A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
Thank you, Captain Buzzkill & the Bringdowns.
Manchester 04.06.00, Leeds 25.08.06, Wembley 18.06.07, Dusseldorf 21.06.07, Shepherds Bush 11.08.09, Manchester 17.08.09, Adelaide 17.11.09, Melbourne 20.11.09, Sydney 22.11.09, Brisbane 25.11.09, MSG1 20.05.10, MSG2 21.05.10, Dublin 22.06.10, Belfast 23.06.10, London 25.06.10, Long Beach 06.07.11 (EV), Los Angeles 08.07.11 (EV), Toronto 11.09.11, Toronto 12.09.11, Ottawa 14.09.11, Hamilton 14.09.11, Manchester 20.06.12, Manchester 21.06.12, Amsterdam 26.06.2012, Amsterdam 27.06.2012, Berlin 04.07.12, Berlin 05.07.12, Stockholm 07.07.12, Oslo 09.07.12, Copenhagen 10.07.12, Manchester 28.07.12 (EV), Brooklyn 18.10.13, Brooklyn 19.10.13, Philly 21.10.13, Philly 22.10.13, San Diego 21.11.13, LA 23.11.13, LA 24.11.13, Oakland 26.11.13, Portland 29.11.13, Spokane 30.11.13, Calgary 02.12.13, Vancouver 04.12.13, Seattle 06.12.13, Trieste 22.06.14, Vienna 25.06.14, Berlin 26.06.14, Stockholm 28.06.14, Leeds 08.07.14, Philly 28.04.16, Philly 28.04.16, MSG1 01.05.16, MSG2 02.05.16
A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
Thank you, Captain Buzzkill & the Bringdowns.
Why not join the debate? What did you think of the gig?
London Wembley Arena - Oct 28, 1996; Manchester Evening News Arena - Jun 04, 2000; ; ; Cardiff Arena - Jun 06, 2000; Seattle Key Arena - Dec 09, 2002; ; London Astoria - Apr 20, 2006; Portland Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Jul 20, 2006; Berlin Wuhlheide - Sep 23, 2006; London Wembley Arena - Jun 18, 2007; London Shepherd's Bush Empire - Aug 11, 2009; Berlin Wuhlheide - Aug 15, 2009; London O2 Arena - Aug 18, 2009; London Hyde Park - June 25, 2010; Berlin Wulheide - June 30, 2010; Alpine Valley PJ20 East Troy - Sep 03, 2011; Alpine Valley PJ20 East Troy - Sep 04, 2011; Berlin O2 Arena - July 04, 2012; Barclays Center, Brooklyn - October 18, 2013; Barclays Center, Brooklyn - October 19, 2013; San Siro, Milan - June 20, 2014; Milton Keynes - July 11, 2014; Central Park, New York - September 26, 2015; Maracana, Rio de Janeiro -November 22, 2015
We were hanging over the bar on the lower balcony and the sound there was very good. It looked like the sound would suck for the ones in front on the floor as the speakers were placed a bit past them.
Fantastic gig. Eddie and the boys were in great shape. The show peaked early with Ron Wood coming on for the watchtower. That is a moment I will never forget!
sound cld have been better, from level 2 seemed like it wasn't reaching up to us, i'm guessing from level 1 and the ground sound was fine.
and for me comparing to astoria it wasn't as good, astoria was half the size so more intimate again there for a different gig both were ace but different
I still can't decide over Astoria or Shepherd's Bush (or come to think of it, ranking any of the shows I've been to :oops: ). Astoria had the brutal jumping around atmosphere since I was in the pit, Shepherd's Bush had the singing along with friends atmosphere of being in the rafters. Hard to compare the two.
yeah thats my feeling, each show has its own flavour and they're all yummy
~~~~~~~~~~ PINK FLUFFY LOVE PSYCHO~~~~~~~~~~
Astoria,Dublin,Reading 06,Wembley 07,Sheapards Bush & o2 09 thats multiple Jamgasms!
Top show. Getting the 5.47am train back up to Glasgow has somewhat dulled my senses though. Not the best PJ show I've been to but seeing them in a small venue is still something special. Not quite up there with the Astoria but it was a 'very special' night.
I'm sure they are now deliberately not playing Black when i'm in the audience. Not making London next week but will be in Manchester the night before and hopefully my body will have recovered from the battering by then.
Present tense and dissident were outstanding.
Still find it hard to believe it's over 17 years since I saw them in Glasgow in 92.
A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
There was a massive buzz among the people I met, people begging for tickets outside and a real nervous energy inside the gig - we just had to wait so long that I think it took the edge off a few people towards the end of 2 hours standing.
I think you are miles out when you say the band looked and sounded tired. It was so fresh, so energetic and so enthusiastic that I think it captured a lot of people last night.
Am I objective? Yeah, I've been watching gigs for 2 decades and I know that was very, very special. If you don't agree, it's a shame for you.
A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
There was a massive buzz among the people I met, people begging for tickets outside and a real nervous energy inside the gig - we just had to wait so long that I think it took the edge off a few people towards the end of 2 hours standing.
I think you are miles out when you say the band looked and sounded tired. It was so fresh, so energetic and so enthusiastic that I think it captured a lot of people last night.
Am I objective? Yeah, I've been watching gigs for 2 decades and I know that was very, very special. If you don't agree, it's a shame for you.
A shame for me? Not sure what your point is. The buzz definitely wasn't the same as the Astoria and I am sure a fair few who were at both shows would agree. I have seen the band many times and last night doesn't compare with The Astoria, Berlin 2006 or Cardiff 2000 for me. Not the worst (that has to be the Key Arena, Seattle in 2002, the audience was so lame it was untrue). I enjoyed it but I can''t agree with some on here saying "best gig ever" "best live band ever". PJ is definitely the best current live band around but I don't think they will ever be up there with the energy and sense of occasion of going to see The Clash as I did many times. I am just trying to bring some objectivity to the discussion, rather than the sycophancy that is a trait here.
London Wembley Arena - Oct 28, 1996; Manchester Evening News Arena - Jun 04, 2000; ; ; Cardiff Arena - Jun 06, 2000; Seattle Key Arena - Dec 09, 2002; ; London Astoria - Apr 20, 2006; Portland Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Jul 20, 2006; Berlin Wuhlheide - Sep 23, 2006; London Wembley Arena - Jun 18, 2007; London Shepherd's Bush Empire - Aug 11, 2009; Berlin Wuhlheide - Aug 15, 2009; London O2 Arena - Aug 18, 2009; London Hyde Park - June 25, 2010; Berlin Wulheide - June 30, 2010; Alpine Valley PJ20 East Troy - Sep 03, 2011; Alpine Valley PJ20 East Troy - Sep 04, 2011; Berlin O2 Arena - July 04, 2012; Barclays Center, Brooklyn - October 18, 2013; Barclays Center, Brooklyn - October 19, 2013; San Siro, Milan - June 20, 2014; Milton Keynes - July 11, 2014; Central Park, New York - September 26, 2015; Maracana, Rio de Janeiro -November 22, 2015
A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
There was a massive buzz among the people I met, people begging for tickets outside and a real nervous energy inside the gig - we just had to wait so long that I think it took the edge off a few people towards the end of 2 hours standing.
I think you are miles out when you say the band looked and sounded tired. It was so fresh, so energetic and so enthusiastic that I think it captured a lot of people last night.
Am I objective? Yeah, I've been watching gigs for 2 decades and I know that was very, very special. If you don't agree, it's a shame for you.
A shame for me? Not sure what your point is. The buzz definitely wasn't the same as the Astoria and I am sure a fair few who were at both shows would agree. I have seen the band many times and last night doesn't compare with The Astoria, Berlin 2006 or Cardiff 2000 for me. Not the worst (that has to be the Key Arena, Seattle in 2002, the audience was so lame it was untrue). I enjoyed it but I can''t agree with some on here saying "best gig ever" "best live band ever". PJ is definitely the best current live band around but I don't think they will ever be up there with the energy and sense of occasion of going to see The Clash as I did many times. I am just trying to bring some objectivity to the discussion, rather than the sycophancy that is a trait here.
The gig, in most people's opinions here, was wonderful. Of course, some are prone to exaggeration but if that is what someone really feels it is not sychophancy, it is just their opinion.
I think that Pearl Jam may be the best live band of all time but that is a tough to call. You have to take into account, without being rude, that the sense of expectation you felt when you went to see the Clash was a younger version of yourself. We're older now and have been there and done it a little. I met some younger lads last night and they were so enthusiastic it reminded me of how I was a decade ago. Their Pearl Jam is your Clash.
People's opinions to music always vary, that's why it is interesting. I read your post and the whole night for me was almost a polar opposite, which is strange when we were all in the same tiny room.
I meant it is a shame that you didn't enjoy the gig as much as others here did, that's all, no dig intended.
A shame for me? Not sure what your point is. The buzz definitely wasn't the same as the Astoria and I am sure a fair few who were at both shows would agree. I have seen the band many times and last night doesn't compare with The Astoria, Berlin 2006 or Cardiff 2000 for me. Not the worst (that has to be the Key Arena, Seattle in 2002, the audience was so lame it was untrue). I enjoyed it but I can''t agree with some on here saying "best gig ever" "best live band ever". PJ is definitely the best current live band around but I don't think they will ever be up there with the energy and sense of occasion of going to see The Clash as I did many times. I am just trying to bring some objectivity to the discussion, rather than the sycophancy that is a trait here.
As has been mentioned, the buzz and anticipation that there was for the Astoria show can't be replicated without the band taking another six-year hiatus from playing Europe. And I don't think any of us wants that! I agree that the Astoria show was better, nothing could compare with all those years of pent-up tension exploding in a building far too small to contain it. When they came back on to play Alive as a third encore that night, I scaled the peak of my gig-going life. I also agree that this is not a band that needs a small venue to make a connection. One of the best Pearl Jam performances I have ever witnessed was at Reading Festival in 2006.
But it is telling that Pearl Jam are a band who can only be judged against their own standards (and in your case the revisited memories of your youth). Last night was a great band putting on a great show for a lucky few and I am privileged to have been there, down the front. It is entirely plausible that that was the best gig of somebody's life.
A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
Thank you, Captain Buzzkill & the Bringdowns.
Why can't he say something that isn't gushing with excitement?
It was a great show, but there wasn't a great buzz around before they came on - too many poncey freeloaders who shouldn't have been there and looked quite uninterested throughout. The majority loved it, as did I, but it's annoying to see non-diehards in there.
I didn't appreciate seeing that twat Ronnie Wood up there either. He's a braindead old fool.
Pearl Jam, Shepherd's Bush Empire - review
A vintage Pearl Jam set (with a surprise appearance from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood) shows off fan favourites and highlights from 26 years and nine studio albums
by: James Gill
12 August 2009
Rating: 4/5
THEIR upcoming album points to a sunnier tomorrow, but this was vintage Pearl Jam last night: passion, pain, and a thoroughly polished set, packed with fan favourites.
And this was all about the fans; a gig for fan club members ahead of a mini European tour and the new LP, Backspacer, out next month.
There has always been something visceral about the bond between Pearl Jam and their fans, borne of lyrics that actually mean something, blistering live sets, and the intensity of Eddie Vedder, the charismatic and, at times, troubled, front man.
And that energy was in full effect last night as, over 26 songs and two hours 20 minutes, the Seattle five-piece rattled out stone-cold classics (Alive, Corduroy, Yellow Ledbetter), covers (Ronnie Wood joining them on stage for All Along the Watchtower), and three from Backspacer.
The End is heartbreaking stuff ("I just want to hold on and know I’m worth your love, and I don’t think there’s such a thing") but Got Some and the pop-tastic The Fixer, in particular, suggest a more optimistic outlook. After nine studio albums and 18 years as a band, that can be no bad thing.
93: Slane
96: Cork, Dublin
00: Dublin
06: London, Dublin
07: London, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
09: Manchester, London
10: Dublin, Belfast, London & Berlin
11: San José
12: Isle of Wight, Copenhagen, Ed in Manchester & London x2
Fantastic gig. The sound was excellent and Eddie seemed to be enjoying it, very similar to Chickenfoot recently where they seemed like a bunch of mates having a jam and a laugh. No pressure.
I was on Level 1 with the industry plebs, which wasn't full. I felt sorry for the people trying to get tickets outside, as there was enough space for 50+ more people. That's the way of the world I suppose.
Roll on next week...
Brixton Academy 30/06/92 (cancelled), London Astoria 01/07/92 (cancelled), London Finsbury Park 11/07/93, Brixton Academy 13/07/93,
Brixton Academy 14/07/93, Wembley Arena 18/06/97, Shepherds Bush Empire 11/08/09, London 02 Arena 18/08/09,
London Hyde Park 25/06/10, Manchester Arena 20/06/12, Manchester Arena 21/06/12, Hammersmith Apollo 30/07/12, Leeds Arena 08/07/14, Hammersmith Apollo 06/07/17, Hammersmith Apollo 07/07/17, London 02 Arena (18/06/18), London 02 Arena 19/06/18 (cancelled), London 02 Arena 17/07/18, London Hyde Park 08/07/22, London Hyde Park 09/07/22
I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
A double neck guitar is not just a show off thing - it means Mike can play 12 string and 6 string as part of the same song. He uses it every time on Inside Job.
Maybe Ron is worried Mike will be busting one of these out at O2:
Hope everyone enjoyed it (duh!) and had a safe journey home.
sounds like some people didn't... :roll:
well, i did and that's all that matters to me!
second row, right in front of Mike, i don't seem to recall thinking "damn, didn't they play this in Calgary, how disappointing... oh, and they played this as well... that's bad...i'm not enjoying this at all..."
stood next to Randall for a bit and held his beer while he set up his rig so there's at least one recording that i know of and i think someone posted elsewhere that Sandra taped it as well.
only seen 5 shows but no Black in the last 3 and no Jeremy at all so i'll be quite happy to get them in Manchester or the O2 though i'm sure some people will moan about it...
Post edited by jrd on
Oh yeah? Well, I've had about enough of morons and halfwits, dolts, dunces, dullards and dumbbells - and you chowderhead yokel, you blithering hayseed, you - you've had enough of me?
I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
A double neck guitar is not just a show off thing - it means Mike can play 12 string and 6 string as part of the same song. He uses it every time on Inside Job.
Maybe Ron is worried Mike will be busting one of these out at O2:
I see your 5, and raise you 12.
:P
Paul
'06 - London, Dublin, Reading
'07 - Katowice, Wembley, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
'09 - London, Manchester, London
'12 - Manchester, Manchester, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen
That was my 11th show and it blew me away. Sound was fine and we were 2nd row stone side. Highlights for me were Brother, State, The Real Me. Hell the whole thing was fantastic
Very cool show and a great experience, first time I've ever been that close at a Pearl Jam show, was third row back almost dead centre for the whole night. There are those that will be disappointed that they didn't play some rarer material as it was a small venue show, but the size of the venue has nothing to do with what the band want to play. I thought it was a well chosen set, though I'm also gutted they didn't play Throw Your Hatred Down.. if I'd know it was on the setlist I'd have shouted for it.
Was it the best show I've seen... all round probably yes, I don't think it had quite that atmosphere of Dublin 2006 or the performance of Wembley 2007, but the combination just elevated it a little above both for me.
Only thing that was a bit sad to see was a brief bout of fisticuffs between a couple of guys just behind me which was diffused quickly by those nearest them.
I thought the sound was very good, the SBE has a reputation for less than excellent sound. Being where I was I was slightly ahead of the speakers but the sound from the monitors filled in what gaps there were. I'm more convinced than ever of the merits of a decent pair of attenuating earplugs though, as they filter a lot of white noise etc out meaning that you get much better clarity.
Probably won't be anywhere near as close for London, might do in Manchester, will see how I feel on the day.
Will sort out the pics I've taken and if any are worth putting up I'll post a link.
The secret to a happy ending is knowing when to roll the credits
What a brilliant night. The band were on it, I was up on Level 3, 2 row dead centre, got a fantastic view, and excellent sound. Looked really packed on the floor with quite a few getting dragged out. Higlights for me were Dissident, Brother (very muted response from crowd) SOLAT and Got Some. Roll on MEN and O2.
My only gripe about the sound was the vocal, which could have been a tiny bit louder in the mix. I was standing just right of centre but you can't please everyone. I was astounded by the gig.
Rock on!!!!
Seen Pearl Jam 4 times in London, once in Manchester, as well as an Eddie show at Hammersmith.
Nice show, the band were meant to come on at 8:30pm, but seemed to drag on till 8:45pm, ed was rather chatty.
People will kill me for saying this but i do feel a bit let down, i was hoping for some real nice rare songs but still seemed mainstreamy, roll on The Ahoy! Maybe seem rare to some people but heard all these songs many a time :P
Nothing from binaural yet on this tour :(
Even flow wasn't original studio but it did feel slower.
There were 2 mics both sides of the each poking out into the crowd, then again this could be them just recording every show that they do. I know Sandra and Randell taped it, think someone else too.
Yep, you've totally lost me. Im struggling with this obsession with rare songs on here. They are rare for a reason, and thats usually because they are not that good.
I was over the moon with the show, though it was fucking wonderful. Awesome, spellbinding etc etc, Pearl jam looked very up for it, Jeff was throwing the moves, eddie was charged up and Mike was on fire. Stone was even giving it some, and faced the crowd for the majority of the show for once!!!
Man it was stunning. I dont go to these places with a setlist already in my head. I go to see what they throw at me and enjoy it for what it is. and they played some seriously good stuff last night.
For the record Light years was on the set last night but got struck off for watchtower, what would you rather have? Binaural is hardly a well loved record aty the best of times.
That venue was superb also, Pearl jam just raised the bar once again. They have a lot to do in berlin and manchester and london after this one.
Mert eddie outside too, and gotta say hes a very down to earth, warming, welcoming, friendly and above all approachable guy, man that blew me away. he was so cool. Took time to make sure he shook everyones hand, however had to keep the promise he made to the security not to sign things before they let him go out. Still he chatted for a while and took my request for comeback at berlin, so lets see about that.
Also met stone, and Boom, who were both great, and I quote Stone
'This record is fucking amazing, really it blows me away' when asked what he thought of the record. maybe the expected answer from someone in the band, but still great to hyear the enthusiam he answered with.
I msised mike, jeff and Matt, got the wrong place with them, but thats life.
My reeenk roink is now embossed with Stones signature...whooo hooooo
seriously anyone, who puts a dampener on this show, for me has lost the plot. and for me thats a typical reminder of why pearl jam now have the impossible task on their hands, they cannot please people no matter what they do. They could have played a bunch of rare songs, and then people would have whinged they didnt get alive and betterman.
To be fair though from where i was (front barrier) the crowd looked to be having a great time.
Roll on berlin...
a big shout out to Niko - legend...good to meet you man
Karon - a rare diamond of a lady
Gary...for a great day....
and Ice man Andy - delighted you got in.....
a big shout out to Niko - legend...good to meet you man
Karon - a rare diamond of a lady
Gary...for a great day....
and Ice man Andy - delighted you got in.....
Cheers dude. Was a pleasure to check in with you and have a chat before hand. I started a post about an SBE thanks list and put your name on there already! I didn't see you after I got into the venue. I really hope you got your tamborine signed!
Rock on!!!!
Seen Pearl Jam 4 times in London, once in Manchester, as well as an Eddie show at Hammersmith.
A little objectivity. A great occasion but the atmosphere and sense of anticipation was nothing like The Astoria. There was no real buzz before they came on. The setlist was nice and varied but the sound was awful and the band looked and sounded a little old and tired in my view. EV mentioned jetlag so maybe that was a factor but I came out thinking I had enjoyed a great evening but not a great gig. Also, I can do without the Ronnie Wood's of this world. It's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. The Rolling Stones to me represent the worst aspect of the commercialisation of music, a band who haven't released a worthwhile album for 30+ years and who tour for the money, not for the music (Keith Richards might be an exception). I hope PJ don't follow this route but the 'guest spots' the drum solo's and the twin necked guitars are too reminiscent of the pre-punk days for me when 'fans' were there to be used and abused and the bands became incredibly self-indulgent.
So, in short, a great gig but certainly not a classic and, for me, a few worrying trends.
There was a massive buzz among the people I met, people begging for tickets outside and a real nervous energy inside the gig - we just had to wait so long that I think it took the edge off a few people towards the end of 2 hours standing.
I think you are miles out when you say the band looked and sounded tired. It was so fresh, so energetic and so enthusiastic that I think it captured a lot of people last night.
Am I objective? Yeah, I've been watching gigs for 2 decades and I know that was very, very special. If you don't agree, it's a shame for you.
A shame for me? Not sure what your point is. The buzz definitely wasn't the same as the Astoria and I am sure
a fair few who were at both shows would agree. I have seen the band many times and last night doesn't compare with The Astoria, Berlin 2006 or Cardiff 2000 for me. Not the worst (that has to be the Key Arena, Seattle in 2002, the audience was so lame it was untrue). I enjoyed it but I can''t agree with some on here saying "best gig ever" "best live band ever". PJ is definitely the best current live band around but I don't think they will ever be up there with the energy and sense of occasion of going to see The Clash as I did many times. I am just trying to bring some objectivity to the discussion, rather than the sycophancy that is a trait here.
Man, I have to agree with this guy, you seem well off my experience also.
worrying trends? a double guitar? guest slots? Mikes played double guitars for some time now, Eddie is obviously very proud of Matt from the way he speaks of him, and obviously wanst the world to have a snippet of his talent, and guest slots? Springsteen does guest slots, REM do guestslots, RATM have guested, rancid have quested, u2 guest, probably the biggest bands in the world do it. I dont understand your statement at all. and I cant figure we were in the same room last night.
seriously, opinion is great and all that, but I'm totally dumbfounded by your assessment.
You sound like another of the people going there with a preconceived setlist in your head, and if they dont play the lot, its a disappointment. There was great Buzz around the place too. Real genuine excitement, how you measure that I dont know, if people have to be ramming their elbows in each others faces, then you and I see that diofferently too..,,.
Comments
Thank you, Captain Buzzkill & the Bringdowns.
Why not join the debate? What did you think of the gig?
Anyway, this is the one and only video I managed to take, the sound's pretty decent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucmCZArolFI
Met some really great, genuine people and loved every second of it.
Thanks to everyone that was there! See most of in Manchester and London!
2010 - Belfast, London, Berlin, Arras, Werchter
2012 - Manchester 1+2, Berlin 1+2, Stockholm, Oslo
2014 - Berlin, Leeds, Milton Keynes
Nice one John, but just listen to the noise of the chat :-o
Fantastic gig. Eddie and the boys were in great shape. The show peaked early with Ron Wood coming on for the watchtower. That is a moment I will never forget!
yeah thats my feeling, each show has its own flavour
Astoria,Dublin,Reading 06,Wembley 07,Sheapards Bush & o2 09 thats multiple Jamgasms!
I'm sure they are now deliberately not playing Black when i'm in the audience.
Present tense and dissident were outstanding.
Still find it hard to believe it's over 17 years since I saw them in Glasgow in 92.
Great band, great night.
There was a massive buzz among the people I met, people begging for tickets outside and a real nervous energy inside the gig - we just had to wait so long that I think it took the edge off a few people towards the end of 2 hours standing.
I think you are miles out when you say the band looked and sounded tired. It was so fresh, so energetic and so enthusiastic that I think it captured a lot of people last night.
Am I objective? Yeah, I've been watching gigs for 2 decades and I know that was very, very special. If you don't agree, it's a shame for you.
A shame for me? Not sure what your point is. The buzz definitely wasn't the same as the Astoria and I am sure a fair few who were at both shows would agree. I have seen the band many times and last night doesn't compare with The Astoria, Berlin 2006 or Cardiff 2000 for me. Not the worst (that has to be the Key Arena, Seattle in 2002, the audience was so lame it was untrue). I enjoyed it but I can''t agree with some on here saying "best gig ever" "best live band ever". PJ is definitely the best current live band around but I don't think they will ever be up there with the energy and sense of occasion of going to see The Clash as I did many times. I am just trying to bring some objectivity to the discussion, rather than the sycophancy that is a trait here.
The gig, in most people's opinions here, was wonderful. Of course, some are prone to exaggeration but if that is what someone really feels it is not sychophancy, it is just their opinion.
I think that Pearl Jam may be the best live band of all time but that is a tough to call. You have to take into account, without being rude, that the sense of expectation you felt when you went to see the Clash was a younger version of yourself. We're older now and have been there and done it a little. I met some younger lads last night and they were so enthusiastic it reminded me of how I was a decade ago. Their Pearl Jam is your Clash.
People's opinions to music always vary, that's why it is interesting. I read your post and the whole night for me was almost a polar opposite, which is strange when we were all in the same tiny room.
I meant it is a shame that you didn't enjoy the gig as much as others here did, that's all, no dig intended.
As has been mentioned, the buzz and anticipation that there was for the Astoria show can't be replicated without the band taking another six-year hiatus from playing Europe. And I don't think any of us wants that! I agree that the Astoria show was better, nothing could compare with all those years of pent-up tension exploding in a building far too small to contain it. When they came back on to play Alive as a third encore that night, I scaled the peak of my gig-going life. I also agree that this is not a band that needs a small venue to make a connection. One of the best Pearl Jam performances I have ever witnessed was at Reading Festival in 2006.
But it is telling that Pearl Jam are a band who can only be judged against their own standards (and in your case the revisited memories of your youth). Last night was a great band putting on a great show for a lucky few and I am privileged to have been there, down the front. It is entirely plausible that that was the best gig of somebody's life.
Why can't he say something that isn't gushing with excitement?
It was a great show, but there wasn't a great buzz around before they came on - too many poncey freeloaders who shouldn't have been there and looked quite uninterested throughout. The majority loved it, as did I, but it's annoying to see non-diehards in there.
I didn't appreciate seeing that twat Ronnie Wood up there either. He's a braindead old fool.
http://www.last.fm/user/olivavu
I preferred Reading 2006 for the atmosphere and buzz, but this was the best individual gig I've been to.
http://www.last.fm/user/olivavu
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/going-out/whats-new/pearl-jam-shepherds-bush-empire-review
Pearl Jam, Shepherd's Bush Empire - review
A vintage Pearl Jam set (with a surprise appearance from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood) shows off fan favourites and highlights from 26 years and nine studio albums
by: James Gill
12 August 2009
Rating: 4/5
THEIR upcoming album points to a sunnier tomorrow, but this was vintage Pearl Jam last night: passion, pain, and a thoroughly polished set, packed with fan favourites.
And this was all about the fans; a gig for fan club members ahead of a mini European tour and the new LP, Backspacer, out next month.
There has always been something visceral about the bond between Pearl Jam and their fans, borne of lyrics that actually mean something, blistering live sets, and the intensity of Eddie Vedder, the charismatic and, at times, troubled, front man.
And that energy was in full effect last night as, over 26 songs and two hours 20 minutes, the Seattle five-piece rattled out stone-cold classics (Alive, Corduroy, Yellow Ledbetter), covers (Ronnie Wood joining them on stage for All Along the Watchtower), and three from Backspacer.
The End is heartbreaking stuff ("I just want to hold on and know I’m worth your love, and I don’t think there’s such a thing") but Got Some and the pop-tastic The Fixer, in particular, suggest a more optimistic outlook. After nine studio albums and 18 years as a band, that can be no bad thing.
96: Cork, Dublin
00: Dublin
06: London, Dublin
07: London, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
09: Manchester, London
10: Dublin, Belfast, London & Berlin
11: San José
12: Isle of Wight, Copenhagen, Ed in Manchester & London x2
'06 - London, Dublin, Reading
'07 - Katowice, Wembley, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
'09 - London, Manchester, London
'12 - Manchester, Manchester, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen
I was on Level 1 with the industry plebs, which wasn't full. I felt sorry for the people trying to get tickets outside, as there was enough space for 50+ more people. That's the way of the world I suppose.
Roll on next week...
Brixton Academy 14/07/93, Wembley Arena 18/06/97, Shepherds Bush Empire 11/08/09, London 02 Arena 18/08/09,
London Hyde Park 25/06/10, Manchester Arena 20/06/12, Manchester Arena 21/06/12, Hammersmith Apollo 30/07/12, Leeds Arena 08/07/14,
Hammersmith Apollo 06/07/17, Hammersmith Apollo 07/07/17, London 02 Arena (18/06/18), London 02 Arena 19/06/18 (cancelled),
London 02 Arena 17/07/18, London Hyde Park 08/07/22, London Hyde Park 09/07/22
sounds like some people didn't... :roll:
well, i did and that's all that matters to me!
second row, right in front of Mike, i don't seem to recall thinking "damn, didn't they play this in Calgary, how disappointing... oh, and they played this as well... that's bad...i'm not enjoying this at all..."
stood next to Randall for a bit and held his beer while he set up his rig so there's at least one recording that i know of
only seen 5 shows but no Black in the last 3 and no Jeremy at all so i'll be quite happy to get them in Manchester or the O2 though i'm sure some people will moan about it...
:P
'06 - London, Dublin, Reading
'07 - Katowice, Wembley, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
'09 - London, Manchester, London
'12 - Manchester, Manchester, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen
Was it the best show I've seen... all round probably yes, I don't think it had quite that atmosphere of Dublin 2006 or the performance of Wembley 2007, but the combination just elevated it a little above both for me.
Only thing that was a bit sad to see was a brief bout of fisticuffs between a couple of guys just behind me which was diffused quickly by those nearest them.
I thought the sound was very good, the SBE has a reputation for less than excellent sound. Being where I was I was slightly ahead of the speakers but the sound from the monitors filled in what gaps there were. I'm more convinced than ever of the merits of a decent pair of attenuating earplugs though, as they filter a lot of white noise etc out meaning that you get much better clarity.
Probably won't be anywhere near as close for London, might do in Manchester, will see how I feel on the day.
Will sort out the pics I've taken and if any are worth putting up I'll post a link.
Seen Pearl Jam 4 times in London, once in Manchester, as well as an Eddie show at Hammersmith.
Yep, you've totally lost me. Im struggling with this obsession with rare songs on here. They are rare for a reason, and thats usually because they are not that good.
I was over the moon with the show, though it was fucking wonderful. Awesome, spellbinding etc etc, Pearl jam looked very up for it, Jeff was throwing the moves, eddie was charged up and Mike was on fire. Stone was even giving it some, and faced the crowd for the majority of the show for once!!!
Man it was stunning. I dont go to these places with a setlist already in my head. I go to see what they throw at me and enjoy it for what it is. and they played some seriously good stuff last night.
For the record Light years was on the set last night but got struck off for watchtower, what would you rather have? Binaural is hardly a well loved record aty the best of times.
That venue was superb also, Pearl jam just raised the bar once again. They have a lot to do in berlin and manchester and london after this one.
Mert eddie outside too, and gotta say hes a very down to earth, warming, welcoming, friendly and above all approachable guy, man that blew me away. he was so cool. Took time to make sure he shook everyones hand, however had to keep the promise he made to the security not to sign things before they let him go out. Still he chatted for a while and took my request for comeback at berlin, so lets see about that.
Also met stone, and Boom, who were both great, and I quote Stone
'This record is fucking amazing, really it blows me away' when asked what he thought of the record. maybe the expected answer from someone in the band, but still great to hyear the enthusiam he answered with.
I msised mike, jeff and Matt, got the wrong place with them, but thats life.
My reeenk roink is now embossed with Stones signature...whooo hooooo
seriously anyone, who puts a dampener on this show, for me has lost the plot. and for me thats a typical reminder of why pearl jam now have the impossible task on their hands, they cannot please people no matter what they do. They could have played a bunch of rare songs, and then people would have whinged they didnt get alive and betterman.
To be fair though from where i was (front barrier) the crowd looked to be having a great time.
Roll on berlin...
a big shout out to Niko - legend...good to meet you man
Karon - a rare diamond of a lady
Gary...for a great day....
and Ice man Andy - delighted you got in.....
Cheers dude. Was a pleasure to check in with you and have a chat before hand. I started a post about an SBE thanks list and put your name on there already! I didn't see you after I got into the venue. I really hope you got your tamborine signed!
Seen Pearl Jam 4 times in London, once in Manchester, as well as an Eddie show at Hammersmith.
There was something on the website about boots from the tours. So keep checking the site. I will be getting the SBE one for sure.
Seen Pearl Jam 4 times in London, once in Manchester, as well as an Eddie show at Hammersmith.
Man, I have to agree with this guy, you seem well off my experience also.
worrying trends? a double guitar? guest slots? Mikes played double guitars for some time now, Eddie is obviously very proud of Matt from the way he speaks of him, and obviously wanst the world to have a snippet of his talent, and guest slots? Springsteen does guest slots, REM do guestslots, RATM have guested, rancid have quested, u2 guest, probably the biggest bands in the world do it. I dont understand your statement at all. and I cant figure we were in the same room last night.
seriously, opinion is great and all that, but I'm totally dumbfounded by your assessment.
You sound like another of the people going there with a preconceived setlist in your head, and if they dont play the lot, its a disappointment. There was great Buzz around the place too. Real genuine excitement, how you measure that I dont know, if people have to be ramming their elbows in each others faces, then you and I see that diofferently too..,,.