*** Manchester Fanviews Here 8/17/09 ***

tightrope high

FrankJam wrote:

Some pics from Manchester. Hope you like :O)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40292484@N ... 077621922/

Wow Great pics Thanks for posting them!!

kevtic

sensi wrote:

kevtic wrote:

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.

whiteside

Hi, first time to post on here.

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.

Olivavu

I just feel lucky to have been to all the three in England this past week...

realboss7669

kevtic wrote:

...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.

realboss7669

realboss7669 wrote:

...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!

8-)

Flo

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!!

Olivavu

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187126070466

Facebook event page.

kevtic

realboss7669 wrote:

kevtic wrote:

...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.

Sean Stickman Jones

We had so many missed contacts at this gigs due to the chaos. Have we got a missed connections type area anywhere?

Really are some cool people I wanna stay in touch with

guptaanuj

This was my first ever Pearl Jam gig, and I couldn't have wished for a better setlist! Totally worth the trip from India!

Will put up pictures from the show (front row) by tomorrow!

philthehip

What a show that was, much better than I anticipated. Awsome night. I took the Pearl Jam virginities of 2 friends

GM211266

Have some photo's from the gig, how do you put them on here? Aha, there's the button....but how does it work?

Two days later and still buzzing. Still singing along. Still poggo-ing. Still smiling.

realboss7669

kevtic wrote:

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.

Cheers dude.

8-)

kevtic

maybe I'm just jealous my wife hates PJ

Force Of Nature

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

pools of maroon

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!

GM211266

Just put some (4) photo's from the gig on flickr.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrymacdonald

Sian-of-the-dead

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.

GM211266

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.

Can't wait till next time.

g