1. Vancouver '09
2. Vancouver '11
3. Vancouver '05
Must go to more shows! :shock:
Vancouver, BC - 2005 Vancouver, BC - 2009 Vancouver, BC - 2011 Vancouver, BC - 2013 Mountain View, CA - 2014 Mountain View, CA - 2014 Quebec City, QC - 2016 Ottawa, ON - 2016 Pemberton, BC - 2016 Seattle, WA 1 - 2018 Seattle, WA 2 - 2018
This is hard! I'll have to sort them into 3 different groups, the first group for the elite shows, then the very good shows, and then the good but not the best shows. OK, here goes...
Elite
Lisbon 1, September 4th 2006 - The only word I can ever think of to describe this show is "magical". There's just something about it; the feeling in the arena was special, the crowd was phenomenal, and the band was TIGHT. The setlist didn't bring out anything ridiculus or rare, but it was straight up awesome Pearl Jam from start to finish.
The regular staples like Animal, Corduroy, Given To Fly and especially Do The Evolution sounded tighter than I can ever recall, and Ed sounds especially badass on Do The Evolution.
Then there were some truly moving moments, like the call and response at the end of Wishlist, or the whole crowd singing "We Belong Together" at the end of Black and totally drowning out Eddie.
Lisbon 2, September 5th 2006 - Totally different set to the first night, with a few stellar song choices thrown in. Another amazing crowd, and at the end Eddie even said "Portugal, the best"
Daughter with the 'It's OK' tag was brilliant, Army Reserve sounded awesome, and I remember looking around during RITFW and seeing literally everyone going bezerk. There were people right at the top of the arena just swinging their shirts around and dancing like goofs, using their legs as guitars and just having the time of their lives. I was exhausted when the show finished. In the best way possible.
Milan, September 17th 2006 - When I decided to do some Euro shows in 2000, Milano was top of the list because the first ever bootleg I bought was Milan 2000 from the Binaural tour and hearing the crowd sing along so loudly gave me goosebumps. I had to be part of that in some way. And man oh man it didn't disappoint.
The band opened with 'Go' and it just ripped our faces off straight away. Great way to open the show. Then we get 'Man Of The Hour' thrown in randomly quite early in the set which was beautiful. We got Eddie covering 'Picture In A Frame' for the first time; you could hear a pin drop while he was singing.
The best part of the night was 'Daughter' by far. Ed says "are yoouuu ready" and then the song starts to the biggest pop I've ever heard. From word one the crowd was singing so loud, and it's captured wonderfully on the bootleg. The crowd remembered the 2000 show because they started the singalong immediately before Ed did any kind of tag. He basically followed the crowd when he heard what they were singing. Powerful moment, and Ed's vocals on this particular version are perfect.
Given To Fly and Do The Evolution in the encores always sounds great and keeps the energy up, and then Matt's drumkit was literally ON FIRE just before RITFW. Then after the song Matt gave away a huge piece of his drums to someone in the crowd!
Dusseldorf, June 21st 2007 - I was about 1 row from the front barrier and it was TIGHT but not in a dangerous way. We just swayed with the crowd and enjoyed the feeling but neve felt like we were in danger of being hurt. The setlist was just out of this world, and when Ed was talking about 'Breath' and talked about the original name of the song he looked right over to me and my friends so we could shout out the name because he could hear us going nuts at the thought of hearing it! Eddie looked real teary and emotional at the end of 'Alive' and at the end of Baba O'Riley, he seemed really moved by the response. I heard so many songs for the first time that night - Sometimes, Brain Of J, In Hiding, Breath, I'm Open, Rats. That's impressive just for one show!
Berlin, June 30th 2010 - Those who were there know how special this one was. It was a beautiful day, Ben Harper was opening, and it was the 10th anniversary of Roskilde. Ed had tried to soundcheck LBC apparently earlier on but couldn't get through it :(
Long Road opened the show, which was very fitting. After Given To Fly, Ed says hello and then asks "Are you happy?" and everyone just goes nuts. It was so loud, it sounds great on the bootleg. We got Push Me Pull Me, Johnny Guitar, a stellar Immortality, In Hiding, Public Image with half of R.E.M, and then we got Ed's speech about Roskilde just before Come Back.
It was so surreal and so sad to see Eddie trying to talk about it and getting so upset. Then Stone comes over and consoles him :( But he got through it, and then we had a few moments of silence and then a messed up version of 'Come Back' but it was understandable because Eddie was emotional. The end of Black was lovely with the crowd clapping and singing while the music faded away. Overall, just a really emotional show, full of extreme highs and poignant sadness.
Very Good shows
Paris, September 11th 2006 - A Riot Act heavy show and a great show at that, but some people in the crowd were douchebags and a bit too rough. The band played well but it didn't have the magical feeling of other shows. Still, by the time they played RITFW we were going nuts and having the time of our lives so still a great night.
Verona, September 16th 2006 - This is borderline epic, the reason it's not in the top group is because initially I didn't know what to make of it when I was walking away from the show. The whole day leading up to the show was great, sitting in the cafe opposite the coliseum and listening to Eddie soundcheck and do snippets. We heard him singing the snippet of Immortality that we see on the Immagine In Cornice DVD
The rain started and it really came down. Never seen rain like it. By the time PJ hit the stage it was still raining but it just added to the atmosphere. Hearing Release for the very first time in a Roman coliseum while it rained heavily was something I'll never forget.
I got tickets very late for this one so I was on the stone steps right near the top. I suppose I just felt a little bit out of the action but as time has gone on I've really learned to appreciate and love this show. I love the sound of the crowd on the bootleg, and although Ed was battling a little cold he sounded great. It was good to see him run and slide across the stage during Alive.
London, June 18th 2007 - Ed was feeling political which I always enjoy. Crowd was intense but in a good way. Mike even said he remembered this crowd being great in a past issue of Deep magazine. Beautiful Long Road to open, and the run of Faithfull-Green Disease-Marker In The Sand-Immortality was unbelievable.
Nijmegen, June 28th 2007 - Probably the most 'greatest hits' setlist out of the shows I've seen, but it was just great great fun. Huge outdoor park, glorious weather during the show after a rainy morning, and I FINALLY got to hear Nothingman which was top of my list at the time of songs I wanted to hear.
This show also had the definitive version of 'No More' because the crowd really embraced it. I'm pretty sure it was released as a B-side to something or included on a holiday single. It's out there nonetheless. The crowd really took over for this one and Eddie seemed overwhelmed.
We also did the whole thing with the balloons during the encore. The balloons said "thank you, we miss you already" because we were pretty much at the end of the tour. When the boys came back onstage we let them all go into the air. Eddie caught one and read it out loud and said he should be thanking us. Then he popped it with his cigarette! A bit later he sang a little bit of 'Smile' for us
Belfast, June 23rd 2010 - First show in Belfast for the band, and it was a cracker. They busted out Tremor Christ which left me speechless! And we also got 'No Way'! Then the band dedicated Amongst The Waves to the couple who had literally gotten married that day and brought the wedding guests to the show. They were just behind us in the first tier and a couple rows back. Great moment.
Then we got the whole birthday present thing for Brendan O'Brien which was cool. A huge birthday singalong with lighters all over the place lighting up the arena.
The other shows
Astoria, April 20th 2006 - The ONLY reason I haven't put this in any other group is because it was my first ever Pearl Jam show and I was so nervous/excited that I don't really remember much of anything about it. The moment was TOO special so I think I zoned out. What I do remember is hearing new Avocado songs for the first time anywhere, the floor literally bouncing during Even Flow and Alive, and some drunk guy putting his arms around me during Alive and trying to dance with me. If I remembered more details then I'm sure it'd be right up there at the top.
Copenhagen, June 26th 2007 - I was first row, right in front of a speaker and it nackered in my ears for the whole show. I couldn't hear Mike at all which was a shame. It was another amazing setlist, and it was emotional because it was the band's first show in Denmark since Roskilde. Probably my own fault for not moving to a better spot, but the bad sound from my position and the deafness I had for about 2 days afterwards kinda dampened my enjoyment of the show.
Manchester, September 17th 2009 - I could safely say this was my least favourite show. A great show in its own right, but the worst of the ones I've seen. The band, and particularly Eddie seemed frustrated at the sound that night, and Ed got visibly annoyed when he tossed his wine bottle at one of the tech guys. First and only time I saw Sleight Of Hand which was great despite the slightly botched ending. It was a great show but didn't have that special feeling that the other ones did. However, I decided to move to the very back of the arena for the last few songs so I could have room to just dance and chill out. It was amazing to see the crowd from the back going nuts during Alive. That was probably the best moment of the show.
2006: London Astoria, Lisbon I & II, Paris, Verona, Milano
2007: Wembley, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
2009: Manchester
2010: Belfast, Berlin
2012: Manchester I & II
2014: Leeds, Milton Keynes
2018: Amsterdam I, Prague, Krakow, Berlin, Barcelona, London 2022: Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam II
#1 2003-05-02 - HSBC Arena- Buffalo
#2 2011-09-11 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto I
#3 2008-06-27 - Dodge Music Center - Hartford
#4 1998-08-22 - Molson Park - Barrie (First Show)
#5 2011-09-16 - Copps Colosseum - Hammer
#6 2005-09-13 - Copps Colosseum - Hammer
#7 2006-05-10 - Air Canada Centre Toronto II
#8 2011-09-12 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto II
#9 2005-09-19 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto
#10 2000-10-05 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto
#11 2009-08-21 - Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto
#12 2003-06-28 - Molson Amphitheater - Toronto
#13 2010-05-10 - HSBC Arena - Buffalo
#14 2006-05-09 - Air Canada Centre - Toronto I
I have only been to two shows and one Ev show. So yeah but i love reading the stories alot of you have. I don't think Toronto 9-11-11 will be topped any time soon. But who knows. The best advice i got from cousin about PJ is simple and true. "Every show you go to you will think it's the best one" he's right after the show and even for about a week i'm on a high smiling and won't stop talking about it. Love it love it love it.
I cant rank them.
Each "tour" there is usually one show that really stands out-those shows where it all comes together, the crowd, the music, the seats, the venue, the tailgate, the timing....
Looking at those, Id have to say that randalls and philly 3 are neck and neck for the top spot-randalls-top of their game in the 90s, philly top of their game in the 00s.
1- MSG 5/21/10
A classic. “And away we go”, Corduroy opener, 6th time seeing Present Tense, Push Me Pull Me, crowd singing Better Man , Hunger Strike
2-Jones Beach, NY 8/25/00
Heavy on No Code, awesome 1-2-3 punch of Black, Jeremy, Immortality to close the main set, best version of Better Man/SIFL I've personally ever seen or heard
3-MSG 7/9/03
Crazy Mary opener, nothing crazy, but a real solid show
4-Nassau Coliseum, NY 4/30/03
The infamous Bushleaguer episode knocks it down a notch, but this was a great show, Long Road opener, excellent version of I Am A Patriot
5-Ed Sullivan Theatre , NY 5/4/06
Only 10 songs, Highlighted Avocado, seeing them in this small setting was awesome
6-MSG 6/24/08
Hard to Imagine opener, first time seeing Faithfull, Love Reign O'er Me, full version of WMA, and my first 3 encore show
7-MSG 5/20/10
Solid setlist, great performance
8-E. Rutherford, NJ 6/3/06
Severed Hand opener, Rats, Inside Job, Leash, Hard To Imagine, first time seeing Last Exit
Comments
2. Vancouver '11
3. Vancouver '05
Must go to more shows! :shock:
Vancouver, BC - 2009
Vancouver, BC - 2011
Vancouver, BC - 2013
Mountain View, CA - 2014
Mountain View, CA - 2014
Quebec City, QC - 2016
Ottawa, ON - 2016
Pemberton, BC - 2016
Seattle, WA 1 - 2018
Seattle, WA 2 - 2018
Elite
Lisbon 1, September 4th 2006 - The only word I can ever think of to describe this show is "magical". There's just something about it; the feeling in the arena was special, the crowd was phenomenal, and the band was TIGHT. The setlist didn't bring out anything ridiculus or rare, but it was straight up awesome Pearl Jam from start to finish.
The regular staples like Animal, Corduroy, Given To Fly and especially Do The Evolution sounded tighter than I can ever recall, and Ed sounds especially badass on Do The Evolution.
Then there were some truly moving moments, like the call and response at the end of Wishlist, or the whole crowd singing "We Belong Together" at the end of Black and totally drowning out Eddie.
Lisbon 2, September 5th 2006 - Totally different set to the first night, with a few stellar song choices thrown in. Another amazing crowd, and at the end Eddie even said "Portugal, the best"
Daughter with the 'It's OK' tag was brilliant, Army Reserve sounded awesome, and I remember looking around during RITFW and seeing literally everyone going bezerk. There were people right at the top of the arena just swinging their shirts around and dancing like goofs, using their legs as guitars and just having the time of their lives. I was exhausted when the show finished. In the best way possible.
Milan, September 17th 2006 - When I decided to do some Euro shows in 2000, Milano was top of the list because the first ever bootleg I bought was Milan 2000 from the Binaural tour and hearing the crowd sing along so loudly gave me goosebumps. I had to be part of that in some way. And man oh man it didn't disappoint.
The band opened with 'Go' and it just ripped our faces off straight away. Great way to open the show. Then we get 'Man Of The Hour' thrown in randomly quite early in the set which was beautiful. We got Eddie covering 'Picture In A Frame' for the first time; you could hear a pin drop while he was singing.
The best part of the night was 'Daughter' by far. Ed says "are yoouuu ready" and then the song starts to the biggest pop I've ever heard. From word one the crowd was singing so loud, and it's captured wonderfully on the bootleg. The crowd remembered the 2000 show because they started the singalong immediately before Ed did any kind of tag. He basically followed the crowd when he heard what they were singing. Powerful moment, and Ed's vocals on this particular version are perfect.
Given To Fly and Do The Evolution in the encores always sounds great and keeps the energy up, and then Matt's drumkit was literally ON FIRE just before RITFW. Then after the song Matt gave away a huge piece of his drums to someone in the crowd!
Dusseldorf, June 21st 2007 - I was about 1 row from the front barrier and it was TIGHT but not in a dangerous way. We just swayed with the crowd and enjoyed the feeling but neve felt like we were in danger of being hurt. The setlist was just out of this world, and when Ed was talking about 'Breath' and talked about the original name of the song he looked right over to me and my friends so we could shout out the name because he could hear us going nuts at the thought of hearing it! Eddie looked real teary and emotional at the end of 'Alive' and at the end of Baba O'Riley, he seemed really moved by the response. I heard so many songs for the first time that night - Sometimes, Brain Of J, In Hiding, Breath, I'm Open, Rats. That's impressive just for one show!
Berlin, June 30th 2010 - Those who were there know how special this one was. It was a beautiful day, Ben Harper was opening, and it was the 10th anniversary of Roskilde. Ed had tried to soundcheck LBC apparently earlier on but couldn't get through it :(
Long Road opened the show, which was very fitting. After Given To Fly, Ed says hello and then asks "Are you happy?" and everyone just goes nuts. It was so loud, it sounds great on the bootleg. We got Push Me Pull Me, Johnny Guitar, a stellar Immortality, In Hiding, Public Image with half of R.E.M, and then we got Ed's speech about Roskilde just before Come Back.
It was so surreal and so sad to see Eddie trying to talk about it and getting so upset. Then Stone comes over and consoles him :( But he got through it, and then we had a few moments of silence and then a messed up version of 'Come Back' but it was understandable because Eddie was emotional. The end of Black was lovely with the crowd clapping and singing while the music faded away. Overall, just a really emotional show, full of extreme highs and poignant sadness.
Very Good shows
Paris, September 11th 2006 - A Riot Act heavy show and a great show at that, but some people in the crowd were douchebags and a bit too rough. The band played well but it didn't have the magical feeling of other shows. Still, by the time they played RITFW we were going nuts and having the time of our lives so still a great night.
Verona, September 16th 2006 - This is borderline epic, the reason it's not in the top group is because initially I didn't know what to make of it when I was walking away from the show. The whole day leading up to the show was great, sitting in the cafe opposite the coliseum and listening to Eddie soundcheck and do snippets. We heard him singing the snippet of Immortality that we see on the Immagine In Cornice DVD
The rain started and it really came down. Never seen rain like it. By the time PJ hit the stage it was still raining but it just added to the atmosphere. Hearing Release for the very first time in a Roman coliseum while it rained heavily was something I'll never forget.
I got tickets very late for this one so I was on the stone steps right near the top. I suppose I just felt a little bit out of the action but as time has gone on I've really learned to appreciate and love this show. I love the sound of the crowd on the bootleg, and although Ed was battling a little cold he sounded great. It was good to see him run and slide across the stage during Alive.
London, June 18th 2007 - Ed was feeling political which I always enjoy. Crowd was intense but in a good way. Mike even said he remembered this crowd being great in a past issue of Deep magazine. Beautiful Long Road to open, and the run of Faithfull-Green Disease-Marker In The Sand-Immortality was unbelievable.
Nijmegen, June 28th 2007 - Probably the most 'greatest hits' setlist out of the shows I've seen, but it was just great great fun. Huge outdoor park, glorious weather during the show after a rainy morning, and I FINALLY got to hear Nothingman which was top of my list at the time of songs I wanted to hear.
This show also had the definitive version of 'No More' because the crowd really embraced it. I'm pretty sure it was released as a B-side to something or included on a holiday single. It's out there nonetheless. The crowd really took over for this one and Eddie seemed overwhelmed.
We also did the whole thing with the balloons during the encore. The balloons said "thank you, we miss you already" because we were pretty much at the end of the tour. When the boys came back onstage we let them all go into the air. Eddie caught one and read it out loud and said he should be thanking us. Then he popped it with his cigarette! A bit later he sang a little bit of 'Smile' for us
Belfast, June 23rd 2010 - First show in Belfast for the band, and it was a cracker. They busted out Tremor Christ which left me speechless! And we also got 'No Way'! Then the band dedicated Amongst The Waves to the couple who had literally gotten married that day and brought the wedding guests to the show. They were just behind us in the first tier and a couple rows back. Great moment.
Then we got the whole birthday present thing for Brendan O'Brien which was cool. A huge birthday singalong with lighters all over the place lighting up the arena.
The other shows
Astoria, April 20th 2006 - The ONLY reason I haven't put this in any other group is because it was my first ever Pearl Jam show and I was so nervous/excited that I don't really remember much of anything about it. The moment was TOO special so I think I zoned out. What I do remember is hearing new Avocado songs for the first time anywhere, the floor literally bouncing during Even Flow and Alive, and some drunk guy putting his arms around me during Alive and trying to dance with me. If I remembered more details then I'm sure it'd be right up there at the top.
Copenhagen, June 26th 2007 - I was first row, right in front of a speaker and it nackered in my ears for the whole show. I couldn't hear Mike at all which was a shame. It was another amazing setlist, and it was emotional because it was the band's first show in Denmark since Roskilde. Probably my own fault for not moving to a better spot, but the bad sound from my position and the deafness I had for about 2 days afterwards kinda dampened my enjoyment of the show.
Manchester, September 17th 2009 - I could safely say this was my least favourite show. A great show in its own right, but the worst of the ones I've seen. The band, and particularly Eddie seemed frustrated at the sound that night, and Ed got visibly annoyed when he tossed his wine bottle at one of the tech guys. First and only time I saw Sleight Of Hand which was great despite the slightly botched ending. It was a great show but didn't have that special feeling that the other ones did. However, I decided to move to the very back of the arena for the last few songs so I could have room to just dance and chill out. It was amazing to see the crowd from the back going nuts during Alive. That was probably the best moment of the show.
2022: Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam II
1. Alpine 2.
2. Soldier Field, Chicago, 1995.
3. Berlin, 2009.
4. Miami, 1994...first show.
5. Alpine 1.
6. Philly, 10-27-09...won lottery, front row, center.
7. Chicago, 5/17/06.
too many more to list, but that's the top seven...
Going to Costa Rica next month...I hope I can add that to the list...
Wow Costa Rica....I'm jealous! We bought an international 10c membership this year in hopes we can make some international dates
Hartford 08
Mansfield III, 03
Philly III, 09
MSG II, 10
Boston 10
I would like to say my honarable mention is Pj20, Alpine vally, not because of the shows but because of the vibe and people I met.
#2 2011-09-11 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto I
#3 2008-06-27 - Dodge Music Center - Hartford
#4 1998-08-22 - Molson Park - Barrie (First Show)
#5 2011-09-16 - Copps Colosseum - Hammer
#6 2005-09-13 - Copps Colosseum - Hammer
#7 2006-05-10 - Air Canada Centre Toronto II
#8 2011-09-12 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto II
#9 2005-09-19 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto
#10 2000-10-05 - Air Canada Centre- Toronto
#11 2009-08-21 - Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto
#12 2003-06-28 - Molson Amphitheater - Toronto
#13 2010-05-10 - HSBC Arena - Buffalo
#14 2006-05-09 - Air Canada Centre - Toronto I
That was tough, but fun!
Each "tour" there is usually one show that really stands out-those shows where it all comes together, the crowd, the music, the seats, the venue, the tailgate, the timing....
96 Randalls 2
98 MSG 2
00 Jones 2
03 Uniondale
05 Borgata 2
06 Albany
08 Hartford
09 Philly 3
10 Newark
Looking at those, Id have to say that randalls and philly 3 are neck and neck for the top spot-randalls-top of their game in the 90s, philly top of their game in the 00s.
1- MSG 5/21/10
A classic. “And away we go”, Corduroy opener, 6th time seeing Present Tense, Push Me Pull Me, crowd singing Better Man , Hunger Strike
2-Jones Beach, NY 8/25/00
Heavy on No Code, awesome 1-2-3 punch of Black, Jeremy, Immortality to close the main set, best version of Better Man/SIFL I've personally ever seen or heard
3-MSG 7/9/03
Crazy Mary opener, nothing crazy, but a real solid show
4-Nassau Coliseum, NY 4/30/03
The infamous Bushleaguer episode knocks it down a notch, but this was a great show, Long Road opener, excellent version of I Am A Patriot
5-Ed Sullivan Theatre , NY 5/4/06
Only 10 songs, Highlighted Avocado, seeing them in this small setting was awesome
6-MSG 6/24/08
Hard to Imagine opener, first time seeing Faithfull, Love Reign O'er Me, full version of WMA, and my first 3 encore show
7-MSG 5/20/10
Solid setlist, great performance
8-E. Rutherford, NJ 6/3/06
Severed Hand opener, Rats, Inside Job, Leash, Hard To Imagine, first time seeing Last Exit
They were all great though.