London Brixton '93 / Reading Festival '95 (w/Neil Young) / London Wembley '96 / Manchester '09 / Boston, Newark, MSG2, London Hyde Park, Rock Werchter, Bilbao '10
I wonder what happened to the girl behind me with her boyfriend who before the show started said a) I don't really like big crowds and I hope they don't start pushing when the band come on.
There was quite a lot like that by us...mostly frightened lasses who had come along to accompany their partners.
I'm used to big crowds as I've been gigging and attending festivals for a fair few years so it's nothing new to me...I can see how someone going somewhere so big and packed out for the first time might feel frightened though...not everyone likes the experience of being penned in do they?...when I saw them at the Reading festival in 06 I had my kids with me...they're not babies my lads (they're 19 and 15) but my youngest really hates big crowds ever since he was crushed at an Arctic Monkeys set at Reading so I placed them at the back in front of the barrier where I knew they would be safe from being pushed around...it's not a pleasant experience if you're not up for it.
If it was your first gig fair enough but there can't have been many at PJ who were there for their first ever gig and if you are into PJ then you should have a fair idea of what is going to happen down the front when the band come on. If you have dragged your unsuspecting girlfriend in there then you really need a slap for being so stupid. To be fair when people see someone who is caught in there and is trying to get out they make an effort to get them a safe passage. I'm also sure some who do get caught up in it end up enjoying it.
Went over from Ireland to the gig, was a stunning night. Was up the front for most of it, it was so warm I thought I'd faint so I eventually took a pepsi break during Sleight of Hand/Got Some and then went back up. It was nuts but in a good way - apart from a couple of dicks which you always seem to get. My personal favourites were Not For You and Smile, two songs I love but had never seen them play before. Not For You was incredible, Stone was really getting into it. can't believe people took that as a toilet break. Loved Long Road/Last Exit/Why Go as an opening trio too, and Indifference was beautiful as a closer. I could just list the whole friggin set really. Mike's solo in Even Flow had me in a stupor and Present Tense was stunning.
Looking at the other setlists you could drive yourself mad (would've loved to have seen Light Years and Footsteps last night) but it's just so cool that they mix it up all the time, you know you'll get something unique whenever you're lucky enough to be there. Those able to follow them are blessed. 5th time I've seen them since Slane '93 and they've all been just incredible.
Slane - Jul 10, 1993
The Point - Oct 26, 1996
The Point - Jun 01, 2000
The Point - Aug 23, 2006
M.E.N. Arena - Aug 17, 2009
The 02 - Jun 22, 2010
Odyssey Arena - Jun 23, 2010
...if you are into PJ then you should have a fair idea of what is going to happen down the front when the band come on. If you have dragged your unsuspecting girlfriend in there then you really need a slap for being so stupid. To be fair when people see someone who is caught in there and is trying to get out they make an effort to get them a safe passage.
I have been to previous shows and do know what happens, but my point was that even as a 6 foot 3 bloke I ended up with some nasty bruises in my back from a guy who was viciously punching my kidneys repeatedly, and there is no way on earth anyone could help us get out when they were also stuck.
Forget the 'lasses', I saw a lot of blokes who were stressed too! I know PJ are aware of such issues with crowds which is why Ed tried to calm people down and I emphasise here I am not looking for the violins to be brought out as the gig was fab and I loved it, it was just that there were a number of people there who really could not give a monkeys about making any effort to help with safe passage. Saying that people deserve a slap for being stupid is a little harsh. I think the guy who used my back as a punch bag is stupid and deserves a slap.
I take your point though it is to be expected at any gig; a bit like the hooligans you have to live with at football matches.
Am not going to go on about this as it detracts from the great music I experienced this week, just wanted to clarify where I was coming from. The Manchester gig was awesome and the O2 gig was too. Thanks PJ.
...Saying that people deserve a slap for being stupid is a little harsh. I think the guy who used my back as a punch bag is stupid and deserves a slap...
I am going to take this one back. No matter what the guy did I would not want him slapped and it isnt in the spirit of things, besides, I got too much love to be slapping people!
I love reading everyone else’s thoughts on the gig, makes me re-live it a little
Not a huge amount to add. I thought it was a wonderful night, Eddie was in fine voice, singing better than I can remember hearing him in recent years. And the set list could have been designed around me, at least by someone who thinks it’s fun to watch me blubber my eyes out.
PJ have got me through a lot of difficult times over the past 17/18 years or so and so a lot of their songs bring back memories / emotions…. The 4 songs guaranteed to set me off are Present Tense, In Hiding, Black and Indifference….and the buggers played all 4!
My fella, who has never seen PJ before, had a brilliant time (he’s suddenly numero uno fanboy ), but was a little concerned to see me erupting in floods every other song, as I’m not normally the type :roll:
I just wish I could have got to the O2 too, but it was hard enough to get a babysitter for one night let alone two in a row :(
Fingers crossed the comment Ed apparently made at the O2 about not coming back to Europe for ages doesn’t mean another 5+ year wait!!! If it does, I might just find myself planning my next trip stateside to “accidentally” coincide with the 20th anniversary tour
PS thanks to the two of you who have posted Flickr links – both sets of pics are fantastic, but all too small, we need more!!
...if you are into PJ then you should have a fair idea of what is going to happen down the front when the band come on. If you have dragged your unsuspecting girlfriend in there then you really need a slap for being so stupid. To be fair when people see someone who is caught in there and is trying to get out they make an effort to get them a safe passage.
I have been to previous shows and do know what happens, but my point was that even as a 6 foot 3 bloke I ended up with some nasty bruises in my back from a guy who was viciously punching my kidneys repeatedly, and there is no way on earth anyone could help us get out when they were also stuck.
Forget the 'lasses', I saw a lot of blokes who were stressed too! I know PJ are aware of such issues with crowds which is why Ed tried to calm people down and I emphasise here I am not looking for the violins to be brought out as the gig was fab and I loved it, it was just that there were a number of people there who really could not give a monkeys about making any effort to help with safe passage. Saying that people deserve a slap for being stupid is a little harsh. I think the guy who used my back as a punch bag is stupid and deserves a slap.
I take your point though it is to be expected at any gig; a bit like the hooligans you have to live with at football matches.
Am not going to go on about this as it detracts from the great music I experienced this week, just wanted to clarify where I was coming from. The Manchester gig was awesome and the O2 gig was too. Thanks PJ.
Somebody puching your kidneys is a fair bit more serious than what I was alluding to. I'm not making any excuses for the out and out arseholes and never would. If someone can't help out a fellow fan in distress then they need to take a long hard look at themselves. I'd hope the ones who do look out for each other are in the majority. I think we are both actually agreeing with each other here but coming at it from slightly different angles.
My comment about needing a slap was more about those people who drag girlfriends into the pit knowing mayhem is about to erupt. That is plain stupid, maybe a clip round the ear would be more suitable punishment though I'm not a violent man. If you end up there by accident then fair enough.
Sadly there are arseholes at every concert and always will be.
Somebody puching your kidneys is a fair bit more serious than what I was alluding to. I'm not making any excuses for the out and out arseholes and never would. If someone can't help out a fellow fan in distress then they need to take a long hard look at themselves. I'd hope the ones who do look out for each other are in the majority. I think we are both actually agreeing with each other here but coming at it from slightly different angles.
My comment about needing a slap was more about those people who drag girlfriends into the pit knowing mayhem is about to erupt. That is plain stupid, maybe a clip round the ear would be more suitable punishment though I'm not a violent man. If you end up there by accident then fair enough.
Sadly there are arseholes at every concert and always will be.
Hey Kevtic I couldnt agree more and am feeling your love there mate. I guess a lot of couples hope they may kick off with Release (e.g. at O2 Arena) or Wishlist or something like that for which being 2 or 3 rows from the front with your missus there is phenomenal.
Conversely when they come out with the faster harder songs if you move to the back you then arent there for the softer stuff so it can be a painful gamble!!
Either way we ended up having a fab time and work is a real drag today! Thanks to all those who made our experiences memorable, we met so many really decent people it was humbling.
so just got a chance to get on here. manchester was great. highlights for me had to be last exit, smile, low light into in hiding!! and of course... sleight of hand!!! now that felt pretty special, proper version, not acoustic so so good
If anyone thinks that bringing your girl up-front is mental- try bringin a mate with an artificial leg!!!!! Yep four of us with only seven legs between us got caught up in the madness that was "last exit"! Shoud have known better but thought it was gonna be like wembley 07 when we were 5 rows back with plenty of room. How wrong was i. Seats from now on methinks! thanks to anyone who helped us get out. Still managed to have the best gig ever! Also hi to all those fellow jammers we met, especially James an darren at the "park inn" .James hope you enjoyed the 02 gig. There were also a few smaller girls around us at the gig just hope your all ok and got out with not two many bruises!! Perhaps if the gigs were all like the point in 06 with a front section barricaded off people could relax alittle more and it would stop those selfish cunts who pushed thier way to the front regardless of those who were already there. Anyhow great gig can't wait for the album!
The Manchester show was good... Last Exit was a welcome surprise (mainly because audiodave wanted to see it like no one's business and seeing his face when it kicked in was worth the ticket price alone ) and the set on the whole was brilliant!
The only negative thing I will say about Manchester is that, to me at least, the crowd seemed really hostile. People (mainly GA, I have to admit) were rude, forceful and determined to get down the front regardless of who they trod on. I've seen PJ at festivals and their own shows and this was by far my least favourite crowd. I have to say that it did put a bit of a damper on the evening for me.
Been to this many PJ shows: Reading 2006 London 2007 Manchester & London 2009 Dublin, Belfast, London, Nijmegen & Berlin 2010 Manchester 1 & Manchester 2 2012...
... and I still think Drive-By Truckers are better.
I found EVERYONE I bumped into really friendly.....only one guy I saw was a bit of a fanny but us more wise folk soon put him in his place.....he was deluded into thinking his elbows could get him forward. Definately a very friendly place to be just in front of Eddie though, a wee bit to the right. I felt sorry for the wee girls that came up to about waste height.
Eddie was amazing, even during his tech problem, Stone was in the zone, Jeff was cool (what was the chequered bass he was playing?), McCredible was incredible and Cameron held it all together. Boom was booming.
Yay finally I can post, to say, WOW!!!!!!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lost my PJ virginity on Monday, waited yrs for the moment and am still in pain today from spending 2 1/2 hrs rocking out!
Sat in 104, right on the aisles next to 103, so not only had pretty good tickets (considering we held out on ebay til the last possible moment and only paid face value), but also meant I was able to sneak into the aisle slightly. Was worried beforehand that everyone would stay seated as they tend to in 111-108 but thankfully every person on their feet and singing their hearts out, truly inspiring - on that note, hubbie said I should apologise for 'rocking like a woman possessed' during Black :oops: but what can I say - I nearly peed myself when the intro started so no way was I swaying!?
Am glad we didn't get standing after reading the earlier comments, as being 5ft I would have probably been trampled all over. Was more than happy where we were, just apologies to anyone who witnessed me dancing
Wasn't expecting to hear Black after seeing the SBE and Berlin set lists - and in reverse was a teeny bit gutted to not get Betterman (good excuse to join the US tour).
Was it just me or did Black go a bit erm, off? Even watching the YouTube clips, defo wasn't the best but hey - Eddie could sing the alphabet and I would be happy
Too many highlights to name a single one, but never have I experienced that before and whilst the pain will be here for a few more days to come, would do it again tonight, tomorrow and the next night and the next.....
Don't suppose anyone has any good tips for whiplash and post gig blues?
Post -gig blues...? Usually days and days of solid PJ at home, on the way to work and in work for me!
:: Caesaria - Israel 1995, Wembley 1996, Manchester 2000, Leeds 2006, Manchester 2009, Manchester 2012, Manchester 2012 (EV), Leeds 2014, London 2018 ::
Post -gig blues...? Usually days and days of solid PJ at home, on the way to work and in work for me!
goes without saying!
Yeah me too, I'm only getting through working on auto-pilot at the moment until the post gig blues start to wear off !! ipod's on back-to-back Pearl Jam, that's my lifeline
London Brixton '93 / Reading Festival '95 (w/Neil Young) / London Wembley '96 / Manchester '09 / Boston, Newark, MSG2, London Hyde Park, Rock Werchter, Bilbao '10
Was it just me or did Black go a bit erm, off? Even watching the YouTube clips, defo wasn't the best but hey - Eddie could sing the alphabet and I would be happy
Yeah, I kind of felt that too. It sounded better in London but that was the only downer on the MEN gig for me.
The Manchester show was good... Last Exit was a welcome surprise (mainly because audiodave wanted to see it like no one's business and seeing his face when it kicked in was worth the ticket price alone ) and the set on the whole was brilliant!
The only negative thing I will say about Manchester is that, to me at least, the crowd seemed really hostile. People (mainly GA, I have to admit) were rude, forceful and determined to get down the front regardless of who they trod on. I've seen PJ at festivals and their own shows and this was by far my least favourite crowd. I have to say that it did put a bit of a damper on the evening for me.
I completely agree. The crowd was fucking terrible at manchester. Well, down at the front anyways. I was dead centre, three rows back and as soon as Gomez came off the stage it seemed to keep on getting worse. I was feeling a little ill that day too, so that didn't help either. Long Road was epic (I mean REALLY fucking epic), but after that everybody started pushing forward. During Grievance I realised that Pearl Jam wern't actually worth my life (suprising, I know) and moved about 20 rows back.
The good news is, when I moved back the crowd was awesome and I could move around freely. I was fucking dancing like a mad man for the rest of the show and I'm pretty sure I got pleanty of funny looks, plus I was dripping with sweat but I didn't care. Everything was just so perfect back there, and my view was still great. Highlights were definately Long Road, In Hiding, Not For You (especially Modern Girl, my favorite tag of all time behind Why Can't I Touch It), PRESENT TENSE, Sleight of Hand, Given To Fly, RVM, Go, DTE, Smile, Black, Leash, Indifference...aw to hell with it, the whole show was phenominal! Not quite as good as London I don't think, but still pretty freaking amazing. It's still quite difficult to take it all in.
Also, I found it pretty funny how when I arrived at 9 in the morning Americans where controlling the queue at an English gig. That all went to pot anyways...
Post -gig blues...? Usually days and days of solid PJ at home, on the way to work and in work for me!
goes without saying!
Yeah me too, I'm only getting through working on auto-pilot at the moment until the post gig blues start to wear off !! ipod's on back-to-back Pearl Jam, that's my lifeline
It may have to stay that way until the bootlegs come out, too! I'm aching to hear it again already.
:: Caesaria - Israel 1995, Wembley 1996, Manchester 2000, Leeds 2006, Manchester 2009, Manchester 2012, Manchester 2012 (EV), Leeds 2014, London 2018 ::
Comments
Wow Great pics
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If it was your first gig fair enough but there can't have been many at PJ who were there for their first ever gig and if you are into PJ then you should have a fair idea of what is going to happen down the front when the band come on. If you have dragged your unsuspecting girlfriend in there then you really need a slap for being so stupid. To be fair when people see someone who is caught in there and is trying to get out they make an effort to get them a safe passage. I'm also sure some who do get caught up in it end up enjoying it.
Went over from Ireland to the gig, was a stunning night. Was up the front for most of it, it was so warm I thought I'd faint so I eventually took a pepsi break during Sleight of Hand/Got Some and then went back up. It was nuts but in a good way - apart from a couple of dicks which you always seem to get. My personal favourites were Not For You and Smile, two songs I love but had never seen them play before. Not For You was incredible, Stone was really getting into it. can't believe people took that as a toilet break. Loved Long Road/Last Exit/Why Go as an opening trio too, and Indifference was beautiful as a closer. I could just list the whole friggin set really. Mike's solo in Even Flow had me in a stupor and Present Tense was stunning.
Looking at the other setlists you could drive yourself mad (would've loved to have seen Light Years and Footsteps last night) but it's just so cool that they mix it up all the time, you know you'll get something unique whenever you're lucky enough to be there. Those able to follow them are blessed. 5th time I've seen them since Slane '93 and they've all been just incredible.
The Point - Oct 26, 1996
The Point - Jun 01, 2000
The Point - Aug 23, 2006
M.E.N. Arena - Aug 17, 2009
The 02 - Jun 22, 2010
Odyssey Arena - Jun 23, 2010
http://www.last.fm/user/olivavu
I have been to previous shows and do know what happens, but my point was that even as a 6 foot 3 bloke I ended up with some nasty bruises in my back from a guy who was viciously punching my kidneys repeatedly, and there is no way on earth anyone could help us get out when they were also stuck.
Forget the 'lasses', I saw a lot of blokes who were stressed too! I know PJ are aware of such issues with crowds which is why Ed tried to calm people down and I emphasise here I am not looking for the violins to be brought out as the gig was fab and I loved it, it was just that there were a number of people there who really could not give a monkeys about making any effort to help with safe passage. Saying that people deserve a slap for being stupid is a little harsh. I think the guy who used my back as a punch bag is stupid and deserves a slap.
I take your point though it is to be expected at any gig; a bit like the hooligans you have to live with at football matches.
Am not going to go on about this as it detracts from the great music I experienced this week, just wanted to clarify where I was coming from. The Manchester gig was awesome and the O2 gig was too. Thanks PJ.
I am going to take this one back. No matter what the guy did I would not want him slapped and it isnt in the spirit of things, besides, I got too much love to be slapping people!
Not a huge amount to add. I thought it was a wonderful night, Eddie was in fine voice, singing better than I can remember hearing him in recent years. And the set list could have been designed around me, at least by someone who thinks it’s fun to watch me blubber my eyes out.
PJ have got me through a lot of difficult times over the past 17/18 years or so and so a lot of their songs bring back memories / emotions…. The 4 songs guaranteed to set me off are Present Tense, In Hiding, Black and Indifference….and the buggers played all 4!
My fella, who has never seen PJ before, had a brilliant time (he’s suddenly numero uno fanboy
I just wish I could have got to the O2 too, but it was hard enough to get a babysitter for one night let alone two in a row :(
Fingers crossed the comment Ed apparently made at the O2 about not coming back to Europe for ages doesn’t mean another 5+ year wait!!! If it does, I might just find myself planning my next trip stateside to “accidentally” coincide with the 20th anniversary tour
PS thanks to the two of you who have posted Flickr links – both sets of pics are fantastic, but all too small, we need more!!
Facebook event page.
http://www.last.fm/user/olivavu
My comment about needing a slap was more about those people who drag girlfriends into the pit knowing mayhem is about to erupt. That is plain stupid, maybe a clip round the ear would be more suitable punishment though
Sadly there are arseholes at every concert and always will be.
Really are some cool people I wanna stay in touch with :(
Will put up pictures from the show (front row) by tomorrow!
Two days later and still buzzing. Still singing along. Still poggo-ing. Still smiling.
Hey Kevtic I couldnt agree more and am feeling your love there mate. I guess a lot of couples hope they may kick off with Release (e.g. at O2 Arena) or Wishlist or something like that for which being 2 or 3 rows from the front with your missus there is phenomenal.
Conversely when they come out with the faster harder songs if you move to the back you then arent there for the softer stuff so it can be a painful gamble!!
Either way we ended up having a fab time and work is a real drag today! Thanks to all those who made our experiences memorable, we met so many really decent people it was humbling.
Cheers dude.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrymacdonald
The only negative thing I will say about Manchester is that, to me at least, the crowd seemed really hostile. People (mainly GA, I have to admit) were rude, forceful and determined to get down the front regardless of who they trod on. I've seen PJ at festivals and their own shows and this was by far my least favourite crowd. I have to say that it did put a bit of a damper on the evening for me.
... and I still think Drive-By Truckers are better.
Eddie was amazing, even during his tech problem, Stone was in the zone, Jeff was cool (what was the chequered bass he was playing?), McCredible was incredible and Cameron held it all together. Boom was booming.
Can't wait till next time.
g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6jhRlRNnps
Manchester 92, 09, 12 (x2)
London 96, 00 (x2), 06, 07, 09, 10
Reading 06
Arras 10
Alpine Valley 11 (x2)
Prague 12
Berlin 12
Leeds 14
Milton Keynes 14
Lost my PJ virginity on Monday, waited yrs for the moment and am still in pain today from spending 2 1/2 hrs rocking out!
Sat in 104, right on the aisles next to 103, so not only had pretty good tickets (considering we held out on ebay til the last possible moment and only paid face value), but also meant I was able to sneak into the aisle slightly. Was worried beforehand that everyone would stay seated as they tend to in 111-108 but thankfully every person on their feet and singing their hearts out, truly inspiring - on that note, hubbie said I should apologise for 'rocking like a woman possessed' during Black :oops: but what can I say - I nearly peed myself when the intro started so no way was I swaying!?
Am glad we didn't get standing after reading the earlier comments, as being 5ft I would have probably been trampled all over. Was more than happy where we were, just apologies to anyone who witnessed me dancing
Wasn't expecting to hear Black after seeing the SBE and Berlin set lists - and in reverse was a teeny bit gutted to not get Betterman (good excuse to join the US tour).
Was it just me or did Black go a bit erm, off? Even watching the YouTube clips, defo wasn't the best but hey - Eddie could sing the alphabet and I would be happy
Too many highlights to name a single one, but never have I experienced that before and whilst the pain will be here for a few more days to come, would do it again tonight, tomorrow and the next night and the next.....
Don't suppose anyone has any good tips for whiplash and post gig blues?
2010 - Belfast, London, Berlin, Arras, Werchter
2012 - Manchester 1+2, Berlin 1+2, Stockholm, Oslo
2014 - Berlin, Leeds, Milton Keynes
Yeah me too, I'm only getting through working on auto-pilot at the moment until the post gig blues start to wear off !! ipod's on back-to-back Pearl Jam, that's my lifeline
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Yeah, I kind of felt that too. It sounded better in London but that was the only downer on the MEN gig for me.
The good news is, when I moved back the crowd was awesome and I could move around freely. I was fucking dancing like a mad man for the rest of the show and I'm pretty sure I got pleanty of funny looks, plus I was dripping with sweat but I didn't care. Everything was just so perfect back there, and my view was still great. Highlights were definately Long Road, In Hiding, Not For You (especially Modern Girl, my favorite tag of all time behind Why Can't I Touch It), PRESENT TENSE, Sleight of Hand, Given To Fly, RVM, Go, DTE, Smile, Black, Leash, Indifference...aw to hell with it, the whole show was phenominal! Not quite as good as London I don't think, but still pretty freaking amazing. It's still quite difficult to take it all in.
Also, I found it pretty funny how when I arrived at 9 in the morning Americans where controlling the queue at an English gig. That all went to pot anyways...
It may have to stay that way until the bootlegs come out, too! I'm aching to hear it again already.