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 10/27/09
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
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/ITW
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!]
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 10/27/09
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/
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 do
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 do
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?
People here calling themselves old at 30 what are you guys drinking/smoking i need some of that shit, i'm in my late 40's talk about growing with the band in 91 i was 31 :shock: they have progressed just fine like a fine wine they just keep getting better & better ...
People here calling themselves old at 30 what are you guys drinking/smoking i need some of that shit, i'm in my late 40's talk about growing with the band in 91 i was 31 :shock: they have progressed just fine like a fine wine they just keep getting better & better ...
Wow! I'm 32 now and feel like shit every morning. I hope I die before I get as old as you.
I kid, I kid.
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
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.
Yah I agree. Not sure what the point of the post was. All of the attributes he has mentioned for the Boss applies to Ed.
Here's a question for older Pearl Jam fans (30+), how many of you wore Stussy?.. I sure as hell did, there's a photo of Stone with a Stussy Star hat (looks like the Dallas Cowboys symbol) from '93-'94. I had that same exact hat, I loved that hat.
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 10/27/09
I’m I starting to take pj for granted?
I guess I wondered why because I didn’t find myself getting excited about seeing them on tv as I did in the past. New pj has always been there. Well not always, you know what I mean. Because there’s always new pj, it’s like air. I don’t think about air as BEING there, it just is.
But noting I may take something for granted means I don’t, right? hehehe
as for the 'i'm/we're/they're old' comments....
be glad you're still around!
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
They still come off as a secret I've discovered and can't wait to share with someone else.
Dude, I love it...I feel the same way. In reading this thread though, I just wanted to mention I think about all this stuff all the time. What it would have been like all these years if they never existed? How much we all have aged together, and all we have been through and Pearl Jam has been there through the thickest of thick and the thinest and thin. Cheers everyone! To the best band in the world.
"No time to be void and save up on life, you gotta spend it all"
People here calling themselves old at 30 what are you guys drinking/smoking i need some of that shit, i'm in my late 40's talk about growing with the band in 91 i was 31 :shock: they have progressed just fine like a fine wine they just keep getting better & better ...
I was 35 in 91 and its not growing old - its living- its living with Pearl Jam and its great! They are so much finer for sure and so am I
Funny thing is- as a person ages they still feel pretty much like the same young person inside in our heads but we just look older with a few more aches and pains and we are hopefully/ thankfully a bit wiser.
Its nice to be with fellow PJ fans whatever the age
It's funny, the original intent of this thread was not to point out how old I think I am (because I'm not), but the importance of taking the time to appreciate and acknowledge time. With the re-release of Ten and the release of another album (and all the great things that come with it), I can't believe I started listening to this band 17 years ago. I think about everything that has happened in those years and how the band has soundtracked all of that and it's just interesting to think about. A lot has changed since then, but it's all seemed natural and I'm curious to see where everything and everyone goes from here.
It's funny, the original intent of this thread was not to point out how old I think I am (because I'm not), but the importance of taking the time to appreciate and acknowledge time. With the re-release of Ten and the release of another album (and all the great things that come with it), I can't believe I started listening to this band 17 years ago. I think about everything that has happened in those years and how the band has soundtracked all of that and it's just interesting to think about. A lot has changed since then, but it's all seemed natural and I'm curious to see where everything and everyone goes from here.
This may not have been your intent - however -it remains a good thread. There are aspiring artists whom read this thread - and whom are wise beyond their years. They they love Pearl Jam music! How completely COOL is THAT? Just don't "mosh" me at a concert, "dude!"
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/ITW
I think those of us in ours 30's (I turn 34 next week) and 40's have a much different experience as Pearl Jam fans than our newer fans, I started listening to Pearl Jam when I was 16. I was in High School from '90-'94, obviously Pearl jam and their music were at the height of popularity during those years. 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.
I had the same feeling when I heard their April 1994 radio broadcast from Atlanta's Fox Theater, I remember driving around that night listening to that show being blown away. Again when I saw them at Randall's Island in 1996 it was truly a life changing experience. I've flown to California and Seattle to see them live, both trips were like Religious pilgramedes for me. I've got to be honest though, the last time I had that magic feeling from Pearl Jam was in 2003 when I saw them at the PNC Arts Center. They were "ON" and had that magic that night, however when I saw them in 2006 and 2008 I kind of felt there was something a miss. I didn't get any feeling from watching them on the Tonight Show the other night, I liked the song but the connection was not there for me. I felt the same as many have expressed here, seeing Eddie (everyone else looked great) made me feel that those magic days are gone. And that Pearl Jam is not so much about an "experience" anymore, but rather a reunion. It seems they are much more intwined in with whatever they're doing outside of the band (families, side projects, surfing, Skate boarding, Sean Penn etc..), and that "Pearl Jam" to it's members (especially Eddie) is just not as important as it used to be to them. I hope I'm wrong.
Everything you said up to losing the magic in 2006 is dead on with me too. Even turning 34 next week! (happy birthday by the way!) Anyway I guess I'm lucky cos I still get excited when PJ come around. I loved the tour in 06 and 08 and was excited by the Tonight Show too. Not nearly as mind blowing as Animal at the MTV awards, but I still got a thrill out of it. The thing to consider is, for every Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty with longevity there are more bands like Nirvana and Led Zeppelin who don't last as long. We are very fortunate that they still are out there kicking ass. So I plan to "ride the wave where it takes me" and I hope all of you do too!
I think those of us in ours 30's (I turn 34 next week) and 40's have a much different experience as Pearl Jam fans than our newer fans, I started listening to Pearl Jam when I was 16. I was in High School from '90-'94, obviously Pearl jam and their music were at the height of popularity during those years. 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.
I had the same feeling when I heard their April 1994 radio broadcast from Atlanta's Fox Theater, I remember driving around that night listening to that show being blown away. Again when I saw them at Randall's Island in 1996 it was truly a life changing experience. I've flown to California and Seattle to see them live, both trips were like Religious pilgramedes for me. I've got to be honest though, the last time I had that magic feeling from Pearl Jam was in 2003 when I saw them at the PNC Arts Center. They were "ON" and had that magic that night, however when I saw them in 2006 and 2008 I kind of felt there was something a miss. I didn't get any feeling from watching them on the Tonight Show the other night, I liked the song but the connection was not there for me. I felt the same as many have expressed here, seeing Eddie (everyone else looked great) made me feel that those magic days are gone. And that Pearl Jam is not so much about an "experience" anymore, but rather a reunion. It seems they are much more intwined in with whatever they're doing outside of the band (families, side projects, surfing, Skate boarding, Sean Penn etc..), and that "Pearl Jam" to it's members (especially Eddie) is just not as important as it used to be to them. I hope I'm wrong.
Everything you said up to losing the magic in 2006 is dead on with me too. Even turning 34 next week! (happy birthday by the way!) Anyway I guess I'm lucky cos I still get excited when PJ come around. I loved the tour in 06 and 08 and was excited by the Tonight Show too. Not nearly as mind blowing as Animal at the MTV awards, but I still got a thrill out of it. The thing to consider is, for every Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty with longevity there are more bands like Nirvana and Led Zeppelin who don't last as long. We are very fortunate that they still are out there kicking ass. So I plan to "ride the wave where it takes me" and I hope all of you do too!
After pondering on this discussion a little I wanted to correct my earlier statement, previously I stated the last time I felt the magic was 2003. I was wrong, the last time I felt the magic was hearing their cover of "Love Reign O'er Me" and Eddie's "Into the Wild" sound track. Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me" blew me away, I always loved the Who version but now I think the Pearl Jam version is better. I had a real shitty job in 2007, I had about three months of real suffering there before I left. For some reason the radio station I had on my Bose radio played Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me" at exactly 6AM almost every morning when I woke up, my Bose would literally come on during the opening piano keys. For my last 2-3 months on that job when I would wake up that song was the first thing I heard, My wife was even amazed. She loves that song, and she's not really a big Pearl jam fan. We would lay there together listening to that song, and I would not get out of bed until it was over.
With "Into the Wild" I first heard Eddie's "Hard Sun" in the car while driving to Atlantic City a good 6 months or more before the movie came out, I think it was on WMMR 93.3 in Philadelphia (great Pearl Jam Station) and one of the DJ's got a couple and said he had to play it because it was so good. When I heard "Hard Sun" I was like what is this, it's awesome. Had to wait a few months to hear it again when the movie came out, to quote my Wife never has someone's voice set the tone for something like Eddie's does in "Into the Wild". The scenes of the Mountains in Alaska with Eddie's moans over them is very powerful.
I think my disappointment with my seeing Pearl Jam in 2006 and 2008 come from two things:
In 2006 I saw Pearl jam in Camden, I always thought from hearing the boots over the years and knowing how many Pearl jam fans are in the Philly area that it would be a great place to see Pearl Jam. No way, first of all the whole experience was a cluster f#ck. The parking lot was full of druggies, once inside the restroom situation was hell. There was one main bathroom for the men, the line was long as hell. Once inside it was so crowded people were lining up to come in from both the entrance and the exit. It was almost impossible to get out, it was hot, crowded, you couldn't move, and because the wait was so long dudes were just pissing in the sinks and on the floor where they stood in line. It was hell. Also I hated the seats which I paid a lot for on Stub Hub. Lastly walking out I almost got into a fight, terrible night.
Then in 2008 at MSG I was just annoyed at how many "posers" were at the show, no one was from New York. And the fans I talked to around me were bragging that they had been to 30+ shows, I asked what was your first show and they either said "2003" or "2006". I always feel like a poser myself because my first Pearl Jam show wasn't until 1996, I feel like I'm not true fan because I didn't see them at Lollapalooza in 1992 or at the Paramount Theater in 1994. Being surrounded by people who were bragging about how many shows they been to seemed weird to me, because in the next breath they casually mentioned that they started listening to the band in 2003 or 2006.
I saw Pearl jam at their first ever Madison Square Garden Show (together), 9/10/98. While that night does not get the notoriety amongst Pearl Jam fans because the 9/11/98 show is where they played Breath, it was still an amazing show. It was not full of out of towners, it was local New York and New Jersey Pearl Jam fans. Also no back up dancers/singers or Boom.
Randall's Island in 1996 was similar to MSG in '98 in that there weren't people flying in from Italy for that show. It was a "New York" show, and Eddie even makes the comment about how badass New York fans are. 9/29/96 was probably the last time Pearl jam played to a raging pit, people were even pitting during Daughter. It was also one of the last times (Dublin '00?) Eddie dove into the crowd.
The whole MSG '08 really bothered me, back up dancers/singers, the place full of out of town "new fans" who bought up all the tickets on the internet really bugged me too. MSG '08 was not a New York show, it had none of the feeling of MSG '98 or Randall's Island '96.
Back on subject, last time I felt the magic connection was hearing Pearl Jam's version of "Love Reign O'er Me" in 2007 and the "Into the Wild Sound Track". And while Pearl jam's recent Tonight show performance wasn't jaw dropping for me personally, their performance at the VH-1 "Who" Rock Honors sure as hell was. They owned that night!
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 10/27/09
Then in 2008 at MSG I was just annoyed at how many "posers" were at the show, no one was from New York. And the fans I talked to around me were bragging that they had been to 30+ shows, I asked what was your first show and they either said "2003" or "2006". I always feel like a poser myself because my first Pearl Jam show wasn't until 1996, I feel like I'm not true fan because I didn't see them at Lollapalooza in 1992 or at the Paramount Theater in 1994. Being surrounded by people who were bragging about how many shows they been to seemed weird to me, because in the next breath they casually mentioned that they started listening to the band in 2003 or 2006.
I saw Pearl jam at their first ever Madison Square Garden Show (together), 9/10/98. While that night does not get the notoriety amongst Pearl Jam fans because the 9/11/98 show is where they played Breath, it was still an amazing show. It was not full of out of towners, it was local New York and New Jersey Pearl Jam fans. Also no back up dancers/singers or Boom.
Randall's Island in 1996 was similar to MSG in '98 in that there weren't people flying in from Italy for that show. It was a "New York" show, and Eddie even makes the comment about how badass New York fans are. 9/29/96 was probably the last time Pearl jam played to a raging pit, people were even pitting during Daughter. It was also one of the last times (Dublin '00?) Eddie dove into the crowd.
The whole MSG '08 really bothered me, back up dancers/singers, the place full of out of town "new fans" who bought up all the tickets on the internet really bugged me too. MSG '08 was not a New York show, it had none of the feeling of MSG '98 or Randall's Island '96.
For starters, I was an out of towner at both Madison Square Garden shows in 2008. Sorry. :? I was also at both nights in the Garden in 2003. That was the first time I traveled beyond IL/WI to see the band. I went because it was first booked as the end of the tour (they ended up adding mexican dates and another boston show) and it happened to be on my birthday. That show on my bday, which became a DVD, was one of the best nights of my life. I got to hear my favorite song (in my tree) along with so many other special moments that I'm sure we're all familiar with. That crowd was amazing. I remember Eddie saying how eight or nine thousand people were from the ten club each night. I wasn't the only person in my section who knew all the words to deeper cuts like red mosquito and faithful. It seemed like everyone was singing every song.
Went back to the New York area for the two East Rutherford shows in 2006 which were both great shows. I took my younger brother who had never been to a PJ concert and isn't a big fan (probably because I played them too often when we were growing up) and he had a great time. He said that night 2 was the best concert he'd every seen.
Which brings us back to those 2008 shows. I'll admit that they were not on the same level for me as the four shows I just mentioned. I never considered the point you made about 'posers' being there but it I guess it makes some sense. That crowd just seemed so different to me. I still had a great time and was really glad I made the trip since they didn't play anywhere near Chicago last year.
For me the 2008 MSG shows' biggest flaw was how similar the two nights were. I was glad to hear Who You Are, WMA and All Night. But did they need to play them both nights? And both times with the "experiment" group of 3 backup singers. And if they were going to bring out that Ramone both nights, why not play a different Ramones song the second night? I'm sure Eddie knows the words. If I remember right, about 10 songs (1/3 of each set) were played both nights. That would be a low number for almost any other band. (Tom Petty played the exact same set both nights at Summerfest down to his little dance moves and crowd banter) But I guess Pearl Jam has spoiled me a bit where I expected each night to be a unique experience.
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/
I’m I starting to take pj for granted?
I guess I wondered why because I didn’t find myself getting excited about seeing them on tv as I did in the past. New pj has always been there. Well not always, you know what I mean. Because there’s always new pj, it’s like air. I don’t think about air as BEING there, it just is.
But noting I may take something for granted means I don’t, right? hehehe
as for the 'i'm/we're/they're old' comments....
be glad you're still around!
I miss you miss ivy! I still got just as excited..but must admit, my adult side forces me not to scream like a little girl anymore Wow , this thread is kind of bumming me out.. Then again, i know 40ish fans who get more excited than youngsters!
Really muttons my chops to see that some of you are losing your "connection"though, being a pearl jam fan has been something magical indeed. Will continue to do so in my book..
To address this particular post from some one:
"It seems they are much more intertwined in with whatever they're doing outside of the band (families, side projects, surfing, Skate boarding, Sean Penn etc..), and that "Pearl Jam" to it's members (especially Eddie) is just not as important as it used to be to them. I hope I'm wrong. "
- I do think you are wrong friend, but i can see where you might see that. You can always tell by tour time how the guys feel about this, about us.. because lets face it..We need to know. I need to know anyways. There is something special when we are all in a room together. I've figured out that it must just be the overwhelming amount of energy, pouring into the same idea, the same feeling. From five of them we feel an incredible amount, so i wonder how it must feel when there is thousands of us putting out. Sorry not trying to be ved with the energy speak here but to be honest..its all i can come up with for the overwhelming warmth i get when seeing this band and being intertwined with their fans. I think alot of us do so many shows, to make sure its still there.. because who would want to take any of this for granted? In 08 it felt very mutual, the music/listener equilibrium and stars were all aligned. We have a something special here, we all know that.. thats why we always come back! They need it just as much as we do.. they can hide it behind announcing tickets so suddenly that it's almost impossible for me to do as many shows as id like to and am used to but deep down i know they need it too
I have thought about this before and honestly, in the grand scheme of things I feel very blessed to even have existed in the same time period as Pearl Jam. Their music has touched my life in so many ways that I cannot fathom living another life decades from now or decades ago in which Pearl Jam is either long gone or light years away... If I do not do anything with my life that matters, in the end there is and was always Pearl Jam in it... and for that I am thankful and fulfilled.
After pondering on this discussion a little I wanted to correct my earlier statement, previously I stated the last time I felt the magic was 2003. I was wrong, the last time I felt the magic was hearing their cover of "Love Reign O'er Me" and Eddie's "Into the Wild" sound track. Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me" blew me away, I always loved the Who version but now I think the Pearl Jam version is better. I had a real shitty job in 2007, I had about three months of real suffering there before I left. For some reason the radio station I had on my Bose radio played Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me" at exactly 6AM almost every morning when I woke up, my Bose would literally come on during the opening piano keys. For my last 2-3 months on that job when I would wake up that song was the first thing I heard, My wife was even amazed. She loves that song, and she's not really a big Pearl jam fan. We would lay there together listening to that song, and I would not get out of bed until it was over.
With "Into the Wild" I first heard Eddie's "Hard Sun" in the car while driving to Atlantic City a good 6 months or more before the movie came out, I think it was on WMMR 93.3 in Philadelphia (great Pearl Jam Station) and one of the DJ's got a couple and said he had to play it because it was so good. When I heard "Hard Sun" I was like what is this, it's awesome. Had to wait a few months to hear it again when the movie came out, to quote my Wife never has someone's voice set the tone for something like Eddie's does in "Into the Wild". The scenes of the Mountains in Alaska with Eddie's moans over them is very powerful.
I think my disappointment with my seeing Pearl Jam in 2006 and 2008 come from two things:
In 2006 I saw Pearl jam in Camden, I always thought from hearing the boots over the years and knowing how many Pearl jam fans are in the Philly area that it would be a great place to see Pearl Jam. No way, first of all the whole experience was a cluster f#ck. The parking lot was full of druggies, once inside the restroom situation was hell. There was one main bathroom for the men, the line was long as hell. Once inside it was so crowded people were lining up to come in from both the entrance and the exit. It was almost impossible to get out, it was hot, crowded, you couldn't move, and because the wait was so long dudes were just pissing in the sinks and on the floor where they stood in line. It was hell. Also I hated the seats which I paid a lot for on Stub Hub. Lastly walking out I almost got into a fight, terrible night.
Then in 2008 at MSG I was just annoyed at how many "posers" were at the show, no one was from New York. And the fans I talked to around me were bragging that they had been to 30+ shows, I asked what was your first show and they either said "2003" or "2006". I always feel like a poser myself because my first Pearl Jam show wasn't until 1996, I feel like I'm not true fan because I didn't see them at Lollapalooza in 1992 or at the Paramount Theater in 1994. Being surrounded by people who were bragging about how many shows they been to seemed weird to me, because in the next breath they casually mentioned that they started listening to the band in 2003 or 2006.
I saw Pearl jam at their first ever Madison Square Garden Show (together), 9/10/98. While that night does not get the notoriety amongst Pearl Jam fans because the 9/11/98 show is where they played Breath, it was still an amazing show. It was not full of out of towners, it was local New York and New Jersey Pearl Jam fans. Also no back up dancers/singers or Boom.
Randall's Island in 1996 was similar to MSG in '98 in that there weren't people flying in from Italy for that show. It was a "New York" show, and Eddie even makes the comment about how badass New York fans are. 9/29/96 was probably the last time Pearl jam played to a raging pit, people were even pitting during Daughter. It was also one of the last times (Dublin '00?) Eddie dove into the crowd.
The whole MSG '08 really bothered me, back up dancers/singers, the place full of out of town "new fans" who bought up all the tickets on the internet really bugged me too. MSG '08 was not a New York show, it had none of the feeling of MSG '98 or Randall's Island '96.
Back on subject, last time I felt the magic connection was hearing Pearl Jam's version of "Love Reign O'er Me" in 2007 and the "Into the Wild Sound Track". And while Pearl jam's recent Tonight show performance wasn't jaw dropping for me personally, their performance at the VH-1 "Who" Rock Honors sure as hell was. They owned that night!
I don't mean this to sound pissy ... but did you ever think the problem might be you? I mean, it sounds as if, for you, a concert is like a space shuttle launch ... you need a thousand intricate things to go right in order to have a good time.
I mean, the restrooms were crowded? There were unsavory characters in the parking lot? Who gives a shit? And don't even get me started about the out-of-towners at MSG. I mean, holy shit ... people actually travel to New York City during the summer?!? The horror!!!!
My advice: Stop looking around at the crowd and start paying attention to the music. The music hasn't changed. Just watch the damn show and stop worrying about every little thing going on around you.
Or don't. What the fuck should I care? For the record, the MSG shows last year were among the best nights of my life. They reminded me of why I love this band. Of course, I was from out of town, so I'm probably just a poser.
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
Then in 2008 at MSG I was just annoyed at how many "posers" were at the show, no one was from New York. And the fans I talked to around me were bragging that they had been to 30+ shows, I asked what was your first show and they either said "2003" or "2006". I always feel like a poser myself because my first Pearl Jam show wasn't until 1996, I feel like I'm not true fan because I didn't see them at Lollapalooza in 1992 or at the Paramount Theater in 1994. Being surrounded by people who were bragging about how many shows they been to seemed weird to me, because in the next breath they casually mentioned that they started listening to the band in 2003 or 2006.
There's something wrong with this paragraph... isn't this being elitist? I mean... Personally... I'm 26... I got Ten for christmas the year it came out (I was 8 or maybe 9) and have been a fan ever since. However, my first show wasn't until 2000.... And that's mainly because I came from a household with a single parent and a pretty strict one at that... I wasn't allowed to see a concert through the age of 16 or so. I have "made up for lost time" so to speak because I have seen the band 25 times since my first show... I'm not a new fan by any means... but so what if I was? Who cares?
The problem with MSG in 2008 is the same problem with the new Yankee stadium, the good seats are gobbled up by folks with money from out of town who are not as rabid as fans as the ones sitting further back. There should definitely be a limit to the amount of Ten club seats available to those outside the area the show is being held, that would open those seats up to locals who are not fan club members but would still go to the show.
Again the comparison I'm making is from my own experiences in '96 and '98, there were not all these out of towners who gobbled up tickets on the internet before locals who are not fan club members even had a chance. I know I've read that Pearl Jam sold a few thousand fan club tickets each night to MSG '08, unfortunately from my own estimate at least half of those (if not more) were sold to people who don't even live in the area. The Ten club should set aside a certain number of seats for folks who live within 100 miles of the venues, if the seats don't sell they can open them up for people from outside the area.
I've seen Pearl Jam in Seattle and Oakland, both times I purchased my tickets on Ticketmaster the day they went on sale to the general public.
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 10/27/09
The problem with MSG in 2008 is the same problem with the new Yankee stadium, the good seats are gobbled up by folks with money from out of town who are not as rabid as fans as the ones sitting further back. There should definitely be a limit to the amount of Ten club seats available to those outside the area the show is being held, that would open those seats up to locals who are not fan club members but would still go to the show.
Again the comparison I'm making is from my own experiences in '96 and '98, there were not all these out of towners who gobbled up tickets on the internet before locals who are not fan club members even had a chance. I know I've read that Pearl Jam sold a few thousand fan club tickets each night to MSG '08, unfortunately from my own estimate at least half of those (if not more) were sold to people who don't even live in the area. The Ten club should set aside a certain number of seats for folks who live within 100 miles of the venues, if the seats don't sell they can open them up for people from outside the area.
I've seen Pearl Jam in Seattle and Oakland, both times I purchased my tickets on Ticketmaster the day they went on sale to the general public.
Why does it matter if the fans come from the area or not? Who gives a fuck? If you want to see a Pearl Jam show in a place nobody travels to from out of town, move to Alabama.
Or, maybe you can convince Pearl Jam to play a show in your living room. Then you can invite -- or not invite -- whoever you want.
I seriously don't understand this bias against people traveling from out of town. I read that as: "I couldn't sit as close as I wanted, so the show sucked. Waa waa waaa!"
Post edited by slightofjeff on
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
Then in 2008 at MSG I was just annoyed at how many "posers" were at the show, no one was from New York. And the fans I talked to around me were bragging that they had been to 30+ shows, I asked what was your first show and they either said "2003" or "2006". I always feel like a poser myself because my first Pearl Jam show wasn't until 1996, I feel like I'm not true fan because I didn't see them at Lollapalooza in 1992 or at the Paramount Theater in 1994. Being surrounded by people who were bragging about how many shows they been to seemed weird to me, because in the next breath they casually mentioned that they started listening to the band in 2003 or 2006.
There's something wrong with this paragraph... isn't this being elitist? I mean... Personally... I'm 26... I got Ten for christmas the year it came out (I was 8 or maybe 9) and have been a fan ever since. However, my first show wasn't until 2000.... And that's mainly because I came from a household with a single parent and a pretty strict one at that... I wasn't allowed to see a concert through the age of 16 or so. I have "made up for lost time" so to speak because I have seen the band 25 times since my first show... I'm not a new fan by any means... but so what if I was? Who cares?
I wasn't allowed to go to Lollapalooza in the Summer of 1992 even though I was 17, my Mom who was a NYC ALternative High School Special Ed teacher had fears of me turning out like her students so she was very protective. She wouldn't let me go to Lollapalooza in the Summer of 1992 but she let me go to the Limelight NYC in February 1993 to see White Zombie (my first concert), there was crazy sh!t going on at the Limelight at that time. Then in 1994 Pearl Jam came to New York but played the small Paramount theater below the Garden that was only a couple thousand seats, you had to be a fan club member or win a radio contest to get in. So I didn't get the chance to see Pearl Jam until 1996 when I was 21.
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 10/27/09
Comments
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.
You are not alone my friend, right there with you.
Enjoy the ride
?
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?
"Empty pockets will Allow a greater Sense of wealth...." EV/ITW
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!]
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.
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.
Foxy Mop in my tree, no way.
Gods' Dice Get Right
Come back amongst the waves yellow moon.
https://www.instagram.com/knowcode/
enjoy your youth...
Older than you so I appreciate your insightful post.
My only advice...
PAY ATTENTION!
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.
for the least they could possibly do
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.
for the least they could possibly do
Sounds good to me.
Wow! I'm 32 now and feel like shit every morning. I hope I die before I get as old as you.
I kid, I kid.
for the least they could possibly do
Yah I agree. Not sure what the point of the post was. All of the attributes he has mentioned for the Boss applies to Ed.
I also had a deep thought after Conan.
I’m I starting to take pj for granted?
I guess I wondered why because I didn’t find myself getting excited about seeing them on tv as I did in the past. New pj has always been there. Well not always, you know what I mean. Because there’s always new pj, it’s like air. I don’t think about air as BEING there, it just is.
But noting I may take something for granted means I don’t, right? hehehe
as for the 'i'm/we're/they're old' comments....
be glad you're still around!
Dude, I love it...I feel the same way. In reading this thread though, I just wanted to mention I think about all this stuff all the time. What it would have been like all these years if they never existed? How much we all have aged together, and all we have been through and Pearl Jam has been there through the thickest of thick and the thinest and thin. Cheers everyone! To the best band in the world.
Funny thing is- as a person ages they still feel pretty much like the same young person inside in our heads but we just look older with a few more aches and pains and we are hopefully/ thankfully a bit wiser.
Its nice to be with fellow PJ fans whatever the age
EVx11
This may not have been your intent - however -it remains a good thread. There are aspiring artists whom read this thread - and whom are wise beyond their years. They they love Pearl Jam music! How completely COOL is THAT? Just don't "mosh" me at a concert, "dude!"
"Empty pockets will Allow a greater Sense of wealth...." EV/ITW
Everything you said up to losing the magic in 2006 is dead on with me too. Even turning 34 next week! (happy birthday by the way!) Anyway I guess I'm lucky cos I still get excited when PJ come around. I loved the tour in 06 and 08 and was excited by the Tonight Show too. Not nearly as mind blowing as Animal at the MTV awards, but I still got a thrill out of it. The thing to consider is, for every Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty with longevity there are more bands like Nirvana and Led Zeppelin who don't last as long. We are very fortunate that they still are out there kicking ass. So I plan to "ride the wave where it takes me" and I hope all of you do too!
After pondering on this discussion a little I wanted to correct my earlier statement, previously I stated the last time I felt the magic was 2003. I was wrong, the last time I felt the magic was hearing their cover of "Love Reign O'er Me" and Eddie's "Into the Wild" sound track. Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me" blew me away, I always loved the Who version but now I think the Pearl Jam version is better. I had a real shitty job in 2007, I had about three months of real suffering there before I left. For some reason the radio station I had on my Bose radio played Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me" at exactly 6AM almost every morning when I woke up, my Bose would literally come on during the opening piano keys. For my last 2-3 months on that job when I would wake up that song was the first thing I heard, My wife was even amazed. She loves that song, and she's not really a big Pearl jam fan. We would lay there together listening to that song, and I would not get out of bed until it was over.
With "Into the Wild" I first heard Eddie's "Hard Sun" in the car while driving to Atlantic City a good 6 months or more before the movie came out, I think it was on WMMR 93.3 in Philadelphia (great Pearl Jam Station) and one of the DJ's got a couple and said he had to play it because it was so good. When I heard "Hard Sun" I was like what is this, it's awesome. Had to wait a few months to hear it again when the movie came out, to quote my Wife never has someone's voice set the tone for something like Eddie's does in "Into the Wild". The scenes of the Mountains in Alaska with Eddie's moans over them is very powerful.
I think my disappointment with my seeing Pearl Jam in 2006 and 2008 come from two things:
In 2006 I saw Pearl jam in Camden, I always thought from hearing the boots over the years and knowing how many Pearl jam fans are in the Philly area that it would be a great place to see Pearl Jam. No way, first of all the whole experience was a cluster f#ck. The parking lot was full of druggies, once inside the restroom situation was hell. There was one main bathroom for the men, the line was long as hell. Once inside it was so crowded people were lining up to come in from both the entrance and the exit. It was almost impossible to get out, it was hot, crowded, you couldn't move, and because the wait was so long dudes were just pissing in the sinks and on the floor where they stood in line. It was hell. Also I hated the seats which I paid a lot for on Stub Hub. Lastly walking out I almost got into a fight, terrible night.
Then in 2008 at MSG I was just annoyed at how many "posers" were at the show, no one was from New York. And the fans I talked to around me were bragging that they had been to 30+ shows, I asked what was your first show and they either said "2003" or "2006". I always feel like a poser myself because my first Pearl Jam show wasn't until 1996, I feel like I'm not true fan because I didn't see them at Lollapalooza in 1992 or at the Paramount Theater in 1994. Being surrounded by people who were bragging about how many shows they been to seemed weird to me, because in the next breath they casually mentioned that they started listening to the band in 2003 or 2006.
I saw Pearl jam at their first ever Madison Square Garden Show (together), 9/10/98. While that night does not get the notoriety amongst Pearl Jam fans because the 9/11/98 show is where they played Breath, it was still an amazing show. It was not full of out of towners, it was local New York and New Jersey Pearl Jam fans. Also no back up dancers/singers or Boom.
Randall's Island in 1996 was similar to MSG in '98 in that there weren't people flying in from Italy for that show. It was a "New York" show, and Eddie even makes the comment about how badass New York fans are. 9/29/96 was probably the last time Pearl jam played to a raging pit, people were even pitting during Daughter. It was also one of the last times (Dublin '00?) Eddie dove into the crowd.
The whole MSG '08 really bothered me, back up dancers/singers, the place full of out of town "new fans" who bought up all the tickets on the internet really bugged me too. MSG '08 was not a New York show, it had none of the feeling of MSG '98 or Randall's Island '96.
Back on subject, last time I felt the magic connection was hearing Pearl Jam's version of "Love Reign O'er Me" in 2007 and the "Into the Wild Sound Track". And while Pearl jam's recent Tonight show performance wasn't jaw dropping for me personally, their performance at the VH-1 "Who" Rock Honors sure as hell was. They owned that night!
For starters, I was an out of towner at both Madison Square Garden shows in 2008. Sorry. :? I was also at both nights in the Garden in 2003. That was the first time I traveled beyond IL/WI to see the band. I went because it was first booked as the end of the tour (they ended up adding mexican dates and another boston show) and it happened to be on my birthday. That show on my bday, which became a DVD, was one of the best nights of my life. I got to hear my favorite song (in my tree) along with so many other special moments that I'm sure we're all familiar with. That crowd was amazing. I remember Eddie saying how eight or nine thousand people were from the ten club each night. I wasn't the only person in my section who knew all the words to deeper cuts like red mosquito and faithful. It seemed like everyone was singing every song.
Went back to the New York area for the two East Rutherford shows in 2006 which were both great shows. I took my younger brother who had never been to a PJ concert and isn't a big fan (probably because I played them too often when we were growing up) and he had a great time. He said that night 2 was the best concert he'd every seen.
Which brings us back to those 2008 shows. I'll admit that they were not on the same level for me as the four shows I just mentioned. I never considered the point you made about 'posers' being there but it I guess it makes some sense. That crowd just seemed so different to me. I still had a great time and was really glad I made the trip since they didn't play anywhere near Chicago last year.
For me the 2008 MSG shows' biggest flaw was how similar the two nights were. I was glad to hear Who You Are, WMA and All Night. But did they need to play them both nights? And both times with the "experiment" group of 3 backup singers. And if they were going to bring out that Ramone both nights, why not play a different Ramones song the second night? I'm sure Eddie knows the words. If I remember right, about 10 songs (1/3 of each set) were played both nights. That would be a low number for almost any other band. (Tom Petty played the exact same set both nights at Summerfest down to his little dance moves and crowd banter) But I guess Pearl Jam has spoiled me a bit where I expected each night to be a unique experience.
Foxy Mop in my tree, no way.
Gods' Dice Get Right
Come back amongst the waves yellow moon.
https://www.instagram.com/knowcode/
I miss you miss ivy! I still got just as excited..but must admit, my adult side forces me not to scream like a little girl anymore
Really muttons my chops to see that some of you are losing your "connection"though, being a pearl jam fan has been something magical indeed. Will continue to do so in my book..
To address this particular post from some one:
"It seems they are much more intertwined in with whatever they're doing outside of the band (families, side projects, surfing, Skate boarding, Sean Penn etc..), and that "Pearl Jam" to it's members (especially Eddie) is just not as important as it used to be to them. I hope I'm wrong. "
- I do think you are wrong friend, but i can see where you might see that. You can always tell by tour time how the guys feel about this, about us.. because lets face it..We need to know. I need to know anyways. There is something special when we are all in a room together. I've figured out that it must just be the overwhelming amount of energy, pouring into the same idea, the same feeling. From five of them we feel an incredible amount, so i wonder how it must feel when there is thousands of us putting out. Sorry not trying to be ved with the energy speak here but to be honest..its all i can come up with for the overwhelming warmth i get when seeing this band and being intertwined with their fans. I think alot of us do so many shows, to make sure its still there.. because who would want to take any of this for granted? In 08 it felt very mutual, the music/listener equilibrium and stars were all aligned. We have a something special here, we all know that.. thats why we always come back! They need it just as much as we do.. they can hide it behind announcing tickets so suddenly that it's almost impossible for me to do as many shows as id like to and am used to but deep down i know they need it too
I don't mean this to sound pissy ... but did you ever think the problem might be you? I mean, it sounds as if, for you, a concert is like a space shuttle launch ... you need a thousand intricate things to go right in order to have a good time.
I mean, the restrooms were crowded? There were unsavory characters in the parking lot? Who gives a shit? And don't even get me started about the out-of-towners at MSG. I mean, holy shit ... people actually travel to New York City during the summer?!? The horror!!!!
My advice: Stop looking around at the crowd and start paying attention to the music. The music hasn't changed. Just watch the damn show and stop worrying about every little thing going on around you.
Or don't. What the fuck should I care? For the record, the MSG shows last year were among the best nights of my life. They reminded me of why I love this band. Of course, I was from out of town, so I'm probably just a poser.
for the least they could possibly do
There's something wrong with this paragraph... isn't this being elitist? I mean... Personally... I'm 26... I got Ten for christmas the year it came out (I was 8 or maybe 9) and have been a fan ever since. However, my first show wasn't until 2000.... And that's mainly because I came from a household with a single parent and a pretty strict one at that... I wasn't allowed to see a concert through the age of 16 or so. I have "made up for lost time" so to speak because I have seen the band 25 times since my first show... I'm not a new fan by any means... but so what if I was? Who cares?
Again the comparison I'm making is from my own experiences in '96 and '98, there were not all these out of towners who gobbled up tickets on the internet before locals who are not fan club members even had a chance. I know I've read that Pearl Jam sold a few thousand fan club tickets each night to MSG '08, unfortunately from my own estimate at least half of those (if not more) were sold to people who don't even live in the area. The Ten club should set aside a certain number of seats for folks who live within 100 miles of the venues, if the seats don't sell they can open them up for people from outside the area.
I've seen Pearl Jam in Seattle and Oakland, both times I purchased my tickets on Ticketmaster the day they went on sale to the general public.
Why does it matter if the fans come from the area or not? Who gives a fuck? If you want to see a Pearl Jam show in a place nobody travels to from out of town, move to Alabama.
Or, maybe you can convince Pearl Jam to play a show in your living room. Then you can invite -- or not invite -- whoever you want.
I seriously don't understand this bias against people traveling from out of town. I read that as: "I couldn't sit as close as I wanted, so the show sucked. Waa waa waaa!"
for the least they could possibly do
I wasn't allowed to go to Lollapalooza in the Summer of 1992 even though I was 17, my Mom who was a NYC ALternative High School Special Ed teacher had fears of me turning out like her students so she was very protective. She wouldn't let me go to Lollapalooza in the Summer of 1992 but she let me go to the Limelight NYC in February 1993 to see White Zombie (my first concert), there was crazy sh!t going on at the Limelight at that time. Then in 1994 Pearl Jam came to New York but played the small Paramount theater below the Garden that was only a couple thousand seats, you had to be a fan club member or win a radio contest to get in. So I didn't get the chance to see Pearl Jam until 1996 when I was 21.