Is this what it's like growing up and getting older?
Comments
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What's the main issue some of you people have? The fact that you are getting older or the fact that PJ is getting older? There is nobody in the world that likes aging, but I don't see how that feeling should fall on the weight of Pearl Jam's shoulders, in respect to your lives. They are just five normal human beings like us all. (And who knows, maybe they don't feel too old themselves, Jeff did say 50 was the new 18.)
If watching PJ on Conan makes you feel older..., then looking at your parents, old high school friends, or a picture of yourself 20 years ago will obviously cause the same reaction. Doing these things makes me feel older too but that doesn't make me dissapointed by my parents, friends, or old pictures..., I just know my time of being older is upon me, and they are all in the same boat. Fact of life.
Some people may think "Man, Eddie looks beat up, tired, and fat, where did the last 10 yrs of my life go?" and I do understand your sentiments. (Even though in this case I thought he looked fine.) It is a rare thing to grow up side-by-side with a band that has affected your life for so many years, so it's only natural for us die-hard fans to try and find that common ground between PJ's career span and our own life's progression. Can you think of any other band from 1991 that your friends have had similar experiences? Probably not. Even the Beatles only lasted 6 or 7 years.
If you don't like their last few albums and are asking yourself "why not, maybe I am too old" or "maybe the band is too old." The real answer is: Your overall satisfication in their music has not been delivered by the band like it once used to be. (This isn't the case for me.) I think those feelings have less to do with age and more to do with art appreciation and personal taste. Yes, Ed's voice isn't as powerful as it once was. Yes, as you get older (busier) you find less time to dedicate your life to music, as a fan and musician. Yes, you lose the teenage angst that PJ effectively addressed in the earlier years. Sure, fans will continue to grow apart from PJ but the parting of fan & band has always been a forward linear equation, as is with all relationships.
So to answer the posters question. Yes, this is what it's like getting older. I'm sure my parents feel old when they hear "Yesterday" or "In My Life" by the Beatles, but that is hardly the Beatles fault. Blame the aging process for feeling older, not PJ. We should count our blessings that an amazing rock band is still around and making viable music. I hope I can live to see them around a long time.Post edited by Dark Star on0 -
jlarson75 wrote:
I really need to figure out a different way of looking at al this...because I really don't want to be sad about something that's part of life!! And I have a great life now, not like I'm wishing for the past. Anyone have the same problem?
:?
I can really relate to how you feel! It makes me think of The Who. I saw their "first" farwell tour in 1982 and it was absolutely incredible. Saw them other times, but seeing them on stage right after John Entwistle died was so emotional, I was wondering how they could play and sing when I was out on the lawn crying at times.
Personally, I love being a fan and showing my love at concerts. As much as I love to sit at home for a night with the headphones or blasting PJ from my car, I think the best way, well, my favorite way to hear their music is at an arena with thousands of other lunatics like me screaming our heads off!! If The Who or even Pearl Jam were so old that they were in wheelchairs and couldn't really sing or play, I would not care if they had to be up on stage with their own music blaring on speakers behind them, I'd be there with my walker, taking out my false teeth so I could yell louder!! As long as they want to be on stage, I will be there as an appreciative and grateful fan!0 -
slightofjeff wrote:weenie wrote:I dreamed last night I met Ed and was trying to tell him what the band had meant to me. I ended up telling him that Pearl Jam had been in my life everyday for at least the last ten years and I was so grateful to them for being there. I think that's the difference for us hardcore fans vs the casual fans. We've grown right along with the band. I hope we continue to have that opportunity for several more years. :P
This is another thing that freaks me out. People who have been on board since Yield or Binaural have been around long enough to consider themselves "hard core."
Not meant to diss you or anyone else, at all. It just makes me feel old.
I can remember skipping class to buy Vs. the day it was released. To me, Yield and Binaural seem like the start of Pearl Jam's "old man" phase.
Of course, there are also folks on this board who bought Ten the day it was released and think I'm some newbie, too.
I don't take it as a diss. I was actually living in Seattle when Ten broke. I bought it and became a fan instantly. However, I was married at the time to someone who didn't like music and really gave me a hard time about being a fan. I wanted to join 10C in '91 but he gave me such a hard time, I didn't. (Just think what my number would be.......
) Anyway, I only count the last 10 years because that's when I got divorced and was able to start going to concerts and really be a fan. I guess that's why I consider myself hardcore, because I really was onboard in '90 & '91, but wasn't able to "enjoy" PJ until I got divorced. Sad but true. ~I want to realize brotherhood or identity not merely with the beings called human, but I want to realize identity with all life, even with such things as crawl upon earth.~
Mohandas K. Gandhi
~I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance than I should have been by any epaulette I could have worn.~
Henry David Thoreau0 -
slightofjeff wrote:weenie wrote:I dreamed last night I met Ed and was trying to tell him what the band had meant to me. I ended up telling him that Pearl Jam had been in my life everyday for at least the last ten years and I was so grateful to them for being there. I think that's the difference for us hardcore fans vs the casual fans. We've grown right along with the band. I hope we continue to have that opportunity for several more years. :P
This is another thing that freaks me out. People who have been on board since Yield or Binaural have been around long enough to consider themselves "hard core."
Not meant to diss you or anyone else, at all. It just makes me feel old.
I can remember skipping class to buy Vs. the day it was released. To me, Yield and Binaural seem like the start of Pearl Jam's "old man" phase.
Of course, there are also folks on this board who bought Ten the day it was released and think I'm some newbie, too.
haha...i was gonna call you out...although i didn't buy ten the first day i did buy it late 91 and have been a fan since....
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jlarson75 wrote:I feel exactly the same way- over the past few weeks, I've been contemplating, for the first time really, what it feels like to get older. I'm 33 now, married and with two kids- a far cry age-wise from that 16 year old high school girl that was totally awestruck by PJ. In some ways, it's been a bit sad. Watching the band get older...watching everyone get older...and understanding that it's nothing that we can control. This seems to state the obvious, but it's really just hit home in the past few weeks. It's like PJ is the measuring stick of time, and since we've beeen with them from the beginning, we have a concrete example of how time passes.
I really need to figure out a different way of looking at al this...because I really don't want to be sad about something that's part of life!! And I have a great life now, not like I'm wishing for the past. Anyone have the same problem?
:?
You're STILL young!!!! Enjoy! Being 33 was the GREATEST age I ever was and probably ever will be! It was FAN -FRIKON -FABULOUS!The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated - Gandhi
"Empty pockets will Allow a greater Sense of wealth...." EV/ITW0 -
STT757 wrote:I had the "Singles" cassette in my car and I would play "Breath" and "State of Love and Trust" over and over again, I don't know how many times I had to go out and buy that cassette again because someone stole it from me. I remember laying on my bedroom floor during my Senior year of High School in 1993 watching Pearl Jam on the MTV music awards blast through "Animal" and "Rockin' in the Free World" and just being blown away, I cannot describe the feeling.
that gave me goose-bumps! Im a younger fan (21) and WISH i could have had those memories in high school!0 -
while they are different they are very much the same. The values and ideals the band stood for 1991, they still stand for. They remain to this day, one of a select few bands, String Cheese Incident is one of them, Trent Reznor the other, to challenge Ticketmaster publicly.
They still make important music and art. They make music that isnt created to fatten Ed's bank account. Its art for arts sake, and I love that.
I am the same way, I was 10 in 1994 when Kurt died, but indeed PJ's music and grunge in general evokes a time in history, a time in my life.
We change as people. Why would you expect to feel and be the same person you were 15 years ago?
Pearl jam remains a great band. I just have come to the realization, there are many great bands. At one point I was into Pearl Jam and ONLY Pearl jam. Now I know, Pearl Jam is very important to me, but I also know Explosions in the Sky, or Dylan, or Uncle Bruce, or Iron and Wine etc... are just as important. All are reasons why I am who I am today. All are essential pieces of the puzzle0 -
focusing on ONLY one band is not something I am into. Yes, this band is hugely important, and I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for the songs, but as I said, Indifference is a mindblowing song. But so is Your Hand in Mine by Explosions or Vaka by Sigur Ros or Sunset soon forgotten by iron and Wine0
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I drive down the roads on my way to run errands, for my job,
etc, and I see these young guys in "stocking caps" - during June, even here in Panama City, Florida. They sit there - and they wait for the trolly system. Those guys still look hot ( not that I'm "looking" or anything - Ha!). I just think it's really cool that Pearl Jam still exists, that a younger generation(s) love their music, and that together - we keep their music relevent and alive. There is so much room for all of us to appreciate the music - and that's what counts. The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated - Gandhi
"Empty pockets will Allow a greater Sense of wealth...." EV/ITW0 -
yellowporch wrote:STT757 wrote:I had the "Singles" cassette in my car and I would play "Breath" and "State of Love and Trust" over and over again, I don't know how many times I had to go out and buy that cassette again because someone stole it from me. I remember laying on my bedroom floor during my Senior year of High School in 1993 watching Pearl Jam on the MTV music awards blast through "Animal" and "Rockin' in the Free World" and just being blown away, I cannot describe the feeling.
that gave me goose-bumps! Im a younger fan (21) and WISH i could have had those memories in high school!
Awesome that you are a "younger" fan, getting old myself
Nice job!0 -
yellowporch wrote:STT757 wrote:I had the "Singles" cassette in my car and I would play "Breath" and "State of Love and Trust" over and over again, I don't know how many times I had to go out and buy that cassette again because someone stole it from me. I remember laying on my bedroom floor during my Senior year of High School in 1993 watching Pearl Jam on the MTV music awards blast through "Animal" and "Rockin' in the Free World" and just being blown away, I cannot describe the feeling.
that gave me goose-bumps! Im a younger fan (21) and WISH i could have had those memories in high school!
It wasn't all good, I remember the day Kurt Cobain was announced Dead. Everyone in my high school felt different that day. I was going through shit I'm not going to bore you with, but let's just say the day I found out Kurt Cobain put a bullet in his head pretty much put the exclamation point on a low period of my life that I hope never to approach again. It seemed to me that the whole world was engulfed in some kind of melancholy haze, but it was probably just me and everyone else were happy. But when I go back and listen now to Pearl Jam shows from April 1994 that makes me think other people, including the members of Pearl Jam themselves, were experiencing similar feelings and expressed it through there music.
If you get a chance go and look up Pearl Jam's performance from 4-12-94 in Boston, listen to the version of "Immortality" from that night. That sums up everything I'm trying to convey.Randalls Island New York 9/29/96 - Oakland Coliseum Oakland California 11/15/97 - MSG New York New York 09/10/98 - Key Arena Seattle Washington 11/05/00, 11/06/00 - PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel New Jersey 7/14/03 - Tweeter Center Camden New Jersey 5/28/06, MSG New York New York 06/25/08, Spectrum Arena Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 10/27/090 -
jlarson75 wrote:I feel exactly the same way- over the past few weeks, I've been contemplating, for the first time really, what it feels like to get older. I'm 33 now, married and with two kids- a far cry age-wise from that 16 year old high school girl that was totally awestruck by PJ. In some ways, it's been a bit sad. Watching the band get older...watching everyone get older...and understanding that it's nothing that we can control. This seems to state the obvious, but it's really just hit home in the past few weeks. It's like PJ is the measuring stick of time, and since we've beeen with them from the beginning, we have a concrete example of how time passes.
I really need to figure out a different way of looking at al this...because I really don't want to be sad about something that's part of life!! And I have a great life now, not like I'm wishing for the past. Anyone have the same problem?
:?
You are not alone my friend, right there with you.
Enjoy the ride0 -
BTW - I'm NOT talking homeless youngsters. I had to go to the mall ( I despise the MALL - never feel comfortable there).............knit caps everywhere.....on the young guys. What is up with that BTW? Just curious..........re-living the 90's or what? I wore flannel shirts and concert shirts when I went to High School ..........late 70's and early 80's) anybody else on this thread do the same thing
?
of which I already feel old enough now. I remember (waaayyy back in the "glory" years) getting expelled for wearing an Aerosmith "Night in the Ruts" ( "Right in the Nuts") concert shirt. Anybody -? I was a "burn-out (aka "stoner") in those days. Anybody?The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated - Gandhi
"Empty pockets will Allow a greater Sense of wealth...." EV/ITW0 -
littlewingfridays wrote:jlarson75 wrote:I feel exactly the same way- over the past few weeks, I've been contemplating, for the first time really, what it feels like to get older. I'm 33 now, married and with two kids- a far cry age-wise from that 16 year old high school girl that was totally awestruck by PJ. In some ways, it's been a bit sad. Watching the band get older...watching everyone get older...and understanding that it's nothing that we can control. This seems to state the obvious, but it's really just hit home in the past few weeks. It's like PJ is the measuring stick of time, and since we've beeen with them from the beginning, we have a concrete example of how time passes.
I really need to figure out a different way of looking at al this...because I really don't want to be sad about something that's part of life!! And I have a great life now, not like I'm wishing for the past. Anyone have the same problem?
:?
You are not alone my friend, right there with you.
Enjoy the ride
Thanks! I know I'm only 33 and I know that's young...and of course I'm not blaming any of this on the band or getting upset that THEY are getting older...they mean more to me today than they did 18 years ago, in part because I've grown and my own experiences make the music that much richer. And of course I can see the progression of age by looking at my own parents, friends, and even my 4 and 5 year old boys. But there's just something about seeing a band that means so much to you get older- and that's something that I'm trying to reconcile with my life today. Can't wait for them to announce that West Coast tour!!! [I feel better already!]0 -
Eddie needs to take some cues from Bruce Springsteen, the Boss has aged nicely and still is rockin' and it's obvious he still loves making music and playing live. Honestly Eddie should make a trip over to Bruce's house and have a heart to heart, there's much the boss could teach Eddie.
I think the relationship the members of Bruce Springsteen and the East Street band have with their fans is amazing after all these years, it's something Pearl Jam and us fans could looks at as an example of how to make all of this work for us going forward.Randalls Island New York 9/29/96 - Oakland Coliseum Oakland California 11/15/97 - MSG New York New York 09/10/98 - Key Arena Seattle Washington 11/05/00, 11/06/00 - PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel New Jersey 7/14/03 - Tweeter Center Camden New Jersey 5/28/06, MSG New York New York 06/25/08, Spectrum Arena Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 10/27/090 -
PearlJain wrote:BTW - I'm NOT talking homeless youngsters. I had to go to the mall ( I despise the MALL - never feel comfortable there).............knit caps everywhere.....on the young guys. What is up with that BTW? Just curious..........re-living the 90's or what? I wore flannel shirts and concert shirts when I went to High School ..........late 70's and early 80's) anybody else on this thread do the same thing
?
of which I already feel old enough now. I remember (waaayyy back in the "glory" years) getting expelled for wearing an Aerosmith "Night in the Ruts" ( "Right in the Nuts") concert shirt. Anybody -? I was a "burn-out (aka "stoner") in those days. Anybody?
Well, high school for me was 94-98 and I also wore concert shirts and flannel for most of those four years. I remember having to wear my TOOL shirt inside out because it had a wrench that kind of looked like a cock on it. I was told that next time I wore it, I would get a detention.
Why go, Animal?
Foxy Mop in my tree, no way.
Gods' Dice Get Right
Come back amongst the waves yellow moon.
https://www.instagram.com/knowcode/0 -
Restless soul,
enjoy your youth...
Older than you so I appreciate your insightful post.
My only advice...
PAY ATTENTION!Hold On0 -
STT757 wrote:Eddie needs to take some cues from Bruce Springsteen, the Boss has aged nicely and still is rockin' and it's obvious he still loves making music and playing live. Honestly Eddie should make a trip over to Bruce's house and have a heart to heart, there's much the boss could teach Eddie.
I think Ed probably already DOES take some cues from Bruce, and Pete, and Tom Petty. I'm not really sure what you're driving at here.everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do0 -
Purex37 wrote:PearlJain wrote:BTW - I'm NOT talking homeless youngsters. I had to go to the mall ( I despise the MALL - never feel comfortable there).............knit caps everywhere.....on the young guys. What is up with that BTW? Just curious..........re-living the 90's or what? I wore flannel shirts and concert shirts when I went to High School ..........late 70's and early 80's) anybody else on this thread do the same thing
?
of which I already feel old enough now. I remember (waaayyy back in the "glory" years) getting expelled for wearing an Aerosmith "Night in the Ruts" ( "Right in the Nuts") concert shirt. Anybody -? I was a "burn-out (aka "stoner") in those days. Anybody?
Well, high school for me was 94-98 and I also wore concert shirts and flannel for most of those four years. I remember having to wear my TOOL shirt inside out because it had a wrench that kind of looked like a cock on it. I was told that next time I wore it, I would get a detention.
Yeah, it only kind of looks like a cock. I'm sure that was purely by accident.
It couldn't look more like a cock than if Paris Hilton's lips were wrapped around it.everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do0 -
Knit caps never go out of style.PearlJain wrote:BTW - I'm NOT talking homeless youngsters. I had to go to the mall ( I despise the MALL - never feel comfortable there).............knit caps everywhere.....on the young guys. What is up with that BTW? Just curious..........re-living the 90's or what? I wore flannel shirts and concert shirts when I went to High School ..........late 70's and early 80's) anybody else on this thread do the same thing
?
of which I already feel old enough now. I remember (waaayyy back in the "glory" years) getting expelled for wearing an Aerosmith "Night in the Ruts" ( "Right in the Nuts") concert shirt. Anybody -? I was a "burn-out (aka "stoner") in those days. Anybody?NERDS!0
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