expecially Mike... he was so kind to the disabled people in the wheelchair section...
made me smile so big... Mike kept coming over to the side where they were located, and played guitar to them as if he were only playing for them, and the smiles oooo the smiles:)
I really thought about either writing an email or letter, explaining how kind of him that was, and how it was one of the sweetest things ive ever witnessed. Then i figured ten c would see it as another bullshit letter, and decided i shouldnt bother, and that he probably would never see it..... then i thought about making a sign for the jersey shows saying,
MIKE AND ED:
IN DC YOU WERE SO SWEET!
but then i thought they probably wouldnt get that either lol so hopefully, they will check out the dc fanviews, and know how greatful i am to be a fan of such nice people, and how inspiring it really was.
Thanks Mike and Ed:)
btw, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PLAYING I GOT SHIT! was the highlight for me... my fav pearl jam song , and what i wanted to hear the most on this tour.
also, thanks to the lady who handed me and my guy that nights setlist after security was really rude to us . Really made our night!
ps. Did anyone else have problems with dc security guards? Ive never had any problems at all, takes alot for me to get upset, but these guys were just awful. Was so hard to enjoy the show, because they were constantly watching you with a really mean look on their face, as if you were a a prisioner doing work on the side of the road... but finally, i just tuned that out but then i guess the one guy who was in front heard me say "i cant see anything over the securiting guards" because we had great seats with a perfect view, but the guy stood directly in front of me (im only 5'4) and when i would sway to the side to see around him, he would purposely move over! So he kept doing it back and forth back and forth, and finally my guy traded spots with me.
and then at the end, we were waiting for the place to clear out a lil bit, because my hub had a really sore foot, and didnt want to get it trampled by the masses of people coming out and then three...THREE, not one, not even, two, but THREE securiting guards came all at once yelling at us telling us we had to leave.. and we said ok, and were trying to explain why we had waited, but they were all yelling at us at once... i mean does it really take that many people to tell two people one simple thing? We werent drunken idiots so i didnt get why they were being so mean, but again the night really did cheer up:D
oh and we met some awesome awesome fucking people at the dc show... you know who you are
yea our parking lot guy was antsy too. we were in nobody's way....no cars trying to get in....just getting things together from my van. whole thing took maybe 5 mintutes....and he was pestering us to leave.
i just spent $25 on your lot, let me get my shit out of my van!
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
did anyone catch the Evens reference at the end there...something about Mt. Pleasant isn't anymore...
then they played all these governors after the show...
nice touch
full review coming soon...
thats because ian and amy were on the side of the stage the entire show...
went to arlington hardware... to buyyyy some electrical tape.... its all downhill, from here
How did I miss that? I love that song. Only other time outside of last night that I sang like a maniac was at Operation Ceasefire to Mount Pleasant. Ian encouraged that one though.
Any Evens show is a good time!
I thought there would be more political type ranting with it being D.C., and having Ian and Amy there.
I think Bush & Cheney imposed the 11:00 curfew on the band so they couldn't play "Bushleaguer".
San Fran 92, San Fran 93, Berkeley 93, Indio 93, Fairfax 94, DC 95, San Fran 95, DC 95, Va Beach 98, Columbia 98, Dc 98, Va Beach 00, Columbia 00, Philly 03, Bristow 03, Chicago 06, Chicago 06, Dc 06, DC 08
I've been trying to post my views of the show for days now but had some problems setting up my account.
Let me first start by saying that I am a true PJ vet.
I have seen PJ at least once (usually more) every time they have played in the Boston area since Lallapalooza II back in 1991.
That's right... Ninety F%$#ing One!
I flew to Las Vegas in October of 2000 for their 10th B-Day show too! Which, as I'm sure you can imagine, was increadably touching and very emotional and was the greatest performance I have ever seen by any band - And I have seen many... That was - until May 25th at the Boston Garden.
I don't know what it was... I was there the night before too and it didn't seem to compare. As many have said; I believe BI was simply a warm-up... a soundcheck, if you will, to BII. The band just seemed to be in a great, excited and loving mood - coming on almost 20 minutes early and rocking 'till the roof was about to cave in. The croud was electric. The set was dream-like and could not have been planned better (if at all).
It seemed as though the whole second encore was shot from the hip with Ed just jumping around between songs grasping his brotheren and calling audables. Just going with his gut. It was truly beautiful.
They could have played for ten hours if it could be allowed and the crowd would have been right there with them the whole time.
The PJ fan base is a wonderful phenominon. Not seen since the likes of The Dead but much cooler and better smelling.
Anyway, I just wanted to relate this to the younger fans who were there (and there seem to be many - or I just may be getting old) who believe that they saw a true moment in Pearl Jam history and to let them know that they had indeed. Coming from a long-time PJ fan from even before the conception of PJ - (I'm talkin' MoLoBo Yo! I was following Stone and Jeff from even before Ed!) And I'm here to testify. Boston II was like going to church and having God Almighty Herself show up to rock the altar!
Peace and Love to all of you! I'll see you the next time in Boston!
I think Bush & Cheney imposed the 11:00 curfew on the band so they couldn't play "Bushleaguer".
hahaha...yeah, i thought for sure we'd get that song along with "Green Disease"! Awesome show though!!!! And the poster kicks ass!!!
DC 6/14/98
NJ 8/28 & 8/29/98
NJ 9/1 & 9/2/00
PA 4/28/03
NJ 7/5 & 7/6/03
NY 7/8/03
PA 7/12/03
PA 10/1/04
DC 10/11/04
NJ 9/30 & 10/1/05
PA 10/3/05
NJ 5/27 & 5/28/06
DC 5/30/06
NJ 6/1 & 6/3/06
WA 7/22 & 7/23/06
IL 8/5/07
NJ 6/19 & 6/20/08
DC 6/22/08
NY 6/24 & 6/25/08
NY 7/1/08
PA 10/27, 10/28, 10/30 & 10/31/09
I've been trying to post my views of the show for days now but had some problems setting up my account.
Let me first start by saying that I am a true PJ vet.
I have seen PJ at least once (usually more) every time they have played in the Boston area since Lallapalooza II back in 1991.
That's right... Ninety F%$#ing One!
I flew to Las Vegas in October of 2000 for their 10th B-Day show too! Which, as I'm sure you can imagine, was increadably touching and very emotional and was the greatest performance I have ever seen by any band - And I have seen many... That was - until May 25th at the Boston Garden.
I don't know what it was... I was there the night before too and it didn't seem to compare. As many have said; I believe BI was simply a warm-up... a soundcheck, if you will, to BII. The band just seemed to be in a great, excited and loving mood - coming on almost 20 minutes early and rocking 'till the roof was about to cave in. The croud was electric. The set was dream-like and could not have been planned better (if at all).
It seemed as though the whole second encore was shot from the hip with Ed just jumping around between songs grasping his brotheren and calling audables. Just going with his gut. It was truly beautiful.
They could have played for ten hours if it could be allowed and the crowd would have been right there with them the whole time.
The PJ fan base is a wonderful phenominon. Not seen since the likes of The Dead but much cooler and better smelling.
Anyway, I just wanted to relate this to the younger fans who were there (and there seem to be many - or I just may be getting old) who believe that they saw a true moment in Pearl Jam history and to let them know that they had indeed. Coming from a long-time PJ fan from even before the conception of PJ - (I'm talkin' MoLoBo Yo! I was following Stone and Jeff from even before Ed!) And I'm here to testify. Boston II was like going to church and having God Almighty Herself show up to rock the altar!
Peace and Love to all of you! I'll see you the next time in Boston!
-Mercury
Couldn't have been NINTEY FUCKING ONE... since Lolla was July-Sep 1992
Couldn't have been NINTEY FUCKING ONE... since Lolla was July-Sep 1992
Sorry, Bud...
Lolly I was 1990 - W/Jane's and Living Color etc, etc... I still have the T-shirt.
91 was Lolly II w/PJ, SG, and a number of others... I think that was the one RHCP headlined.... It was a long time ago, but I'm certain of the year. Lolly I was 90 just as Lolly VI was in 05 (I was there too down in Tennesee I believe.)
Lolly I was 1990 - W/Jane's and Living Color etc, etc... I still have the T-shirt.
91 was Lolly II w/PJ, SG, and a number of others... I think that was the one RHCP headlined.... It was a long time ago, but I'm certain of the year. Lolly I was 90 just as Lolly VI was in 05 (I was there too down in Tennesee I believe.)
I just finished reading all of the posts...I have to say I really liked the set list. I'm not sure I prefer indoor venues to the outdoor venues, but for me this was better than the Nissan show, at least set list wise.
Thanks 10c!! My seats were awesome. I was in sec 120 row P. Mike made my night!! He's an energetic thing isn't he?!?! Why go was the best b/c of Mike.. I mean behind his head, standing on the speaker!!! That's what makes this show so memorable for me. I've never been so close to them, it was perfect. Jeff was def. rockin' out as well last night. He's a funky dude! Why go was my fav, with Life Wasted and Come back close 2nd. The Life Wasted intro was sweet. Ed's vocals were hot as well. The energy was palpable from the stage. This show is 2nd to Philly '05 for me. But that was a different energy. I met some cool people in my section, but was kind of shocked by the few around me who didn't move or -gasp- actually sat the entire 2nd and 3rd sets!
What a great night, totally worth the 2 hr drive, and traffic.
Thanks Pearl Jam!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know I'm not the only one praying for another tour around the East Coast!! Come back through and play VA and the Carolinas!!
I'll ride the wave where it takes me
I know I was born and I know that I'll die, the in between is mine. I Am Mine
Til the Lightning Bolt sets you free
LOW LIGHT and Masters of War were most definitely the highlights for me. I Got Shit and Inside Job (the only new song they played that i hadnt heard) were close behind.. the sound and energy left something to be desired, but I preferred it to camden I.. the Grievance was nice, as was Man of the Hour. great version of RVM, the BOOOOOOM-led Betterman was also a nice change of pace.. the placement of reprise before wasted was really nice too.. good versions of why go and Present Tense, but after hearing them a few days ago, i had to wish for some others. Ive been craving more No Code (my favorite album) - especially In My Tree and Red Mosquito. I think im going to have to make the trip to jerz for the leg-ender..
okay, you play leash again, we get it !
Randall's Island, NYC . 1996
Madison Square Garden, NYC . 1998 [the BREATH campaign]
Jones Beach, NYC . 2000
State College, PA . 2003 [longest show ever]
Madison Square Garden, NYC . 2003
Camden, NJ . 2006
Washington, DC . 2006
Portland, OR . 2009
This was my first Pearl Jam show and it was fantastic. I hope this somehow finds it's way to the band
I was on the phone with my friend and heard Master/Slave kick in and went apeshit. I was screaming into the phone, "Ya hear that! Ya hear that!" The friend I was talking to likes Ten, and select other PJ songs, so he was like, "cool". Then they open with Release, his favorite I had to get off the phone then and be PJ's bitch for the next 2 1/2 hours. I was kinda hoping for Once (Master/Slave -> Once), that'd have been the shit. Anyway, Release was a great opener, I'm ashamed I didn't know the lyrics better, but it was great none the less. Then they bust out World Wide Suicide and Severed Hand from the new album. I was diggin' it. A little scared to jump around in the nosebleeds, but I did what I could. Long time favorites Corduroy and Animal came next, one word: amazing! I was glad to hear Corduroy, it's one of my Vitalogy favorites! Thanks PJ Then they bust out a fucking Yield trio! Do the Evolution -> Given to Fly -> Low Light (somewhat a rarity ). I was totally feeling that vibe. Great fun with Yield. Then we get Unemployable, possibly my favorite on the new record. Ed prepared me for this one so I couldn't wait for them to start it. That song just flows so perfectly and reminds me of myself and others who never get to climb the corporate ladder but deserve to. Sadly only one Binaural track, Grievance. Great choice though, I totally rocked out to it! Love Jeff's work in that song too by the way.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING:
Even Flow. Yes Even Flow. For some reason I hate to admit it, but it was. The energy coming from that song was so powerful. It was the only time I ever knew 100% of the lyrics right on cue. Perfect timing! No wonder it's played at almost every show Great fucking concert song. I loved it, the experience is still stuck in my head. Can't wait for the boot! You go Mike; excellent fucking solo.
Right after that, they bust out a goodie, I Got Shit. I loved it. Totally came out of left field. I never expected it. Then another fucking goodie, and sadly the only No Code song, Present Tense My only complaint is I couldn't hear Jeff's solo near the end - probably 'cause of my seats, but I can't be greedy now, I'll hear it on the boot Then the audience gets a special treat. Better Man, opened by Boom. I admit I didn't know what it was until Eddie started singing, but I fucking LOVED it. PJ needs to do the song like this way more often. It was the best. Eddie then introduced Mike and I swear I thought he would play Nothing as it Seems. I held my breath hoping, and got something better. Inside Job! Holy fuck, they played Inside Job! I feel like a dork 'cause I was one of the only ones holding my lighter up. Is that not cool anymore??? Anyway my dumb ass keep the gas going until the song gets heavy and I burned myself forgetting it would be hot, especially since it burned that long... I'm an idiot... Anyway loved Inside Job Then Wasted Reprise -> Life Wasted! Great, great, great! Those two go so well together in that order. Why Go came next, an old favorite And Mike, you're one crazy motherfucker. That solo sounded identical to the album cut and he played that shit behind his head!!! You're the man Mike. Rearviewmirror came next, and sadly I knew the first set was closing after this song. But the song kicked some major ass. Loved the jam in the middle.
Then we got treated to a sweet acoustic set starting with Man of the Hour. I'm glad I got to hear this song, it's so good. And right after we get Masters of War. I'm embarrassed, but I didn't know the song until I read the setlist back at home :( It was still a fantastic song. Then Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town. I swear to God, every fucking person sang the whole song and when Eddie sang, "I just want to scream, HELLO!" every fucking person sang and raised their arms up. It was magic Then they came back with Come Back. Okay that was lame Anyway, that song kicked so much ass. I was, like, hypnotized by it, and Mikey, A+ on the soloing yet again. Keep up the good work Up next was Alive. That was another great concert song. Everyone singing, not knowing the real lyrics and just rocking the fuck out. Mike... Yeah, again By the way, I doubt it, but maybe, just maybe, if you listen real carefully, right before they started Alive I screamed, "Play Bugs!". If that's on the boot I'll fucking die!
Then they came out again and unleashed Comatose, another favorite of the new record. Fucking rocked my shit guys. I love it. Mike, you know the drill Don't ever let this one fall out of rotation. Amazing live song. And next (the new Even Flow?) Leash. Holy fuck I'm seeing Leash. How did this gem fall out of rotation?! "Get outta my fucking face!" Great sing along. I had the best time singing this song. Thank you for letting me hear this PJ
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING 2:
The phone call from Dick Cheney. I don't need to explain. Those who were there know what I'm talking about. Eddie, you could not have set Fuckin' Up more perfectly. I almost couldn't sing the song I was laughing so hard.
Yellow Ledbetter. Predictable, but glad I got to hear it. I love that song, and it was the perfect closer to the perfect show. Mike, good job on the Star Spangled Banner solo.
Thank you so much Pearl Jam for making the stop to DC and playing a kick ass show. Though a lot of my wishlist songs didn't get played, I don't care. It was a killer setlist regardless. Great work Eddie! I'm glad just to have seen you guys. And it gives me more reason to see you again Thank you so much for the best time of my life!
Downfalls of the evening: Missed the preshow (my own fault though) :( , no Riot Act :( , and I had to leave :(
It was really amazing-- one of the best shows I've been to. My section was crazy (112, few rows up on Stone's side), surrounded by people who knew every word to all the new songs. The guys were really feeling it, the energy, the love from the crowd, it felt special. I know some people have mentioned Mike-- his energy was great but some solos were not as great as others I've heard before. Jeff was out of his mind. Leaping like it was '93, grooving on rvm, smiling all over his face, he looked like he never wanted to leave. I can't say I've left a show before going wow, Jeff was amazing and really stood out. The guy was only missing the spandex and the floppy hat!
Release was a perfect opener and the first few songs were such a relentless barrage. I love low light and it was the first time I got to hear it live and it was emotional. So was I got Shit-- one of my all time favorites and my first time hearing it live too. Masters of War was really intense... you had to be there... they drew it out and my whole section was yelling "i'll stand on your grave till i'm sure that you're dead". loved comatose and leash. fuckin' up was great and ledbetter too. ed walked off near the end to talk to fugazi's ian mckaye who was watching from stone's side of the stage. oh and star spangled banner-- only a little ruined by the middle aged woman behind me who let out ear splitting and really long woooooooohs at awfully inopportune and beautiful moments and drowned out mikey!
An incredible show-- cathartic, spiritual, amazing. A great release after a rough few months for me. Can't wait for both East Rutherfod shows this weekend!
very good show.
very fast paced opening after release. the place was jamming not as much as the philly shows but hey it still rocked. for some reason people behind the stage were sitting down....SEC 117 in the back to be exact. whatever their loss oh and get this SOME LADY ASKED ME TO SIT DOWN DURING THE SHOW, WTF?????? I was like look around lady everyone is standing except for you and the rest of our section. why dont these people just stay home? anyways back to the music, awesome versions of alive, man of the hour, masters of war and rvm. energy throughout most of the place was great except for my section or parts of it anyways. i was lookin up to the 400 sections and the people up there were rockin out!! man that show left me wanting more...hmmm west coast?
ha! some guy behind me started bitching b/c i was standing, commented things like 'great, i go to a fuckin show and all i can see is a back!'
i was in section 112 7th row right on the end closest to the stage, tho. the seats were so good, i'd rather be there then 20 something on the floor...
this is my 7th time seeing pj and i think it's by far the best show i've seen of theirs!
security kept flashing their lights up and dopwn the aisle asking ppl to get all the way into their row and a few times i saw them tell ppl to stop doing things like jumping around too much, one guy just for stomping his foot (kind of like maynard), perfectly within his row and in front of his seat and they told him to stop. they grabbed a guy in his early 20's b/c they thought his camera looked too profesional, he missed a good part of the show before the let him back to his seat
standin above the crowd
he had a voice that was strong and loud and
i swallowed his facade cos i'm so
eager to identify with
someone above the crowd
someone who seemed to feel the same
someone prepared to lead the way
By J. Freedom du Lac
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 1, 2006; Page C01
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder -- who may or may not be his generation's Jim Morrison (only, you know, still very much alive) -- walked onto the sparsely set Verizon Center stage Tuesday, clutching a bottle of wine and a notebook. He sat down before a microphone and sang, in that sonorous baritone, of fathers and sons, in a moving, almost meditative piece called "Man of the Hour."
"Now the man of the hour is taking his final bow," Vedder sang, his hunched frame bathed, for the moment, in red light. "As the curtain comes down/I feel that this is just g'bye for now."
For all intents and purposes, the band did tell some of its fans to go away in the early '90s -- and the message stuck until this year, when Pearl Jam released a tight, focused self-titled album that's easily the group's most energized, commercially palatable work in a dozen years.
One of the best-selling rock titles of 2006, the recording has produced a hit single in the antiwar howl "World Wide Suicide" and is helping Pearl Jam pack arenas. Thus, the Seattle five-piece is back in the spotlight, which has always loved the group -- even if the feeling has never been mutual.
Back when flannel and corduroy were trendy and the ascendant alternative rock genre ruled popular music, there was no bigger rock band in the business than Pearl Jam, whose 1991 debut, "Ten," became a worldwide smash after Nirvana kicked down the door to the mainstream. Blending slashing punk and tuneful, riff-driven classic rock with angsty lyrics and anthemic choruses, the album sold 12 million copies in the United States and became a commercial radio and MTV staple.
The band famously responded to its sudden success by beginning a long, steady retreat: It stopped releasing singles and videos and declined most interviews. Interest hardly evaporated, as Pearl Jam's second album, 1993's "Vs.," entered the charts at No. 1 and wound up selling 7 million copies. A subsequent album, 1994's "Vitalogy," also went to No. 1. When the group canceled its 1994 American tour, citing its inability to keep ticket prices low because of Ticketmaster's business tactics, the media coverage was overwhelming.
Yet Pearl Jam eventually achieved its goal, shoving itself to the margins, where its increasingly experimental, arty output was devoured by a shrinking group of loyalists.
That quiet existence ended with last month's release of "Pearl Jam." But if the group is uncomfortable with its return to the commercial mainstream, it didn't show during Tuesday's 2 1/2 -hour show, in which the band riffed and roared through some of its biggest early '90s hits ("Alive," "Even Flow") as well as lesser-known songs from its catalogue and even a powerful cover of Bob Dylan's "Masters of War."
Always the loud liberal, Vedder dedicated a nastily-titled song to Vice President Cheney. But for the most part, he let his poetic lyrics do the talking. At least those lyrics the crowd could understand: As with the music, the vocals bounced around the Verizon Center echo chamber, making it more difficult than usual to follow Vedder, who is not the most enunciative of singers.
Still, his commanding, almost mystical presence has not abated over the years, and he remains, at the age of 41, one of the most powerful frontmen this side of Bono. Similarly, Pearl Jam is still one of the best, most convincing live outfits in contemporary rock. The group has even added a touch of jam band aesthetics to its signature sound, although on Tuesday, this meant a few too many noodling solos by guitarist Mike McCready, who is nearly as verbose with his playing as Pearl Jam's other guitarist, Stone Gossard, is economical with his.
Even so, the show had the feel of an alternative rock revival, harkening back to the glory days of grunge, before Candlebox and their imitative ilk sucked the life out of the music and Pearl Jam dropped the curtain. It was 1992 all over again. A very good year, indeed.
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
very good show.
very fast paced opening after release. the place was jamming not as much as the philly shows but hey it still rocked. for some reason people behind the stage were sitting down....SEC 117 in the back to be exact. whatever their loss oh and get this SOME LADY ASKED ME TO SIT DOWN DURING THE SHOW, WTF?????? I was like look around lady everyone is standing except for you and the rest of our section. why dont these people just stay home? anyways back to the music, awesome versions of alive, man of the hour, masters of war and rvm. energy throughout most of the place was great except for my section or parts of it anyways. i was lookin up to the 400 sections and the people up there were rockin out!! man that show left me wanting more...hmmm west coast?
A lesson learned...by the time I bought tix, the only section available was 427, upper deck behind the stage. I thought maybe it would be alright regardless, sort of a bird's eye view with a backstage vibe to it, but then the music started playing & the sound was horrible. Eddie's voice, the bass & guitars were only heard as echoes, all muffled together as incoherent noise. The only clear instrument we heard was Matt Cameron's drums, which granted, he's amazing, but still...it's PEARL JAM!! (the whole is greater than the sum of its parts)
Anyway, I think the fans behind the stage were not standing due to the depression of spending $50+/ticket for the greatest band on the planet, but not being able to hear a word/note (plus the fact that you're facing the crowd, all really feeling the music). The one bonus is Eddie felt our pain by turning around every once in awhile, waving in acknowledgement.
The set list totally kicked ass...it was like all the songs PJ did not play at Merriweather in 2000, they broke out for this show. I will definitely download the bootleg so I can hear all the songs (& what Eddie had to say to the crowd, which was difficult to make-out as well).
I don’t want to sound like I’m whining (I know, I know, I bought the tix myself, I knew we were seated behind the stage, I knew there would be a possibility the sound would suck, etc.), but this was my wife’s first PJ show, & I really wanted her to feel the emotions I went through back at Merriweather a few years back. Pearl Jam puts on the best rock shows around…their concerts are so spiritual, they should be rocked in revival tents.
Just gonna have to wait ‘til next time…in front of the stage.
This was my first Pearl Jam show since the Tibetan Freedom concert in '98, and I loved every second of it.
I'm just going to go ahead and say it - Mike McCready and Tom Morello are the two best guitarists of my generation. If you have any doubt, then you should have been at the D.C. show.
Not only did McCready break into the Star Spangled Banner (a la Jimi Hendrix during the final song of the night), but he also freaked out during "Why Go" and kicked into a guitar solo while playing behind his head. The man might have A.D.D., but dammit he rocks. Whoever said he sets the pace for the rest of the band was dead on. Just a fantastic night all the way around.
A lesson learned...by the time I bought tix, the only section available was 427, upper deck behind the stage. I thought maybe it would be alright regardless, sort of a bird's eye view with a backstage vibe to it, but then the music started playing & the sound was horrible. Eddie's voice, the bass & guitars were only heard as echoes, all muffled together as incoherent noise. The only clear instrument we heard was Matt Cameron's drums, which granted, he's amazing, but still...it's PEARL JAM!! (the whole is greater than the sum of its parts)
Anyway, I think the fans behind the stage were not standing due to the depression of spending $50+/ticket for the greatest band on the planet, but not being able to hear a word/note (plus the fact that you're facing the crowd, all really feeling the music). The one bonus is Eddie felt our pain by turning around every once in awhile, waving in acknowledgement.
The set list totally kicked ass...it was like all the songs PJ did not play at Merriweather in 2000, they broke out for this show. I will definitely download the bootleg so I can hear all the songs (& what Eddie had to say to the crowd, which was difficult to make-out as well).
I don’t want to sound like I’m whining (I know, I know, I bought the tix myself, I knew we were seated behind the stage, I knew there would be a possibility the sound would suck, etc.), but this was my wife’s first PJ show, & I really wanted her to feel the emotions I went through back at Merriweather a few years back. Pearl Jam puts on the best rock shows around…their concerts are so spiritual, they should be rocked in revival tents.
Just gonna have to wait ‘til next time…in front of the stage.
The upper deck at Verizon Center sucks the sound out of the best live shows. I saw U2 there during the Elelvation tour and it sucked, which to me says a lot considering how good they are live.
Anyway, sorry you had shitty seats. Hit the Jersey shows to make up for it!
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
I thought the DC show was pretty good. The sound was pretty bad for the first handful of songs or so, but as soon as they hit Unemployable, everything seemed to sound much better....and for the rest of the night, I thought the sound was awesome, considering we were in a huge arena. I mean, if you think the Verizon Center is bad, go to the United Center in Chicago...talk about a horrible place to see a show.
The setlist was solid, but songs like Even Flow and RVM and Grievance and Release (which I've now heard open 5 or 6 times out of the 9 shows I've been to...how does this happen?) just don't do much for me anymore. Maybe if they shortened RVM and Even Flow, and put a couple more songs in, it would be better. But halfway through, the setlist just got ridiculous. Comatose is now one of my new favorites live...does anyone else agree? It rocked hard. Follow that with Leash, and I was in headbanger heaven.
Also, the only other complaint was the fuckjob security crew we had over in section 112. Every two seconds they were flashing their lights into the crowd, or running up the stairs to yell at someone. Some people wonder why people stand around at PJ shows? Multiple people in section 112 and 113 were yelled at for dancing....complete BS. Fucking rent-a-cops. I mean, it got real annoying and people started paying more attention to them than PJ. I thought there was going to be a fight at one point.
I was over in section 112, row E, on the end closest to the stage, in that same aisle (row right in front of the two guys that got kicked out that almost caused the fight with security). Those security people took their jobs WAY too seriously. It was annoying...every minute you'd have a flashlight pointed right in your eyes because people were apparently taking up too much of the aisle and dancing too hard. What the hell, just let the people enjoy the show. No one was getting hurt or anything.
This was my first Pearl Jam show since the Tibetan Freedom concert in '98, and I loved every second of it.
I'm just going to go ahead and say it - Mike McCready and Tom Morello are the two best guitarists of my generation. If you have any doubt, then you should have been at the D.C. show.
Not only did McCready break into the Star Spangled Banner (a la Jimi Hendrix during the final song of the night), but he also freaked out during "Why Go" and kicked into a guitar solo while playing behind his head. The man might have A.D.D., but dammit he rocks. Whoever said he sets the pace for the rest of the band was dead on. Just a fantastic night all the way around.
yeah!!!!!!!!! i loved being on mikes side of the stage! he has been my fav guitarist for ages. i kept telling my guy during the show, screw dave mustung(sp) MIKE is the best. he likes megadeth.
and to the fellow behind the stage....bummer....so sorry to hear that. thanks for the advice thou. you must make up for that next go around.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
I thought I saw Ian side left by the curtain, but then I thought, no Jules, you're imagining shit. That's so cool.
The only other person, besides EV that I am completely jealous of, is Ian (and Henry Rollins... but that's it). I spent just as much time watching him as I did the band..
The only other person, besides EV that I am completely jealous of, is Ian (and Henry Rollins... but that's it). I spent just as much time watching him as I did the band..
That's kinda sad haha
Nah, he has that effect on people. I loved the Evens show at Fort Reno last year. There were all these kids there, and he kept saying Fuck then apologizing. Henry Rollins was there in the audience.
Nah, he has that effect on people. I loved the Evens show at Fort Reno last year. There were all these kids there, and he kept saying Fuck then apologizing. Henry Rollins was there in the audience.
That was a cool night... I said hi to Henry, and thanked him for doing the USO stuff since he spent a day with my cousins unit in Dec of 04... and he proceeded to talk to me for over an hour and a half. I wasn't expecting that knowing how stand offish he can be
I look SO happy... ugh
(and I still want to punch the douchebag who I gave my camera to to take the picture, focus and framing my friend, damn)
That was a cool night... I said hi to Henry, and thanked him for doing the USO stuff since he spent a day with my cousins unit in Dec of 04... and he proceeded to talk to me for over an hour and a half. I wasn't expecting that knowing how stand offish he can be
I look SO happy... ugh
(and I still want to punch the douchebag who I gave my camera to to take the picture, focus and framing my friend, damn)
Awesome pictures, that was a cool night. And, you look happy, for a DC scenester :-)
That was a cool night... I said hi to Henry, and thanked him for doing the USO stuff since he spent a day with my cousins unit in Dec of 04... and he proceeded to talk to me for over an hour and a half. I wasn't expecting that knowing how stand offish he can be
I look SO happy... ugh
(and I still want to punch the douchebag who I gave my camera to to take the picture, focus and framing my friend, damn)
What's up Mike? My wife and I met you by the SUV in DC. Cool pics. Where did you run into those guys?
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
Comments
expecially Mike... he was so kind to the disabled people in the wheelchair section...
made me smile so big... Mike kept coming over to the side where they were located, and played guitar to them as if he were only playing for them, and the smiles oooo the smiles:)
I really thought about either writing an email or letter, explaining how kind of him that was, and how it was one of the sweetest things ive ever witnessed. Then i figured ten c would see it as another bullshit letter, and decided i shouldnt bother, and that he probably would never see it..... then i thought about making a sign for the jersey shows saying,
MIKE AND ED:
IN DC YOU WERE SO SWEET!
but then i thought they probably wouldnt get that either lol so hopefully, they will check out the dc fanviews, and know how greatful i am to be a fan of such nice people, and how inspiring it really was.
Thanks Mike and Ed:)
btw, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PLAYING I GOT SHIT! was the highlight for me... my fav pearl jam song , and what i wanted to hear the most on this tour.
also, thanks to the lady who handed me and my guy that nights setlist after security was really rude to us . Really made our night!
ps. Did anyone else have problems with dc security guards? Ive never had any problems at all, takes alot for me to get upset, but these guys were just awful. Was so hard to enjoy the show, because they were constantly watching you with a really mean look on their face, as if you were a a prisioner doing work on the side of the road... but finally, i just tuned that out
and then at the end, we were waiting for the place to clear out a lil bit, because my hub had a really sore foot, and didnt want to get it trampled by the masses of people coming out and then three...THREE, not one, not even, two, but THREE securiting guards came all at once yelling at us telling us we had to leave.. and we said ok, and were trying to explain why we had waited, but they were all yelling at us at once... i mean does it really take that many people to tell two people one simple thing? We werent drunken idiots so i didnt get why they were being so mean, but again the night really did cheer up:D
oh and we met some awesome awesome fucking people at the dc show... you know who you are
was a great night....
i just spent $25 on your lot, let me get my shit out of my van!
thats because ian and amy were on the side of the stage the entire show...
went to arlington hardware... to buyyyy some electrical tape.... its all downhill, from here
Any Evens show is a good time!
I thought there would be more political type ranting with it being D.C., and having Ian and Amy there.
I've been trying to post my views of the show for days now but had some problems setting up my account.
Let me first start by saying that I am a true PJ vet.
I have seen PJ at least once (usually more) every time they have played in the Boston area since Lallapalooza II back in 1991.
That's right... Ninety F%$#ing One!
I flew to Las Vegas in October of 2000 for their 10th B-Day show too! Which, as I'm sure you can imagine, was increadably touching and very emotional and was the greatest performance I have ever seen by any band - And I have seen many... That was - until May 25th at the Boston Garden.
I don't know what it was... I was there the night before too and it didn't seem to compare. As many have said; I believe BI was simply a warm-up... a soundcheck, if you will, to BII. The band just seemed to be in a great, excited and loving mood - coming on almost 20 minutes early and rocking 'till the roof was about to cave in. The croud was electric. The set was dream-like and could not have been planned better (if at all).
It seemed as though the whole second encore was shot from the hip with Ed just jumping around between songs grasping his brotheren and calling audables. Just going with his gut. It was truly beautiful.
They could have played for ten hours if it could be allowed and the crowd would have been right there with them the whole time.
The PJ fan base is a wonderful phenominon. Not seen since the likes of The Dead but much cooler and better smelling.
Anyway, I just wanted to relate this to the younger fans who were there (and there seem to be many - or I just may be getting old) who believe that they saw a true moment in Pearl Jam history and to let them know that they had indeed. Coming from a long-time PJ fan from even before the conception of PJ - (I'm talkin' MoLoBo Yo! I was following Stone and Jeff from even before Ed!) And I'm here to testify. Boston II was like going to church and having God Almighty Herself show up to rock the altar!
Peace and Love to all of you! I'll see you the next time in Boston!
-Mercury
hahaha...yeah, i thought for sure we'd get that song along with "Green Disease"! Awesome show though!!!! And the poster kicks ass!!!
NJ 8/28 & 8/29/98
NJ 9/1 & 9/2/00
PA 4/28/03
NJ 7/5 & 7/6/03
NY 7/8/03
PA 7/12/03
PA 10/1/04
DC 10/11/04
NJ 9/30 & 10/1/05
PA 10/3/05
NJ 5/27 & 5/28/06
DC 5/30/06
NJ 6/1 & 6/3/06
WA 7/22 & 7/23/06
IL 8/5/07
NJ 6/19 & 6/20/08
DC 6/22/08
NY 6/24 & 6/25/08
NY 7/1/08
PA 10/27, 10/28, 10/30 & 10/31/09
Couldn't have been NINTEY FUCKING ONE... since Lolla was July-Sep 1992
Sorry, Bud...
Lolly I was 1990 - W/Jane's and Living Color etc, etc... I still have the T-shirt.
91 was Lolly II w/PJ, SG, and a number of others... I think that was the one RHCP headlined.... It was a long time ago, but I'm certain of the year. Lolly I was 90 just as Lolly VI was in 05 (I was there too down in Tennesee I believe.)
SG played that one too... Metallica headlined.
You know what... now that I think about it... You might be right...
I think LollyI was in 91 which would make LollyII 92. My bad.
I'd have to ask my Lil Sis given the fact that she stole my first Lolly T.
We Were!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks 10c!! My seats were awesome. I was in sec 120 row P. Mike made my night!! He's an energetic thing isn't he?!?! Why go was the best b/c of Mike.. I mean behind his head, standing on the speaker!!! That's what makes this show so memorable for me. I've never been so close to them, it was perfect. Jeff was def. rockin' out as well last night. He's a funky dude! Why go was my fav, with Life Wasted and Come back close 2nd. The Life Wasted intro was sweet. Ed's vocals were hot as well. The energy was palpable from the stage. This show is 2nd to Philly '05 for me. But that was a different energy. I met some cool people in my section, but was kind of shocked by the few around me who didn't move or -gasp- actually sat the entire 2nd and 3rd sets!
What a great night, totally worth the 2 hr drive, and traffic.
Thanks Pearl Jam!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know I'm not the only one praying for another tour around the East Coast!! Come back through and play VA and the Carolinas!!
I know I was born and I know that I'll die, the in between is mine. I Am Mine
Til the Lightning Bolt sets you free
Wahine - I'm a Lightning Bolt
9/2/98, 7/1/03, 10/3/05, 5/30/06, 6/17/08, ED-8/16/08, 10/30/09, 5/13/10, 10/29/13, 10/14/14
-RIP Hippiemom -
okay, you play leash again, we get it !
Randall's Island, NYC . 1996
Madison Square Garden, NYC . 1998 [the BREATH campaign]
Jones Beach, NYC . 2000
State College, PA . 2003 [longest show ever]
Madison Square Garden, NYC . 2003
Camden, NJ . 2006
Washington, DC . 2006
Portland, OR . 2009
I was on the phone with my friend and heard Master/Slave kick in and went apeshit. I was screaming into the phone, "Ya hear that! Ya hear that!" The friend I was talking to likes Ten, and select other PJ songs, so he was like, "cool". Then they open with Release, his favorite
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING:
Even Flow. Yes Even Flow. For some reason I hate to admit it, but it was. The energy coming from that song was so powerful. It was the only time I ever knew 100% of the lyrics right on cue. Perfect timing! No wonder it's played at almost every show
Right after that, they bust out a goodie, I Got Shit. I loved it. Totally came out of left field. I never expected it. Then another fucking goodie, and sadly the only No Code song, Present Tense
Then we got treated to a sweet acoustic set starting with Man of the Hour. I'm glad I got to hear this song, it's so good. And right after we get Masters of War. I'm embarrassed, but I didn't know the song until I read the setlist back at home :( It was still a fantastic song. Then Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town. I swear to God, every fucking person sang the whole song and when Eddie sang, "I just want to scream, HELLO!" every fucking person sang and raised their arms up. It was magic
Then they came out again and unleashed Comatose, another favorite of the new record. Fucking rocked my shit guys. I love it. Mike, you know the drill
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING 2:
The phone call from Dick Cheney. I don't need to explain. Those who were there know what I'm talking about. Eddie, you could not have set Fuckin' Up more perfectly. I almost couldn't sing the song I was laughing so hard.
Yellow Ledbetter. Predictable, but glad I got to hear it. I love that song, and it was the perfect closer to the perfect show. Mike, good job on the Star Spangled Banner solo.
Thank you so much Pearl Jam for making the stop to DC and playing a kick ass show. Though a lot of my wishlist songs didn't get played, I don't care. It was a killer setlist regardless. Great work Eddie! I'm glad just to have seen you guys. And it gives me more reason to see you again
Downfalls of the evening: Missed the preshow (my own fault though) :( , no Riot Act :( , and I had to leave :(
Release was a perfect opener and the first few songs were such a relentless barrage. I love low light and it was the first time I got to hear it live and it was emotional. So was I got Shit-- one of my all time favorites and my first time hearing it live too. Masters of War was really intense... you had to be there... they drew it out and my whole section was yelling "i'll stand on your grave till i'm sure that you're dead". loved comatose and leash. fuckin' up was great and ledbetter too. ed walked off near the end to talk to fugazi's ian mckaye who was watching from stone's side of the stage. oh and star spangled banner-- only a little ruined by the middle aged woman behind me who let out ear splitting and really long woooooooohs at awfully inopportune and beautiful moments and drowned out mikey!
An incredible show-- cathartic, spiritual, amazing. A great release after a rough few months for me. Can't wait for both East Rutherfod shows this weekend!
ha! some guy behind me started bitching b/c i was standing, commented things like 'great, i go to a fuckin show and all i can see is a back!'
i was in section 112 7th row right on the end closest to the stage, tho. the seats were so good, i'd rather be there then 20 something on the floor...
this is my 7th time seeing pj and i think it's by far the best show i've seen of theirs!
security kept flashing their lights up and dopwn the aisle asking ppl to get all the way into their row and a few times i saw them tell ppl to stop doing things like jumping around too much, one guy just for stomping his foot (kind of like maynard), perfectly within his row and in front of his seat and they told him to stop. they grabbed a guy in his early 20's b/c they thought his camera looked too profesional, he missed a good part of the show before the let him back to his seat
he had a voice that was strong and loud and
i swallowed his facade cos i'm so
eager to identify with
someone above the crowd
someone who seemed to feel the same
someone prepared to lead the way
I thought I saw Ian side left by the curtain, but then I thought, no Jules, you're imagining shit. That's so cool.
By J. Freedom du Lac
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 1, 2006; Page C01
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder -- who may or may not be his generation's Jim Morrison (only, you know, still very much alive) -- walked onto the sparsely set Verizon Center stage Tuesday, clutching a bottle of wine and a notebook. He sat down before a microphone and sang, in that sonorous baritone, of fathers and sons, in a moving, almost meditative piece called "Man of the Hour."
"Now the man of the hour is taking his final bow," Vedder sang, his hunched frame bathed, for the moment, in red light. "As the curtain comes down/I feel that this is just g'bye for now."
For all intents and purposes, the band did tell some of its fans to go away in the early '90s -- and the message stuck until this year, when Pearl Jam released a tight, focused self-titled album that's easily the group's most energized, commercially palatable work in a dozen years.
One of the best-selling rock titles of 2006, the recording has produced a hit single in the antiwar howl "World Wide Suicide" and is helping Pearl Jam pack arenas. Thus, the Seattle five-piece is back in the spotlight, which has always loved the group -- even if the feeling has never been mutual.
Back when flannel and corduroy were trendy and the ascendant alternative rock genre ruled popular music, there was no bigger rock band in the business than Pearl Jam, whose 1991 debut, "Ten," became a worldwide smash after Nirvana kicked down the door to the mainstream. Blending slashing punk and tuneful, riff-driven classic rock with angsty lyrics and anthemic choruses, the album sold 12 million copies in the United States and became a commercial radio and MTV staple.
The band famously responded to its sudden success by beginning a long, steady retreat: It stopped releasing singles and videos and declined most interviews. Interest hardly evaporated, as Pearl Jam's second album, 1993's "Vs.," entered the charts at No. 1 and wound up selling 7 million copies. A subsequent album, 1994's "Vitalogy," also went to No. 1. When the group canceled its 1994 American tour, citing its inability to keep ticket prices low because of Ticketmaster's business tactics, the media coverage was overwhelming.
Yet Pearl Jam eventually achieved its goal, shoving itself to the margins, where its increasingly experimental, arty output was devoured by a shrinking group of loyalists.
That quiet existence ended with last month's release of "Pearl Jam." But if the group is uncomfortable with its return to the commercial mainstream, it didn't show during Tuesday's 2 1/2 -hour show, in which the band riffed and roared through some of its biggest early '90s hits ("Alive," "Even Flow") as well as lesser-known songs from its catalogue and even a powerful cover of Bob Dylan's "Masters of War."
Always the loud liberal, Vedder dedicated a nastily-titled song to Vice President Cheney. But for the most part, he let his poetic lyrics do the talking. At least those lyrics the crowd could understand: As with the music, the vocals bounced around the Verizon Center echo chamber, making it more difficult than usual to follow Vedder, who is not the most enunciative of singers.
Still, his commanding, almost mystical presence has not abated over the years, and he remains, at the age of 41, one of the most powerful frontmen this side of Bono. Similarly, Pearl Jam is still one of the best, most convincing live outfits in contemporary rock. The group has even added a touch of jam band aesthetics to its signature sound, although on Tuesday, this meant a few too many noodling solos by guitarist Mike McCready, who is nearly as verbose with his playing as Pearl Jam's other guitarist, Stone Gossard, is economical with his.
Even so, the show had the feel of an alternative rock revival, harkening back to the glory days of grunge, before Candlebox and their imitative ilk sucked the life out of the music and Pearl Jam dropped the curtain. It was 1992 all over again. A very good year, indeed.
A lesson learned...by the time I bought tix, the only section available was 427, upper deck behind the stage. I thought maybe it would be alright regardless, sort of a bird's eye view with a backstage vibe to it, but then the music started playing & the sound was horrible. Eddie's voice, the bass & guitars were only heard as echoes, all muffled together as incoherent noise. The only clear instrument we heard was Matt Cameron's drums, which granted, he's amazing, but still...it's PEARL JAM!! (the whole is greater than the sum of its parts)
Anyway, I think the fans behind the stage were not standing due to the depression of spending $50+/ticket for the greatest band on the planet, but not being able to hear a word/note (plus the fact that you're facing the crowd, all really feeling the music). The one bonus is Eddie felt our pain by turning around every once in awhile, waving in acknowledgement.
The set list totally kicked ass...it was like all the songs PJ did not play at Merriweather in 2000, they broke out for this show. I will definitely download the bootleg so I can hear all the songs (& what Eddie had to say to the crowd, which was difficult to make-out as well).
I don’t want to sound like I’m whining (I know, I know, I bought the tix myself, I knew we were seated behind the stage, I knew there would be a possibility the sound would suck, etc.), but this was my wife’s first PJ show, & I really wanted her to feel the emotions I went through back at Merriweather a few years back. Pearl Jam puts on the best rock shows around…their concerts are so spiritual, they should be rocked in revival tents.
Just gonna have to wait ‘til next time…in front of the stage.
I'm just going to go ahead and say it - Mike McCready and Tom Morello are the two best guitarists of my generation. If you have any doubt, then you should have been at the D.C. show.
Not only did McCready break into the Star Spangled Banner (a la Jimi Hendrix during the final song of the night), but he also freaked out during "Why Go" and kicked into a guitar solo while playing behind his head. The man might have A.D.D., but dammit he rocks. Whoever said he sets the pace for the rest of the band was dead on. Just a fantastic night all the way around.
The upper deck at Verizon Center sucks the sound out of the best live shows. I saw U2 there during the Elelvation tour and it sucked, which to me says a lot considering how good they are live.
Anyway, sorry you had shitty seats. Hit the Jersey shows to make up for it!
I was over in section 112, row E, on the end closest to the stage, in that same aisle (row right in front of the two guys that got kicked out that almost caused the fight with security). Those security people took their jobs WAY too seriously. It was annoying...every minute you'd have a flashlight pointed right in your eyes because people were apparently taking up too much of the aisle and dancing too hard. What the hell, just let the people enjoy the show. No one was getting hurt or anything.
yeah!!!!!!!!! i loved being on mikes side of the stage! he has been my fav guitarist for ages. i kept telling my guy during the show, screw dave mustung(sp) MIKE is the best. he likes megadeth.
and to the fellow behind the stage....bummer....so sorry to hear that. thanks for the advice thou. you must make up for that next go around.
The only other person, besides EV that I am completely jealous of, is Ian (and Henry Rollins... but that's it). I spent just as much time watching him as I did the band..
That's kinda sad haha
Nah, he has that effect on people. I loved the Evens show at Fort Reno last year. There were all these kids there, and he kept saying Fuck then apologizing. Henry Rollins was there in the audience.
That was a cool night... I said hi to Henry, and thanked him for doing the USO stuff since he spent a day with my cousins unit in Dec of 04... and he proceeded to talk to me for over an hour and a half. I wasn't expecting that knowing how stand offish he can be
I look SO happy... ugh
(and I still want to punch the douchebag who I gave my camera to to take the picture, focus and framing my friend, damn)
Awesome pictures, that was a cool night. And, you look happy, for a DC scenester :-)
See you at this year's show!
What's up Mike? My wife and I met you by the SUV in DC. Cool pics. Where did you run into those guys?
I assume you mean Ft Reno?