Eddie is friends with a friend of my mother-in-law. It helps to know people who know people to make a dream come true. It was surreal and I have to keep convincing myself that I really did meet my musical therapist.
I don't think there was anything special before Ship Song...I may be wrong, though. Before Hurt Eddie did say something about having never played the song before and he was probably going to fuck it up, or something like that. He said he was borrowing it from another guy from Chicago. Afterwards he said "Thanks, Trent" or something like that. He didn't really make a big deal about either of the songs, though. Hurt was fucking GREAT, by the way.
Eddie is friends with a friend of my mother-in-law. It helps to know people who know people to make a dream come true. It was surreal and I have to keep convincing myself that I really did meet my musical therapist.
I hate you! so what the hell goes on back there? was there alot of people? what was ed doing?
Utterly unbelievable. How awesome was it to hear Eddie's voice without a bunch of other noise going on behind him? (no offense to the rest of PJ who I love, also). He acted and spoke like we were all his best friends. Is there another performer who can make his audience feel as comfortable as Eddie did?? He has become such a great guitar player, too! It's really amazing how much he has progressed since he first started playing around with it. I've been to 30+ PJ shows and I don't know if I've ever heard Porch sound so unbelievable. And Arc! OH MY GOD. I had no idea what I was in for. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Congrats to Eddie for doing his thing and doing it so incredibly well. I don't think the anything about the entire experience could have been put together any better. Thank you EV.
PJ fan since 1991 (I was 14); Ten Club member since '95.
I am still buzzing from the show. Eddie really was in a good mood, although some assholes tried to ruin it. Chicago is certainly not immune to the idiots that yell crazy comments and requests and interrupt Eddie. WTF! Some woman behind me kept yelling "Cubs suck!" during the Wrigley song. Unbelievable.
But Eddie didn't let it ruin his mood and he was in rare form. No mistakes (minor pause in Hide Your Love Away but it added to the song). I loved Ship Song, although I didn't know what it was when I heard it. Hurt was unexpected and amazing. Society was probably my favorite, though.
My friend at the show is educated in vocals and she was astounded at Eddie's control and range during Arc. I'm a little less sophisticated...I just thought it sounded cool.
I've got to get a copy of this show!
Hey guys,
This is a double post because I think as a long timer there was some interesting stuff to point out.
To answer pressing questions:
Betterman sounded to me like it was straight off the Into The Wild album. He could have used the rendition from last night on there and it would have flowed perfectly. I don't know how else to describe it. It was so different NO ONE was able to sing along. My wife loved it. As neve my favorite PJ song, I liked it a lot better without the massive singalong!
The comments about Milwaukee came after the second song. He said "Already I can tell this is going to be a good show. You're 100% better than the 2% of assholes in Milwaukee" loosely quoted.
Now onto my thoughts of the show:
I haven't seen Eddie on these two last tours but saw him play with C Average at Tibetan Freedom Concert (and some other time but I'm blanking when that was!?! argh too early and I'm hungover). I was majorly impressed by how great it sounded. Auditorium Theater is known for its acoustics, unless you're in the nosebleeds. Eddie many times apologized to the folks up there and went into a long story about how his uncle took him to his first concert there when he was 8 or so he said 1978 then 1976 and they kept going all the way up. If you've never been in those seats, they're awful. We left a Wilco show once because it was so bad. Do not buy tickets up there tonight even if they're cheap. Also he said it was Springsteen and I briefly wondered who the "Uncle" was if you catch my drift.
Oh the sound...they must have mic-ed the actual floor because his foot stomping was definitely coming out of the amps. And no, not the little kickdrum box. I think he only used that twice. It was great. Setlist was great. I don’t know why he did Hurt, but it was definitely a take on the Johnny Cash version. It was good, but hasn’t everyone covered that song by now? The audience mics were out and EV mentioned recording the show on two different occasions. My guess would be a set of the two nights to be released at some point. It was definitely worthy of its own bootleg as 1 show though. Eddie had lyrics for every song as well. He seemed VERY concerned with getting the words right and I don't think I noticed any major mistakes at all.
Anyway, the highlight for me was No More with Thomas Young. It’s pretty hard to be that close to the stage and see how crippled this guy is and not get emotional. The whole place (mostly, I’ll get into this later) was singing the chorus and it was very emotional. Eddie even got choked up during the next song and mentioned it. Probably one of the more “moving” moments I’ve experienced at a concert just because of the crowd and what was going on. And I’m a jaded concert goer.
Now for the crowd: It was a pretty old crowd. I’m 32 and I’m guessing that was the avg age. That said there was only 1 or 2 dudes yelling idiot stuff and they got loud shushes.
The worst people were in a box to my left on the left side of the orchestra. The “rock chicks” looked like they came from a Motley Crue concert and were dancing during songs that weren’t really “pleasant” in their lyrics. And they were shouting etc. Luckily the sound was so good you couldn’t hear them much.
My biggest issue with the crowd came from the four, I assume 10C members, in front of me. One college age couple and two guys who came separately. I overheard them talking before the set and assumed, oh fellow travelers, neat, they mentioned they read this board too. During No More, they did not sing along. They stood there staring. If you haven’t heard the song once in your life, you can figure out the chorus by the second go through. I assume they’d heard it before. To me, that’s almost rude, if not disrespectful. I can almost understand not singing along to Sometimes when ed prompted everyone, but they should know that song too. BTW the singalong to Sometimes was so cool!
During the whole concert these four barely moved. I can totally understand why this would piss EV and Pearl Jam off like at the UC a few years ago. Now that I’m married with a baby Pearl Jam shows are about all I’ll make the trip to see and I cant’ travel as much to see them as I used to. That’s cool, family is most important. But if you’re able and traveling to see shows like these people in front of me said and you’re not INTO IT, why the f-ck are you there? Seriously. Explain this to me?! Me, I was singing along and having a good time.
Anyway, I also mused on the sheer money that had to be made on this tour. $35 posters! Even if you sold 1000 a night at a cost of $10 that’s $25,000 a night! Times 20 shows. Nearly half a mil on posters alone. WOW! I bought a show specific one, as I always do, but it sure made me think. I’m not begrudging EV on this, just makes you wish you had talent
All in all a fantastic fantastic show. I’m not going tonight as we have a busy weekend ahead and I kind of don’t want to ruin how good a show last night was in case tonight isnt’ as good! Anyway thought everyone would like to hear my thoughts and want to hear what others think too!
Ah, i'll add thoughts on arc. It is a totally indulgent song for a singer I would think and can understand why PJ might avoid it. But if you ever wanted the pure, primal blueprint of Eddie's voice without one word, boy that is it. I'm not a fan of the overdubbing technique and thought Finn's use of it was kind of lame, but on Arc it sounded very cool. Not sure as a set closer though, but again, as a blueprint maybe it makes sense.
Great show, going again tonight (tonight is my birthday and I am taking my wife to her first Eddie Show). Hurt was fantastic. The highlights of the show for me were Trouble, Arc, and the alternate version of Betterman. I was also quite impressed with Society.
Crowd was very good except for the one screamer in the back right.
Also, the dumbass award is split tonite:
1. I'd like to recognize the potato head sitting two rows in front of me in ORCH R, row P, seat 307. Smooth move pissing all over yourself, the floor, and the people in Row "O". Was glad to see you tossed out. You probably needed another beer.
2. Lets not forget his little fluff boy with the Mookie Blaylock jersey on and the poor Ziggy Marley immitation "Shi*tlocks" in his hair who not only had to pump his fist and jump up and down like a school girl when Eddie started playing "Sometimes", but had the gall to start arguing with the guy who asked security to deal with his little buddy. The guy's response was great when Lil' Mookie asked him why did you have to narc on my boy.........he says...."ARE YOU SERIOUS.........HE PISSED ON ME"
There's Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Robert Johnson......and then everybody else.
Hey guys,
This is a double post because I think as a long timer there was some interesting stuff to point out.
To answer pressing questions:
Betterman sounded to me like it was straight off the Into The Wild album. He could have used the rendition from last night on there and it would have flowed perfectly. I don't know how else to describe it. It was so different NO ONE was able to sing along. My wife loved it. As neve my favorite PJ song, I liked it a lot better without the massive singalong!
The comments about Milwaukee came after the second song. He said "Already I can tell this is going to be a good show. You're 100% better than the 2% of assholes in Milwaukee" loosely quoted.
Now onto my thoughts of the show:
I haven't seen Eddie on these two last tours but saw him play with C Average at Tibetan Freedom Concert (and some other time but I'm blanking when that was!?! argh too early and I'm hungover). I was majorly impressed by how great it sounded. Auditorium Theater is known for its acoustics, unless you're in the nosebleeds. Eddie many times apologized to the folks up there and went into a long story about how his uncle took him to his first concert there when he was 8 or so he said 1978 then 1976 and they kept going all the way up. If you've never been in those seats, they're awful. We left a Wilco show once because it was so bad. Do not buy tickets up there tonight even if they're cheap. Also he said it was Springsteen and I briefly wondered who the "Uncle" was if you catch my drift.
Oh the sound...they must have mic-ed the actual floor because his foot stomping was definitely coming out of the amps. And no, not the little kickdrum box. I think he only used that twice. It was great. Setlist was great. I don’t know why he did Hurt, but it was definitely a take on the Johnny Cash version. It was good, but hasn’t everyone covered that song by now? The audience mics were out and EV mentioned recording the show on two different occasions. My guess would be a set of the two nights to be released at some point. It was definitely worthy of its own bootleg as 1 show though.
Anyway, the highlight for me was No More with Thomas Young. It’s pretty hard to be that close to the stage and see how crippled this guy is and not get emotional. The whole place (mostly, I’ll get into this later) was singing the chorus and it was very emotional. Eddie even got choked up during the next song and mentioned it. Probably one of the more “moving” moments I’ve experienced at a concert just because of the crowd and what was going on. And I’m a jaded concert goer.
Now for the crowd: It was a pretty old crowd. I’m 32 and I’m guessing that was the avg age. That said there was only 1 or 2 dudes yelling idiot stuff and they got loud shushes.
The worst people were in a box to my left on the left side of the orchestra. The “rock chicks” looked like they came from a Motley Crue concert and were dancing during songs that weren’t really “pleasant” in their lyrics. And they were shouting etc. Luckily the sound was so good you couldn’t hear them much.
My biggest issue with the crowd came from the four, I assume 10C members, in front of me. One college age couple and two guys who came separately. I overheard them talking before the set and assumed, oh fellow travelers, neat, they mentioned they read this board too. During No More, they did not sing along. They stood there staring. If you haven’t heard the song once in your life, you can figure out the chorus by the second go through. I assume they’d heard it before. To me, that’s almost rude, if not disrespectful. I can almost understand not singing along to Sometimes when ed prompted everyone, but they should know that song too. BTW the singalong to Sometimes was so cool!
During the whole concert these four barely moved. I can totally understand why this would piss EV and Pearl Jam off like at the UC a few years ago. Now that I’m married with a baby Pearl Jam shows are about all I’ll make the trip to see and I cant’ travel as much to see them as I used to. That’s cool, family is most important. But if you’re able and traveling to see shows like these people in front of me said and you’re not INTO IT, why the f-ck are you there? Seriously. Explain this to me?! Me, I was singing along and having a good time.
Anyway, I also mused on the sheer money that had to be made on this tour. $35 posters! Even if you sold 1000 a night at a cost of $10 that’s $25,000 a night! Times 20 shows. Nearly half a mil on posters alone. WOW! I bought a show specific one, as I always do, but it sure made me think. I’m not begrudging EV on this, just makes you wish you had talent
All in all a fantastic fantastic show. I’m not going tonight as we have a busy weekend ahead and I kind of don’t want to ruin how good a show last night was in case tonight isnt’ as good! Anyway thought everyone would like to hear my thoughts and want to hear what others think too!
Thanks for adding that he said the 2% of Milw. While I'm over the bad chatter in Milw, hearing how he commented on it brought it back. Glad you clarified the 2%.
It's crazy, all day yesterday I listened to the song Hurt (Johnny Cash version) and commented to my wife when I got home, sure wish EV would have covered that song. Glad he finally did..............
92- Austin
92- Houston
95- Austin
00- Paris
00- Houston
03- San Antonio
06- Milwaukee-Summerfest w/ Tom Petty
07- Lollapalooza - Chicago
08- EV-Solo - Milwaukee
09- Chicago
10- Indy
11- PJ 20
14- Milw
yes. I shed some tears and got it together after the first song. I really had to keep it together during "Parting Ways" due to the current situation that is my life.
I was fortunate to meet Eddie after the show...to put it simply, I gave him a hug and told him "thanks". It was a night I will NEVER forget.
I am sorry to hear you are going through a rough time.
:(
But happy to hear you met Eddie.
Peace to you.
Buy yourself some hot shoes.
Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
I feel bad for Milwaukee. As soon as Ed finished the first 2 songs he said...
"2 songs in and your already better then those assholes in Milwaukee"
I guess he really was pissed
I'm really sad to hear this. It was just a few bad apples in the crowd. Thanks for clarifying the 2%. It was really about 1%, but they were so obnoxious, it did seem like 2% :-P
I can't believe he covered NIN. Glad to hear it was such a great show.
went to the show last minute. picked up tix through stubhub for $19 a piece. My seats were very last row in the gallery where ed was talking about....those seats are fucking uncomfortable! lol. The acoustics were great and eddie's voice was awesome. the setlist was great and eddie really seemed to love being in chicago. the crowd was great except when eddie talked for the first time but he set everyone straight. Almost cried when thomas young came out, the crowd was on their feet for a while screaming for him...made me real happy to see that. eddie was real friendly and just blew me away. I've never been to a one man show like that and it was amazing. wish i had tix for tonight too!
"Tonight we're just gonna play you some good old American Rock and Roll." tom petty-7-15-05
If you want to go again tonight, you should! I read some where that last night there were a ton of people trying to sale tickets in front of the venue.
Just thought I would give you some encouragement there. Man, if I lived that close, I would go-LUCKY! God luck...(good luck too)
went to the show last minute. picked up tix through stubhub for $19 a piece. My seats were very last row in the gallery where ed was talking about....those seats are fucking uncomfortable! lol. The acoustics were great and eddie's voice was awesome. the setlist was great and eddie really seemed to love being in chicago. the crowd was great except when eddie talked for the first time but he set everyone straight. Almost cried when thomas young came out, the crowd was on their feet for a while screaming for him...made me real happy to see that. eddie was real friendly and just blew me away. I've never been to a one man show like that and it was amazing. wish i had tix for tonight too!
There were tickets everywhere last night. Shit, I had a ticket through ticket master then upgraded to fan club seating about 2 1/2 hours before the show. Then sold my 2nd balcony seat for $25 at the door. Advice, go to the wishlist foundation fundraiser at Kasey's Pub. Fan club memebers were sitting on extras (face value) all over the place. SEE YOU TONIGHT!!!!!!!
Highlights for me included Sometimes, Man of the Hour, Porch, and Helpless through the end of the night. I hadn't read very much about the solo shows or examined the setlists too closely because I wanted some surprises. I wasn't disappointed. Helpless has a special significance to me. The first time I watched The Last Waltz (that performance of the song with Joni Mitchell backstage), I basically began to cry uncontrollably. There's something about that song that just really cuts right through to my heart, and I can't really explain it. It didn't happen last night - probably because we were so distant and I was still seething from the experience with the people behind us (see below), and I thought Eliza Jane was either a little bit off on following Ed's vocals or the mix was not quite right - but really an emotional song for me.
Arc was really cool. I am not one of those people who loves the idea of looping vocals or instruments, but the effect was used very well by Eddie last night, building and building layers. I've only seen one other person pull off looping where I enjoyed it, and that was John Paul Jones playing his triple-neck guitar (6-string, 12-string, and mandolin necks). It makes perfect sense for Ed with his unique voice to use it as a vehicle. Pretty special.
Okay - I put the positive stuff first because I didn't want to be a total downer, but I have some things to get off my chest...
My internet connection and I were not fortunate enough to land 10C tickets, so regrettably I went through Ticketbastard. We were Balcony 2, Row E, Seats 1&3. The crowd up there left something to be desired.
Right before Ed came out, two girls in giant heels gingerly stepped down the stairs, -with the usher holding their drinks-. They proceed to flirt with the usher, talking loudly about how bad the seats are. They sit down directly behind us and the talking does not abate as Ed's set starts. EV starts talking in between songs, and they do not shut up. My fiancee (Laura) turns around and gives them a look. Their topic of conversation turns to "I can't believe that girl in front of us thinks we're going to stop talking because she gave us a dirty look." Laura and I both turn around and one of the twits bends down and says "Hiiiii" (can't really replicate the tone through text, but you'll know what I mean). We try to get through the next song but they don't shut up.
Just as I can't take it anymore, Laura turns around and says, "Maybe it'd be better if you shut up." They give this 'As IF' kind of snort and one says, "well, that's not going to happen." I turn around and ask them what they're doing there. I said that I came for the concert and to listen to Eddie talk about his songs, and I asked if perhaps they came for the background music. If so, could they please go out in the lobby and talk there. One of them tells me to "enjoy the show" and I tell them that I can't because they won't shut up.
At that point I turned back around and tried my best to ignore their continued non-whispered commentary on how "apparently we're ruining the show for these people" and the girl in back of me continuing to either kick or knee the back of my straight-back chair. I really wanted to grab one of their drinks and pour it on them.
Miraculously, they both left about a third of the way through the show and never came back. I would imagine they thought sitting way up there was beneath them and probably offered themselves up to another usher somewhere closer to the floor, or maybe they left entirely. I just don't know what the fuck they were doing there in the first place.
After they left, the only thing to contend with was the two or three rows of guys in front of us who seemed to have to take beer and bathroom breaks every two songs. I don't know why they bothered coming. To say they were there? I love beer and I love music, but when I go to a concert of a band or person I really like, I generally don't drink very much or at all, just because I don't want to miss anything. At the Vic last year, I had a few beers and took one bathroom break during God's Dice. We were standing against a rail on the elevated portion, so I didn't have to squeeze through the crowd on the floor. Am I becoming a bitter old man at 27??
I can relate to the people that got pissed on... my only other negative experience at a PJ (or related) show was at the VFC show in Toledo '04. My companion at the time nudged me to turn around and some drunk idiot was pissing into a cup. I had a bad feeling about that, and sure enough, about three songs later, I felt something warm and wet on my back; the cup had been kicked over.
I thought I would repost my review that I wrote last night after the show from another thread
It was a great show. My first and only Eddie solo show. We were 18 rows from the front on the right side (ten club tickets), which was a great view. The crowd was really good. Ed commented on it a lot. Their were a couple of people yelling in the beginning, but the audience quietly silenced them and it worked. Also Ed's comment that "I know what I am doing when I make the set list, so shut the fuck up" helped to quiet the screamers. An annoying security guard blocked our view during helpless. He pushed his way through the row in front of us to question some people that he thought had taken pictures on a camera phone.
Hurt and The Ship song were awesome. Very unexpected and powerful. He said he was going to borrow a song from someone that he believed was from Chicago prior to playing hurt.
Man of the hour was dedicated to someone that Ed met at the bar last night who told him about his grandma. He said he hoped that the guy didn't mind that he changed the gender and sang man of the hour. Ed said the guy requested long road.
The most emotional part of the night was when Tomas Young was on stage . The crowd gave a really long standing ovation to him and remained standing to sing No More. Ed was crying as were many people in the audience. He knelt down and put his head into Tomas's chest and looked heart broken. Then after he started the into the wild set, he said "I am still a little choked up from that last song" and still seemed very emotional.
The emotion seemed to carry throughout the evening...especially during arc, where he put his finger up (to say "just a second") walked away to take a big drink of water and then proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs...it was beautiful. he introduced it by saying "This is sort of a prayer"
For those of you wondering if Ed drinks at his solo shows he said, "Imagine how much I would mumble if I were drinking up here"
Liam had a shot of whiskey on stage after hurting his finger on the drums (he was bleeding). He requested the whiskey and said he was going to auction off his bloody towel after the show.
I feel very lucky that I was able to see this show. I have been sick this week and was able to forget about it for a few hours tonight. I am spoiled by bootlegs and hate the thought of having to carry this show in my mind..cause I may never hear it again. Ed did say that he wanted us to help him sing the cubs song so that their was a really good copy out there. I doubt a boot will happen though...wishful thinking.
Hope you all have a good time at tomorrows show. I am off to bed to have happy dreams.
If I knew where it was I would take you there. There's much more than this
I'm still buzzing from last night. I could barely sleep last night I was so pumped about what I had just seen. The moment with Young was really touching. I like how Ed realized that was the perfect time to play "No More" and immediately went into it when he saw how nuts the crowd was going.
Highlights for me:
-"Hurt"?!?!?!?!? Are you kidding me? Unreal. I was in total shock when he started singing that.
-Sometimes was awesome. Really good singalong for that one.
-Trouble was great as always. I love this cover.
-Betterman was really good. You could tell the crowd was trying to sing a long to the normal version and it just wasn't working. I was definitely confused as how to sing along to it!
That's all I can think of now. Overall it was just a beautiful night. Auditorium Theater is probably the best place I've ever seen a concert. The sound was amazing. I was so happy to see how much Ed was enjoying himself and there weren't drunken assholes screaming shit at him all night. Wish I was going tonight too!
During No More, they did not sing along. They stood there staring. If you haven’t heard the song once in your life, you can figure out the chorus by the second go through. I assume they’d heard it before. To me, that’s almost rude, if not disrespectful.
How is that disrespectful? Maybe they were just taking it all in. Maybe singing along isn't their thing. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and maybe they disagree.
Like a word misplaced...nothing said...what a waste
I don't think there was anything special before Ship Song...I may be wrong, though. Before Hurt Eddie did say something about having never played the song before and he was probably going to fuck it up, or something like that. He said he was borrowing it from another guy from Chicago. Afterwards he said "Thanks, Trent" or something like that. He didn't really make a big deal about either of the songs, though. Hurt was fucking GREAT, by the way.
Trent isn't from Chicago, but we all already knew that.
Maybe this is stupid, but I would really like a video of last nights show, (and know i will never get one...unless...?)and thought I saw at least one camcorder light in the crowd last night. I read all the posts about people meeting ed and it drove me crazy because no one ever said how they did it. Well the ending to a long great story I will post another time was meeting ed last night, But ... I have some info to pass onto a fan in exchange for the video from last night. And the advice is not to wait on the road after the show, but it is not easy either, or a guarantee, but you'll have an honest shot. In return mail me a copy...?..? I'd say maybe this will work for 2 people tops... if your not happy, don't send the tape , not a big deal, but my friend and i did have about 60 seconds with him..
reply to the thread with what you have and your e-mail ,or if people hate this, I will cancel message and not say, but trying to be creative to actually get a copy of the show...
Trent isn't from Chicago, but we all already knew that.
I was gonna say, Ed must be a little confused. If he was in Pennsylvania, Cleveland or New Orleans, he could have said Trent was from there, but not sure where came up with Chicago. No big deal though.
words seem so out of place.
8.21.00 Columbus | 6.24.03 Columbus | 7.9.03 NYC | 10.2.04 Toledo | 9.11.05 Kitchener | 5.20.06 Cleveland | 8.5.07 Chicago | 5.6.10 Columbus | 5.7.10 Noblesville | 5.9.10 Cleveland | 9.3.11 East Troy | 9.4.11 East Troy | 7.19.13 Chicago | 10.11.13 Pittsburgh | 10.1.14 Cincinnati | 4.8.16 Ft. Lauderdale | 4.9.16 Miami | 8.8.18 Seattle | 8.10.18 Seattle | 9.26.21 Dana Point | 10.1.21 Dana Point | 10.2.21 Dana Point | 9.16.22 Nashville | 9.17.22 Louisville | 9.18.22 St. Louis | 9.2.23 St. Paul | 9.15.23 Ft. Worth | 6.22.24 Dublin | 8.26.24 Noblesville | 9.27.24 Dana Point | 9.29.24 Dana Point 6.26.11 Detroit (EdVed) | 9.23.17 Louisville (EdVed) | 9.25.21 Dana Point (EdVed) | 10.01.22 Dana Point (EdVed) | 2.6.22 Newark (EdVed)
I was gonna say, Ed must be a little confused. If he was in Pennsylvania, Cleveland or New Orleans, he could have said Trent was from there, but not sure where came up with Chicago. No big deal though.
Maybe he was thinking that NIN was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago :-) That was a killer show! But Eddie topped that NIN show, in my opinion.
not much to say about this show other than "it was utterly amazing"
ed was in SUCH good spirits - joking around with the crowd - shutting up the maniacs who feel the need to yell - great banter in general - good story-telling - etc
my highlights (much like a lot of others):
- of course, hurt was amazing
- i LOVED the arrangement and new melody for betterman - sounded very emotional
- trouble was great
- arc was phenomenal
- sometimes was just so pleasant to hear (reminds me of a point in my life when i was completely happy and carefree - and listening to no code on repeat)
- loved, loved, loved the energy behind porch (and the crowd REALLY got into it)
for the most part - the crowd was really good - a lot of people singing along - 99% of the people were completely respectful of the environment and the atmosphere - of course - with ANY crowd youll get some ignorant douchebags - but this was one of my better concert experiences in recent history
it was just so surreal sitting 6 rows away from this incredible man on stage - i was telling my buddy that it honestly felt like we were all sitting around a campfire and eddie was giving us his own personal storytellers show
Hey guys,
This is a double post because I think as a long timer there was some interesting stuff to point out.
To answer pressing questions:
Betterman sounded to me like it was straight off the Into The Wild album. He could have used the rendition from last night on there and it would have flowed perfectly. I don't know how else to describe it. It was so different NO ONE was able to sing along. My wife loved it. As neve my favorite PJ song, I liked it a lot better without the massive singalong!
The comments about Milwaukee came after the second song. He said "Already I can tell this is going to be a good show. You're 100% better than the 2% of assholes in Milwaukee" loosely quoted.
Now onto my thoughts of the show:
I haven't seen Eddie on these two last tours but saw him play with C Average at Tibetan Freedom Concert (and some other time but I'm blanking when that was!?! argh too early and I'm hungover). I was majorly impressed by how great it sounded. Auditorium Theater is known for its acoustics, unless you're in the nosebleeds. Eddie many times apologized to the folks up there and went into a long story about how his uncle took him to his first concert there when he was 8 or so he said 1978 then 1976 and they kept going all the way up. If you've never been in those seats, they're awful. We left a Wilco show once because it was so bad. Do not buy tickets up there tonight even if they're cheap. Also he said it was Springsteen and I briefly wondered who the "Uncle" was if you catch my drift.
Oh the sound...they must have mic-ed the actual floor because his foot stomping was definitely coming out of the amps. And no, not the little kickdrum box. I think he only used that twice. It was great. Setlist was great. I don’t know why he did Hurt, but it was definitely a take on the Johnny Cash version. It was good, but hasn’t everyone covered that song by now? The audience mics were out and EV mentioned recording the show on two different occasions. My guess would be a set of the two nights to be released at some point. It was definitely worthy of its own bootleg as 1 show though. Eddie had lyrics for every song as well. He seemed VERY concerned with getting the words right and I don't think I noticed any major mistakes at all.
Anyway, the highlight for me was No More with Thomas Young. It’s pretty hard to be that close to the stage and see how crippled this guy is and not get emotional. The whole place (mostly, I’ll get into this later) was singing the chorus and it was very emotional. Eddie even got choked up during the next song and mentioned it. Probably one of the more “moving” moments I’ve experienced at a concert just because of the crowd and what was going on. And I’m a jaded concert goer.
Now for the crowd: It was a pretty old crowd. I’m 32 and I’m guessing that was the avg age. That said there was only 1 or 2 dudes yelling idiot stuff and they got loud shushes.
The worst people were in a box to my left on the left side of the orchestra. The “rock chicks” looked like they came from a Motley Crue concert and were dancing during songs that weren’t really “pleasant” in their lyrics. And they were shouting etc. Luckily the sound was so good you couldn’t hear them much.
My biggest issue with the crowd came from the four, I assume 10C members, in front of me. One college age couple and two guys who came separately. I overheard them talking before the set and assumed, oh fellow travelers, neat, they mentioned they read this board too. During No More, they did not sing along. They stood there staring. If you haven’t heard the song once in your life, you can figure out the chorus by the second go through. I assume they’d heard it before. To me, that’s almost rude, if not disrespectful. I can almost understand not singing along to Sometimes when ed prompted everyone, but they should know that song too. BTW the singalong to Sometimes was so cool!
During the whole concert these four barely moved. I can totally understand why this would piss EV and Pearl Jam off like at the UC a few years ago. Now that I’m married with a baby Pearl Jam shows are about all I’ll make the trip to see and I cant’ travel as much to see them as I used to. That’s cool, family is most important. But if you’re able and traveling to see shows like these people in front of me said and you’re not INTO IT, why the f-ck are you there? Seriously. Explain this to me?! Me, I was singing along and having a good time.
Anyway, I also mused on the sheer money that had to be made on this tour. $35 posters! Even if you sold 1000 a night at a cost of $10 that’s $25,000 a night! Times 20 shows. Nearly half a mil on posters alone. WOW! I bought a show specific one, as I always do, but it sure made me think. I’m not begrudging EV on this, just makes you wish you had talent
All in all a fantastic fantastic show. I’m not going tonight as we have a busy weekend ahead and I kind of don’t want to ruin how good a show last night was in case tonight isnt’ as good! Anyway thought everyone would like to hear my thoughts and want to hear what others think too!
It is rude and disrespectful to not sing-along?
People have the right to "not be into" a show!
Perhaps you should have reported these offenders to security. How dare they not act as you think they should!
I was gonna say, Ed must be a little confused. If he was in Pennsylvania, Cleveland or New Orleans, he could have said Trent was from there, but not sure where came up with Chicago. No big deal though.
i don't know if Trent is FROM chicago or not, but I know for a 100% fact that my friend Pat went to High School w/ him in Oswego...so there you have it.
EDIT: then again maybe not...i just did a search out of curiosity...maybe he just THOUGHT reznor went to his HS, lol...now I am confused...forget I said anything.
Last night was amazing. Can't wait for tonight! BTW THE Chicago POSTER IS AWESOME!!!!!!
Perhaps you should have reported these offenders to security. How dare they not act as you think they should!
JoeJoeJoe ... u were probably one of the extremely "chatty" dudes to the right of me. Oh how I wished ya'll would have cut the "chatter" to a minimum. Oh well, blocked ya out best I could during a phenomenally amazing show. : )
zepcowboy I hear ya. U were there for the show, not to hear some chics chattin' away and I'm a chic. It is just rude, especially in a setting like last night.
I really don't understand why people pay to go see a band or solo performance and talk through the majority of it. Makes no sense to me.
Comments
backstage after the show
Eddie is friends with a friend of my mother-in-law. It helps to know people who know people to make a dream come true. It was surreal and I have to keep convincing myself that I really did meet my musical therapist.
THANK YOU!!
I hate you! so what the hell goes on back there? was there alot of people? what was ed doing?
But Eddie didn't let it ruin his mood and he was in rare form. No mistakes (minor pause in Hide Your Love Away but it added to the song). I loved Ship Song, although I didn't know what it was when I heard it. Hurt was unexpected and amazing. Society was probably my favorite, though.
My friend at the show is educated in vocals and she was astounded at Eddie's control and range during Arc. I'm a little less sophisticated...I just thought it sounded cool.
I've got to get a copy of this show!
This is a double post because I think as a long timer there was some interesting stuff to point out.
To answer pressing questions:
Betterman sounded to me like it was straight off the Into The Wild album. He could have used the rendition from last night on there and it would have flowed perfectly. I don't know how else to describe it. It was so different NO ONE was able to sing along. My wife loved it. As neve my favorite PJ song, I liked it a lot better without the massive singalong!
The comments about Milwaukee came after the second song. He said "Already I can tell this is going to be a good show. You're 100% better than the 2% of assholes in Milwaukee" loosely quoted.
Now onto my thoughts of the show:
I haven't seen Eddie on these two last tours but saw him play with C Average at Tibetan Freedom Concert (and some other time but I'm blanking when that was!?! argh too early and I'm hungover). I was majorly impressed by how great it sounded. Auditorium Theater is known for its acoustics, unless you're in the nosebleeds. Eddie many times apologized to the folks up there and went into a long story about how his uncle took him to his first concert there when he was 8 or so he said 1978 then 1976 and they kept going all the way up. If you've never been in those seats, they're awful. We left a Wilco show once because it was so bad. Do not buy tickets up there tonight even if they're cheap. Also he said it was Springsteen and I briefly wondered who the "Uncle" was if you catch my drift.
Oh the sound...they must have mic-ed the actual floor because his foot stomping was definitely coming out of the amps. And no, not the little kickdrum box. I think he only used that twice. It was great. Setlist was great. I don’t know why he did Hurt, but it was definitely a take on the Johnny Cash version. It was good, but hasn’t everyone covered that song by now? The audience mics were out and EV mentioned recording the show on two different occasions. My guess would be a set of the two nights to be released at some point. It was definitely worthy of its own bootleg as 1 show though. Eddie had lyrics for every song as well. He seemed VERY concerned with getting the words right and I don't think I noticed any major mistakes at all.
Anyway, the highlight for me was No More with Thomas Young. It’s pretty hard to be that close to the stage and see how crippled this guy is and not get emotional. The whole place (mostly, I’ll get into this later) was singing the chorus and it was very emotional. Eddie even got choked up during the next song and mentioned it. Probably one of the more “moving” moments I’ve experienced at a concert just because of the crowd and what was going on. And I’m a jaded concert goer.
Now for the crowd: It was a pretty old crowd. I’m 32 and I’m guessing that was the avg age. That said there was only 1 or 2 dudes yelling idiot stuff and they got loud shushes.
The worst people were in a box to my left on the left side of the orchestra. The “rock chicks” looked like they came from a Motley Crue concert and were dancing during songs that weren’t really “pleasant” in their lyrics. And they were shouting etc. Luckily the sound was so good you couldn’t hear them much.
My biggest issue with the crowd came from the four, I assume 10C members, in front of me. One college age couple and two guys who came separately. I overheard them talking before the set and assumed, oh fellow travelers, neat, they mentioned they read this board too. During No More, they did not sing along. They stood there staring. If you haven’t heard the song once in your life, you can figure out the chorus by the second go through. I assume they’d heard it before. To me, that’s almost rude, if not disrespectful. I can almost understand not singing along to Sometimes when ed prompted everyone, but they should know that song too. BTW the singalong to Sometimes was so cool!
During the whole concert these four barely moved. I can totally understand why this would piss EV and Pearl Jam off like at the UC a few years ago. Now that I’m married with a baby Pearl Jam shows are about all I’ll make the trip to see and I cant’ travel as much to see them as I used to. That’s cool, family is most important. But if you’re able and traveling to see shows like these people in front of me said and you’re not INTO IT, why the f-ck are you there? Seriously. Explain this to me?! Me, I was singing along and having a good time.
Anyway, I also mused on the sheer money that had to be made on this tour. $35 posters! Even if you sold 1000 a night at a cost of $10 that’s $25,000 a night! Times 20 shows. Nearly half a mil on posters alone. WOW! I bought a show specific one, as I always do, but it sure made me think. I’m not begrudging EV on this, just makes you wish you had talent
All in all a fantastic fantastic show. I’m not going tonight as we have a busy weekend ahead and I kind of don’t want to ruin how good a show last night was in case tonight isnt’ as good! Anyway thought everyone would like to hear my thoughts and want to hear what others think too!
http://www.fightingthesuburbs.com
http://www.fightingthesuburbs.com
Crowd was very good except for the one screamer in the back right.
Also, the dumbass award is split tonite:
1. I'd like to recognize the potato head sitting two rows in front of me in ORCH R, row P, seat 307. Smooth move pissing all over yourself, the floor, and the people in Row "O". Was glad to see you tossed out. You probably needed another beer.
2. Lets not forget his little fluff boy with the Mookie Blaylock jersey on and the poor Ziggy Marley immitation "Shi*tlocks" in his hair who not only had to pump his fist and jump up and down like a school girl when Eddie started playing "Sometimes", but had the gall to start arguing with the guy who asked security to deal with his little buddy. The guy's response was great when Lil' Mookie asked him why did you have to narc on my boy.........he says...."ARE YOU SERIOUS.........HE PISSED ON ME"
Thanks for adding that he said the 2% of Milw. While I'm over the bad chatter in Milw, hearing how he commented on it brought it back. Glad you clarified the 2%.
It's crazy, all day yesterday I listened to the song Hurt (Johnny Cash version) and commented to my wife when I got home, sure wish EV would have covered that song. Glad he finally did..............
92- Houston
95- Austin
00- Paris
00- Houston
03- San Antonio
06- Milwaukee-Summerfest w/ Tom Petty
07- Lollapalooza - Chicago
08- EV-Solo - Milwaukee
09- Chicago
10- Indy
11- PJ 20
14- Milw
23- Chicago 2
:(
But happy to hear you met Eddie.
Peace to you.
Buy yourself some hot shoes.
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
I'm really sad to hear this. It was just a few bad apples in the crowd. Thanks for clarifying the 2%. It was really about 1%, but they were so obnoxious, it did seem like 2% :-P
I can't believe he covered NIN. Glad to hear it was such a great show.
Just thought I would give you some encouragement there. Man, if I lived that close, I would go-LUCKY! God luck...(good luck too)
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1434776887
kristal_007@msn.com
Holy fucking shit. The West coast's got nothin on you guys...
http://consequenceofsound.net/2008/08/22/eddie-vedder-owns-the-auditorium-theatre-821/
Hands down one of the best shows I've ever been to, though the top of the game is still Bruce Springsteen last year for me.
I nearly cried during "No More."
Arc was really cool. I am not one of those people who loves the idea of looping vocals or instruments, but the effect was used very well by Eddie last night, building and building layers. I've only seen one other person pull off looping where I enjoyed it, and that was John Paul Jones playing his triple-neck guitar (6-string, 12-string, and mandolin necks). It makes perfect sense for Ed with his unique voice to use it as a vehicle. Pretty special.
Okay - I put the positive stuff first because I didn't want to be a total downer, but I have some things to get off my chest...
Rant/Bitch-fest below:
_____________________________
My internet connection and I were not fortunate enough to land 10C tickets, so regrettably I went through Ticketbastard. We were Balcony 2, Row E, Seats 1&3. The crowd up there left something to be desired.
Right before Ed came out, two girls in giant heels gingerly stepped down the stairs, -with the usher holding their drinks-. They proceed to flirt with the usher, talking loudly about how bad the seats are. They sit down directly behind us and the talking does not abate as Ed's set starts. EV starts talking in between songs, and they do not shut up. My fiancee (Laura) turns around and gives them a look. Their topic of conversation turns to "I can't believe that girl in front of us thinks we're going to stop talking because she gave us a dirty look." Laura and I both turn around and one of the twits bends down and says "Hiiiii" (can't really replicate the tone through text, but you'll know what I mean). We try to get through the next song but they don't shut up.
Just as I can't take it anymore, Laura turns around and says, "Maybe it'd be better if you shut up." They give this 'As IF' kind of snort and one says, "well, that's not going to happen." I turn around and ask them what they're doing there. I said that I came for the concert and to listen to Eddie talk about his songs, and I asked if perhaps they came for the background music. If so, could they please go out in the lobby and talk there. One of them tells me to "enjoy the show" and I tell them that I can't because they won't shut up.
At that point I turned back around and tried my best to ignore their continued non-whispered commentary on how "apparently we're ruining the show for these people" and the girl in back of me continuing to either kick or knee the back of my straight-back chair. I really wanted to grab one of their drinks and pour it on them.
Miraculously, they both left about a third of the way through the show and never came back. I would imagine they thought sitting way up there was beneath them and probably offered themselves up to another usher somewhere closer to the floor, or maybe they left entirely. I just don't know what the fuck they were doing there in the first place.
After they left, the only thing to contend with was the two or three rows of guys in front of us who seemed to have to take beer and bathroom breaks every two songs. I don't know why they bothered coming. To say they were there? I love beer and I love music, but when I go to a concert of a band or person I really like, I generally don't drink very much or at all, just because I don't want to miss anything. At the Vic last year, I had a few beers and took one bathroom break during God's Dice. We were standing against a rail on the elevated portion, so I didn't have to squeeze through the crowd on the floor. Am I becoming a bitter old man at 27??
I can relate to the people that got pissed on... my only other negative experience at a PJ (or related) show was at the VFC show in Toledo '04. My companion at the time nudged me to turn around and some drunk idiot was pissing into a cup. I had a bad feeling about that, and sure enough, about three songs later, I felt something warm and wet on my back; the cup had been kicked over.
It was a great show. My first and only Eddie solo show. We were 18 rows from the front on the right side (ten club tickets), which was a great view. The crowd was really good. Ed commented on it a lot. Their were a couple of people yelling in the beginning, but the audience quietly silenced them and it worked. Also Ed's comment that "I know what I am doing when I make the set list, so shut the fuck up" helped to quiet the screamers. An annoying security guard blocked our view during helpless. He pushed his way through the row in front of us to question some people that he thought had taken pictures on a camera phone.
Hurt and The Ship song were awesome. Very unexpected and powerful. He said he was going to borrow a song from someone that he believed was from Chicago prior to playing hurt.
Man of the hour was dedicated to someone that Ed met at the bar last night who told him about his grandma. He said he hoped that the guy didn't mind that he changed the gender and sang man of the hour. Ed said the guy requested long road.
The most emotional part of the night was when Tomas Young was on stage . The crowd gave a really long standing ovation to him and remained standing to sing No More. Ed was crying as were many people in the audience. He knelt down and put his head into Tomas's chest and looked heart broken. Then after he started the into the wild set, he said "I am still a little choked up from that last song" and still seemed very emotional.
The emotion seemed to carry throughout the evening...especially during arc, where he put his finger up (to say "just a second") walked away to take a big drink of water and then proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs...it was beautiful. he introduced it by saying "This is sort of a prayer"
For those of you wondering if Ed drinks at his solo shows he said, "Imagine how much I would mumble if I were drinking up here"
Liam had a shot of whiskey on stage after hurting his finger on the drums (he was bleeding). He requested the whiskey and said he was going to auction off his bloody towel after the show.
I feel very lucky that I was able to see this show. I have been sick this week and was able to forget about it for a few hours tonight. I am spoiled by bootlegs and hate the thought of having to carry this show in my mind..cause I may never hear it again. Ed did say that he wanted us to help him sing the cubs song so that their was a really good copy out there. I doubt a boot will happen though...wishful thinking.
Hope you all have a good time at tomorrows show. I am off to bed to have happy dreams.
If I knew where it was I would take you there. There's much more than this
Highlights for me:
-"Hurt"?!?!?!?!? Are you kidding me? Unreal. I was in total shock when he started singing that.
-Sometimes was awesome. Really good singalong for that one.
-Trouble was great as always. I love this cover.
-Betterman was really good. You could tell the crowd was trying to sing a long to the normal version and it just wasn't working. I was definitely confused as how to sing along to it!
That's all I can think of now. Overall it was just a beautiful night. Auditorium Theater is probably the best place I've ever seen a concert. The sound was amazing. I was so happy to see how much Ed was enjoying himself and there weren't drunken assholes screaming shit at him all night. Wish I was going tonight too!
Trent isn't from Chicago, but we all already knew that.
reply to the thread with what you have and your e-mail ,or if people hate this, I will cancel message and not say, but trying to be creative to actually get a copy of the show...
I was gonna say, Ed must be a little confused. If he was in Pennsylvania, Cleveland or New Orleans, he could have said Trent was from there, but not sure where came up with Chicago. No big deal though.
8.21.00 Columbus | 6.24.03 Columbus | 7.9.03 NYC | 10.2.04 Toledo | 9.11.05 Kitchener | 5.20.06 Cleveland | 8.5.07 Chicago | 5.6.10 Columbus | 5.7.10 Noblesville | 5.9.10 Cleveland | 9.3.11 East Troy | 9.4.11 East Troy | 7.19.13 Chicago | 10.11.13 Pittsburgh | 10.1.14 Cincinnati | 4.8.16 Ft. Lauderdale | 4.9.16 Miami | 8.8.18 Seattle | 8.10.18 Seattle | 9.26.21 Dana Point | 10.1.21 Dana Point | 10.2.21 Dana Point | 9.16.22 Nashville | 9.17.22 Louisville | 9.18.22 St. Louis | 9.2.23 St. Paul | 9.15.23 Ft. Worth | 6.22.24 Dublin | 8.26.24 Noblesville | 9.27.24 Dana Point | 9.29.24 Dana Point
6.26.11 Detroit (EdVed) | 9.23.17 Louisville (EdVed) | 9.25.21 Dana Point (EdVed) | 10.01.22 Dana Point (EdVed) | 2.6.22 Newark (EdVed)
Maybe he was thinking that NIN was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago :-) That was a killer show! But Eddie topped that NIN show, in my opinion.
ed was in SUCH good spirits - joking around with the crowd - shutting up the maniacs who feel the need to yell - great banter in general - good story-telling - etc
my highlights (much like a lot of others):
- of course, hurt was amazing
- i LOVED the arrangement and new melody for betterman - sounded very emotional
- trouble was great
- arc was phenomenal
- sometimes was just so pleasant to hear (reminds me of a point in my life when i was completely happy and carefree - and listening to no code on repeat)
- loved, loved, loved the energy behind porch (and the crowd REALLY got into it)
for the most part - the crowd was really good - a lot of people singing along - 99% of the people were completely respectful of the environment and the atmosphere - of course - with ANY crowd youll get some ignorant douchebags - but this was one of my better concert experiences in recent history
it was just so surreal sitting 6 rows away from this incredible man on stage - i was telling my buddy that it honestly felt like we were all sitting around a campfire and eddie was giving us his own personal storytellers show
i still have a smile on my face about last nite
It is rude and disrespectful to not sing-along?
People have the right to "not be into" a show!
Perhaps you should have reported these offenders to security. How dare they not act as you think they should!
i don't know if Trent is FROM chicago or not, but I know for a 100% fact that my friend Pat went to High School w/ him in Oswego...so there you have it.
EDIT: then again maybe not...i just did a search out of curiosity...maybe he just THOUGHT reznor went to his HS, lol...now I am confused...forget I said anything.
Last night was amazing. Can't wait for tonight! BTW THE Chicago POSTER IS AWESOME!!!!!!
EXPAND YOUR ELEMENT!
JoeJoeJoe ... u were probably one of the extremely "chatty" dudes to the right of me. Oh how I wished ya'll would have cut the "chatter" to a minimum. Oh well, blocked ya out best I could during a phenomenally amazing show. : )
zepcowboy I hear ya. U were there for the show, not to hear some chics chattin' away and I'm a chic. It is just rude, especially in a setting like last night.
I really don't understand why people pay to go see a band or solo performance and talk through the majority of it. Makes no sense to me.