What's up Mike? My wife and I met you by the SUV in DC. Cool pics. Where did you run into those guys?
Hey man!!! Nice meeting you guys.
I swear I wasn't lying about the 850 start time. I had to make a mad dash to my seat. That was the earliest of all the shows, I think because of the 11pm curfew.
Those were taken at the Ft. Reno Evens show last June... I assume they will play Ft Reno again this year.
Check out the fortreno.com site for all the free shows in the summer on Mon/Thur nights at Fort Reno park.
15 years ago, I was a pop-addled 16 year-old living in the cloistered environment of an air base in Germany with no clue about top-notch, inspirational rock and roll. That summer, a family friend passing through town for work handed me a cassette tape. "You have to listen to this," he said. "I got this from a buddy of mine who works at a radio station in LA. It will blow your mind."
That tape contained Nirvana's Nevermind on Side A...but on side B I found my musical future -- it was Ten, and I was hooked for life.
Here I am at 31, with my first child on the way, and I am thrilled to report that after nearly two decades in existence, the boys of Pearl Jam are still delivering the goods.
Last night's concert was a beautiful live-music experience and my favorite concert experience ever. Let's start with the front-man. Eddie was in great voice from moment one and full of energy from beginning to end. What a contrast with Nissan in 2003, when he clearly suffered from "worn-out throat syndrome". I chalk this up to the difference between catching him in May as opposed to July. Though as some have referenced, 2003's "Better Man" was an incredible delivery of that song.
Then let's talk about Mike McCready, whose energy sets the tone for the rest of the band. His skills and insane energy were on full display. He bounced and jumped all over the stage, and I thought he frequently took the lead in ensuring that the band recognized the fans behind the stage (though Eddie also pointedly referenced the fans on the sides, too). I shouldn't slight Ament, Gossard, Cameron, or Gaspar, though, because last night was an example of what a cohesively excellent band Pearl Jam has become.
Now, let's talk set list -- Ten, Vs., Vitalogy, Merkinball, No Code, Binaural, Yield, Pearl Jam -- all were represented. Now, I'm not particularly a fan of most of Binaural and a good portion of Yield, but for fans of those albums, it must have been great to hear Given to Fly, Low Light, Grievance, etc. I particularly enjoyed Release (nice to hear a classic!), Why Go, MOW, Comatose (love that aggressive little rocker!), Severed Hand (incredible song) and Eddie's substitution of Fuckin' Up for RITFW. It is interesting to me that not a single song from Riot Act was played -- I would have loved to hear Love Boat Captain -- but cest la vie!
But mainly, what I enjoyed boiled down to two thoughts -- how fantastic is it for us fans that Pearl Jam's repertoire is so solidly excellent from first album to last that they can pull songs from nearly every studio album to put together an excellent show? And, how awesome is it that after 15 years, this band still consistently rocks the house at a live show? And that they seem to be stronger now than they were in the No-Code-Binaural years? The boys have commented in the press that the new album seems to be their "new engine" -- and they certainly revealed the truth of that comment last night. I pray that this new engine lasts for years and years to come.
Thanks once again, Pearl Jam, for a thoroughly enjoyable concert experience -- and for reminding me why I fell in love with you 15 years ago, and have remained a steadfast fan!
Awesome post. I feel the same way. I can remember the moment a friend at college said to me,"you should get that CD, there is not a bad song on it". So, I bought Ten and my life has always had Pearl Jam in it since then. So many memories and significant moments in life are tied to this band and their music. I am glad you guys got such a great show (I was not there but I did just go to both Camden shows).
Release as an opener....wow, I have been waiting to experience that, you guys are lucky!
"Oh dear dad, can you see me now? I am myself, like you somehow."
I swear I wasn't lying about the 850 start time. I had to make a mad dash to my seat. That was the earliest of all the shows, I think because of the 11pm curfew.
Those were taken at the Ft. Reno Evens show last June... I assume they will play Ft Reno again this year.
Check out the fortreno.com site for all the free shows in the summer on Mon/Thur nights at Fort Reno park.
It's all good man-- we were in on time. I had a feeling they were going to start early. We actually sat down when they started playing Master/Slave.
It was good to meet you. Going to NJ2?
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
I am just now getting back home, a spot of bad luck (car trouble) left me stranded in DC for 2 days. I actually cried during Ed's intro to Unemployable, the show was an island of rockin grace in an otherwise crappy day and a show I will remember forever; unbelievably amazing set, so much love for the guys (mike was on fire!) and well worth the long road trip and the subsequent hassles. I was in sec 113, best seats I've ever had for a PJ show so thank you very much 10C!!!!! I read the forums a lot but rarely post, I just had to get my love out for this show. Thanks again to PJ and 10C for a show I will never forget!
I wanted to give a shout out to all the PJ fans who attended the DC show!
I couldn't believe it when I saw Stone standing behind the guitars before they came on stage. I cried during the entire time of Release. I couldn't believe PJ was on stage, playing that song! Also, Leash, RVM, and I Got Shit were awesome- I totally didn't expect them to play that!
The first time I ever saw PJ was No Code tour in Charlotte- that's the luckiest I've ever gotten to being as close to the band as possible. This was my 6th time, each of them being one of the best days of my life. Our seats were sec 110 in DC, so I can't complain. Great view!
I loved the entire concert, wouldn't sit down, and rock 'n' rolled the entire night. Thanks, PJ, for all your hard work and always putting on amazing shows!! I can't wait for next time around!
I wanted to give a shout out to all the PJ fans who attended the DC show!
I couldn't believe it when I saw Stone standing behind the guitars before they came on stage. I cried during the entire time of Release. I couldn't believe PJ was on stage, playing that song! Also, Leash, RVM, and I Got Shit were awesome- I totally didn't expect them to play that!
The first time I ever saw PJ was No Code tour in Charlotte- that's the luckiest I've ever gotten to being as close to the band as possible. This was my 6th time, each of them being one of the best days of my life. Our seats were sec 110 in DC, so I can't complain. Great view!
I loved the entire concert, wouldn't sit down, and rock 'n' rolled the entire night. Thanks, PJ, for all your hard work and always putting on amazing shows!! I can't wait for next time around!
Chris - -
Row Z, seats 12 and 13, which you didn't belong in but for some reason decided to join me. Just wanted to say I had a fabulous time dancing and singing and enjoying a great show!!!!
Not sure what made you come over, but you must have known I needed someone to enjoy the show with and enjoy it I did. Hope you made it home safe. I have the picture on my cell phone as a reminder. You made the night unf*&%ingforgettable.
Thanks again - - keep rockin' and if it's what you want, I hope she "Comes Back".
Carol
You can spend your time alone, re-digesting past regrets, oh
Or you can come to terms and realize
You're the only one who cannot forgive yourself, oh
Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense
Yeah, I will be up there saturday... can't wait, should be an insane night!!!
Yeah, I am pretty amped for that one. I am bringing my buddy to that show and his first gig was this past Tuesday night. He's been a big fan since Ten just never went to the shows. But I have a feeling he might be hooked now!
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
Yeah, I am pretty amped for that one. I am bringing my buddy to that show and his first gig was this past Tuesday night. He's been a big fan since Ten just never went to the shows. But I have a feeling he might be hooked now!
It happens that way.... all of my friends are too "punk as fuck" so I roll as the lone ranger.
I can't pick a favorite PJ show that I have seen... but this had a lot more adrenaline than any other. I was 18 rows back sort of between Stone and Ed(next to the aisle). Does anyone know how many people were in the crowd that night?
good show....this was 11th pj show, but my first indoors and the shortest show ive been to by almost a half hour. i thought the crowd was pretty good but i thought the mix was pretty bad honestly. i know ill get crucified for this, but alot of the time eddie and mike were pretty muffled, especially at the start. so for a pj show this was the least enjoyable ive been to, BUT that makes it better than 90% of the other shows ive been to. my friend that was there for her first show thought it was absolutely incredible to put it in perspective.
I am so proud to say that 3 of my students went to their FIRST SHOW in DC on Tuesday. I couldn't think of a better show for them...they were "excited by the fast stuff" and "had seats behind the stage...we could see the drums!" Also, "We liked 'Leash'!" (of course, right?
On Wednesday, 2 of them came in wearing the avocado socks to 5th period.
Awesome.
In general, I loved the show, esp. "Low Light"...it was great after Camden 1 & 2. I wish I couldv'e taken off the next day, but it was worth it. See some of you on Saturday!!!
I am so proud to say that 3 of my students went to their FIRST SHOW in DC on Tuesday. I couldn't think of a better show for them...they were "excited by the fast stuff" and "had seats behind the stage...we could see the drums!" Also, "We liked 'Leash'!" (of course, right?
On Wednesday, 2 of them came in wearing the avocado socks to 5th period.
Awesome.
In general, I loved the show, esp. "Low Light"...it was great after Camden 1 & 2. I wish I couldv'e taken off the next day, but it was worth it. See some of you on Saturday!!!
The band sounded great, I had great seats.. But I was a bit bitter with the slow second set. When they played here in 03 at Nissan, they played a lengthy slow set, but the songs played were better (Off He Goes especially).
I was hoping they'd play a little more off of Riot Act...but I still enjoyed the show.. just a bit of a letdown after the VFC Reading show in 04.
The only really bad part was the damn Metro afterwards. Had to wait 20 minutes for an Orange Line train, then we only got one stop when the booted everyone off the train because a door was messed up.
Long story short (too late), it added an hour to my trip home. I was hurting at work on Wed.
I never really cared about you
I never really got to thinking about you
I can't pick a favorite PJ show that I have seen... but this had a lot more adrenaline than any other. I was 18 rows back sort of between Stone and Ed(next to the aisle). Does anyone know how many people were in the crowd that night?
yea, was it sold out? sure looked like it was.......
and to the metro person: my boyfriend insisted he had to go to work wednesday. we didn't get home until 3am. beat that.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
Just wanted to say that the boot of this show sounds fantastic.
Ironically it's the best sounding of the three shows I went to (Camden I and II and DC) when it was the worst sounding in person as I was in 113 which was a fantastic view but had some echo issues at times due to be behind some of the speakers (was on Stone's corner of the stage, lower level).
2000: Pittsburgh
2006: Camden I & II, DC
2008: DC, Ed DC II
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.
i was right behind those ppl! the one guy who got removed wasn't even sitting there. there were 2 guys, 1 got snatched cos they thought his camera was 'too professional' he missed at least 1/2 the show, then came back pissed off and just left. so there was an empty seat which some drunk guy took and started mouthing off to security and bumping his chest into theirs when they came, so they made him leave.
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
I highly recommend the boot, the sound is amazing.
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
Incredible version of "Inside Job" and I just listened to the new version of "Betterman". At least us DC fans can say we got the first "Boom" edition of "Betterman". Did anyone else hit Coyote Ugly after the show? I put EFLO on the playlist and the C Ugly bartenders were going crazy.
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
Comments
Hey man!!! Nice meeting you guys.
I swear I wasn't lying about the 850 start time. I had to make a mad dash to my seat. That was the earliest of all the shows, I think because of the 11pm curfew.
Those were taken at the Ft. Reno Evens show last June... I assume they will play Ft Reno again this year.
Check out the fortreno.com site for all the free shows in the summer on Mon/Thur nights at Fort Reno park.
Yeah, I'm hoping that the Evens will play in July. I'll probably come out to a few of the other shows as well.
Gist is playing on the 15th, they are a pretty good band
http://www.myspace.com/gist
Awesome post. I feel the same way. I can remember the moment a friend at college said to me,"you should get that CD, there is not a bad song on it". So, I bought Ten and my life has always had Pearl Jam in it since then. So many memories and significant moments in life are tied to this band and their music. I am glad you guys got such a great show (I was not there but I did just go to both Camden shows).
Release as an opener....wow, I have been waiting to experience that, you guys are lucky!
CAMDEN 8.29.98{}CAMDEN 9.2.00{}SPECTRUM 4.28.03{}CAMDEN 7.5.03{}CAMDEN 7.6.03{}WACHOVIA 10.3.05{}CAMDEN 5.27.06{}CAMDEN 5.28.06{}CAMDEN 6.19.08{}CAMDEN 6.20.08{} MANSFIELD 6.28.08{}EV @ Tower Theater 6.12.09{}SPECTRUM 10.28.09{}SPECTRUM 10.30.09{}SPECTRUM (RIP) 10.31.09{}MSG 5.21.10{}EV @ Tower Theater 6.25.11{}Alpine Valley 9.3.11{}Alpine Valley 9.4.11
It's all good man-- we were in on time. I had a feeling they were going to start early. We actually sat down when they started playing Master/Slave.
It was good to meet you. Going to NJ2?
I couldn't believe it when I saw Stone standing behind the guitars before they came on stage. I cried during the entire time of Release. I couldn't believe PJ was on stage, playing that song! Also, Leash, RVM, and I Got Shit were awesome- I totally didn't expect them to play that!
The first time I ever saw PJ was No Code tour in Charlotte- that's the luckiest I've ever gotten to being as close to the band as possible. This was my 6th time, each of them being one of the best days of my life. Our seats were sec 110 in DC, so I can't complain. Great view!
I loved the entire concert, wouldn't sit down, and rock 'n' rolled the entire night. Thanks, PJ, for all your hard work and always putting on amazing shows!! I can't wait for next time around!
Yeah, I will be up there saturday... can't wait, should be an insane night!!!
Ed told me to tell you, "you're welcome"
Row Z, seats 12 and 13, which you didn't belong in but for some reason decided to join me. Just wanted to say I had a fabulous time dancing and singing and enjoying a great show!!!!
Not sure what made you come over, but you must have known I needed someone to enjoy the show with and enjoy it I did. Hope you made it home safe. I have the picture on my cell phone as a reminder. You made the night unf*&%ingforgettable.
Thanks again - - keep rockin' and if it's what you want, I hope she "Comes Back".
Carol
Or you can come to terms and realize
You're the only one who cannot forgive yourself, oh
Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense
It happens that way.... all of my friends are too "punk as fuck" so I roll as the lone ranger.
Good for you. I hope we meet again!
I am so proud to say that 3 of my students went to their FIRST SHOW in DC on Tuesday. I couldn't think of a better show for them...they were "excited by the fast stuff" and "had seats behind the stage...we could see the drums!" Also, "We liked 'Leash'!" (of course, right?
On Wednesday, 2 of them came in wearing the avocado socks to 5th period.
Awesome.
In general, I loved the show, esp. "Low Light"...it was great after Camden 1 & 2. I wish I couldv'e taken off the next day, but it was worth it. See some of you on Saturday!!!
That... is... fucking... cool
I was hoping they'd play a little more off of Riot Act...but I still enjoyed the show.. just a bit of a letdown after the VFC Reading show in 04.
The only really bad part was the damn Metro afterwards. Had to wait 20 minutes for an Orange Line train, then we only got one stop when the booted everyone off the train because a door was messed up.
Long story short (too late), it added an hour to my trip home. I was hurting at work on Wed.
I never really got to thinking about you
yea, was it sold out? sure looked like it was.......
and to the metro person: my boyfriend insisted he had to go to work wednesday. we didn't get home until 3am. beat that.
Ironically it's the best sounding of the three shows I went to (Camden I and II and DC) when it was the worst sounding in person as I was in 113 which was a fantastic view but had some echo issues at times due to be behind some of the speakers (was on Stone's corner of the stage, lower level).
2006: Camden I & II, DC
2008: DC, Ed DC II
Washington DC 5-30-06
i was right behind those ppl! the one guy who got removed wasn't even sitting there. there were 2 guys, 1 got snatched cos they thought his camera was 'too professional' he missed at least 1/2 the show, then came back pissed off and just left. so there was an empty seat which some drunk guy took and started mouthing off to security and bumping his chest into theirs when they came, so they made him leave.
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
fucking classic!
Thats how it works, you do one... then you need to do 50
one of the highlights. *big grin*
and heather75 it's way too easy to develope a pj addiction. if i had more money and time i'm sure i'd have gobs more shows in my basket than 3!
yeah, i'm looking for that too.