I’ve been a long time fan of Pearl Jam’s since I was a kid. I’ve seen the band… boy I lose track, between 10-15 times, and I can say this show was one of the best I’ve ever seen. The Band was really feeling it and the crowd was giving back what they were putting out . Really phenomenal. Believe me I’ve been to a few shows where the crowd was less than enthusiastic and the band really suffers because of it. I don’t really understand how you could go to a Pearl Jam show and not be mesmerized. They are easily one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. But I guess it happens.
Ed’s voice was marvelous, the band was really well tuned and on point. The new songs sounded terrific, especially Ed’s stripped down version of Just Breathe. He was accompanied by a string quartet. It was beautiful. One of the highlights of the night was when Eddie mentioned that Stuart Copland (The Police) was in attendance and that they were going to try something they’d never done before… it ended up that they played “Driven to Tears”. It was awesome! I’ve never seen then cover anything like that. Usually it’s The Who or Niel Young. I have to say it sounded great. they would never of been able to do that back before Matt was drumming. Only he could do the Police Justice.
Eddie is charged as being the voice of the band and he was in great spirits. I have on occasion seen him far more closed off or perhaps more serious, however last night he was just happy… maybe a little silly too. He mentioned more than a few times that we were leaps and bounds a better crown than the previous night, and he kept thanking us for it. I think Pearl Jam really prides themselves on putting on a good show and so it’s probably tough for them to play to a lethargic crowd.
Because I am part of the Ten Club I am able to secure pretty good seats. The Ten Club is unique in the way they always offer the fans the best seats in the house. As a member you are able to purchase only a pair (prior to general public sales), you must pick them up in person with your ID and your seats are assigned by your seniority within the group. Its a really fair system that ensures the fans are well taken care of and that scalpers are left to fight over the nose bleeds. Plus you can be pretty certain that everyone around you is as big a fan as you are. Since I’ve been with Ten Club for a while I am able to get pretty good seats.
Unfortunately because of the proximity of the show to the due date, Phia felt it better that I she stay home. My mom joined me In her place . Mom didn’t complain, she was extremely stoked to be going, especially after she saw our seats! I was happy to have her join me, but I was really sorry Phia missed it, she would have loved it. I’ll make it up to her though after the baby is born. I’m sure they will come back around next year.
For anyone that cares, below is the set list, which was totally awesome. Below are some pics I snapped, they suck by my standards, but with the light and distance its about as good as it gets.
Main Set: Interstellar Overdrive/Corduroy, Severed Hand, Got Some, Do the Evolution, Dissident, Given to Fly, Johnny Guitar, Amongst the Waves, I Got Shit, Daughter, Jeremy, Unthought Known, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town, Driven to Tears (The Police), The Fixer, Rearviewmirror
Encore 1: Just Breathe w/ String Quartet, The End w/ String Quartet, Lukin w/ String Quartet, Red Mosquito w/ Ben Harper, Jazz Odyssey Improv, Betterman/Save It For Later (English Beat)
Encore 2: Gonna See My Friend, I Believe in Miracles (The Ramones), Once, Alive, Yellow Ledbetter/Star Spangled Banner
