What goes into creating a setlist?

Synapses Flashing

Has there been any discussion on how PJ creates their nightly setlists. It is so awesome that every night is different. With the exception of a few regulars, you have absolutely no idea what song will be next. This seems to be a fairly unique trait among the major bands. Is it a random process or do they actually spend quite a bit of time making a setlist before each show? And do you think each member has an equal say as to what is in the setlist?

Just curious...

Manofthepresenttense

ed writes setlist , usually while dropping kids off at the pool in the morning

pghas

well, I couldn't tell you how Ed does it, but I've heard other bands, like Phish, look at what they've played in that city in previous visits, along with other recent shows on the tour, and then their gut. Of course, those guys would frequently disregard the setlist anyway. I'm in a band, and I'm the one that always does our setlists, and it's really a very cool and creative process. Its another way of expressing yourself, or deciding how you want to start things, how the ebb and flow of a show should go, and how to read a crowd on the spot. Some nights I'll pick a very standard opener, or a slower, quiet one because I feel like it will be a quiet or older crowd that hasn't had much to drink and so needs to be eased in with something a little more mellow. Other nights I'll pick a jackhammer, and still other times I'll pick something we haven't played much in awhile or that we'd never open with to keep us on our toes. I'll bet PJ does the same thing but for different reasons. Some nights its Release, Long Road, or Oceans, other nights its Life Wasted or LBC (2003), and still other nights they'll stun everyone by opening with RVM or Crazy Mary.

Good thread, great topic.

CenterCity

seriously, if i were a musician......and coming up with set lists......i mean.....i'm sure a huge factor is making sure you keep the crowd's attention....its sounds strategically kinda of sneaky but its just a fundamental fact.....keeping the crowd's attention.

ShowStoppa

The different shows every night is one of the things i really love about Pearl Jam. Not all bands are willing to shake up their set list every night, its usually just the same show every night, with a suprise here and there along the tour. But at least the guys mix it up every night. I think it just goes to show another side of this bands talent by being able to do this every night of a tour.

CenterCity

yeah.....i mean of course.....i guess i'm just wondering if as musicians the thought ever crossed their mind.....you know.....it makes sense to change up the set list though every night......after all its not like PJ's a franchise like McDonald's......of course we'd all go nuts if they played the list in the same order every single night

GhostChile

boooooooooooooooooooootlegs!!

IamMine

According to Kat, they do not decide until about an hour before they get on the stage:

http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?p=3233267#post3233267

Hope that helped.