for his friends outside of The Viper Room at 2:30 in the morning.
Lastly, Duritz discussed his gratitude for the band Cracker, who pushed the Counting Crows back on stage for an encore as an opening band at Irving Plaza. This led to an opportunity to play on Saturday Night Live, even though their record wasn’t in the top 200 at the time. “I credit a lot of it with those guys,” he said.
Duritz’s conversation with Apple Music was a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a talented musician who has had a profound impact on the music industry. It’s clear that his passion for music and his unique perspective on life have inspired countless fans over the years.
Listen to the full interview here.
