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SF Night 1 Review

MizatthewMizatthew Posts: 20
edited July 2006 in Given To Fly (live)
Just got back from the show. My ears are ringing and I'm completely and utterly exhausted. I surfed this morning (terribly) so its been a long day.

So my review....

In a word- awesome. I've seen Pearl Jam twice before- Birmingham & Atlanta 03. I never imagined I'd go to a show better than Atlanta until tonight.

The crowd was great. I was about 10 rows from the front on Stone's side. There were a few annoying 12 year olds and lots of people smoking (which I hate) but lots of great singing along and jumping around. We definitely fed off of each other's energy. A much better experience than a pre-seated amphitheater.

The band was great. I know everyone goes online to say, "They were really feeling it tonight", but I think they were. Ed mentioned how it had been 8 years since they'd played SF and how it was great to play a Gen Admission concert again.

The songs were great. The band seemed really pleased by the insane response to Life Wasted- which easily got the biggest pop of the new stuff. I was amazed how many people new all the words to Footsteps- which was the highlight of the night for me. The crowd really rocked to most everything, of special note was also Corduroy, Alive, and Spin the Black Circle. RITFW took all of the energy I had left so I was totally drained by the end of Ledbetter. Oh Present Tense also brought the house down. The crowd nailed the verse ed let us sing.

On a personal note I am glad to hear Given to Fly, Indifference, and Footsteps live. Hopefully I can hear Rearviewmirror tom. I hope tom is a great show. Maybe some people can smoke a little less for those of us that don't want to breath that into our bodies?

*On the note of 10club ticket distribution. They confirmed you were 10club through a very shoddy mechanism I won't mention online b/c it was easy to fake. I was towards the back of the line and we didn't get in at 6:15. I'm not sure if we did or did not beat the regular line. Whenever I got in there was ample time to buy a poster and get a good spot near the front so no complaints. The balcony filled up quick I think. Ciao.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • CitizenRickCitizenRick Posts: 1,079
    were there chairs on the floor...if not was there any moshing and or crowd surfing or things of that nature?

    I'm going tomorrow...curious. thanks
    "Had my eyes peeled both wide open, and I got a glimpse...of my innocense, got back my inner sence, baby got it...still got it"
  • MizatthewMizatthew Posts: 20
    No chairs. All GA. There was pushing and a small amount of moshing. I don't think I saw a single crowd surfer. Basically you would be fine for a few songs then a group would push and shove the way through. Through the first half of the show things steadily compressed towards the stage. I would say that as far as GA goes it was very tame- but its def wilder than a seated show. If you are ok with tight spaces and just roll with wherever you get pushed then go for the front. I lost my friend pretty quick so a big group will def get separated. Make friends w/ the people around you and you can have each others backs. Or get there early and go for the balcony if you want to chill.

    As a side note I thought the audio was excellent up front.
  • bonowallbonowall Posts: 116
    crowd surfing was minimal but present. NO seats anywhere on the floor. If you have ever been to the Fillmore or a venue of smaller size LIKE that, then you can envision the wa this is set up. It is just a much wider scale. Think giant floor, soundstage in back center, and the security railing was not just flush to the stage all the way across - it came out into the floor about 20 rows back (if you envision rows existing) and split Mike and Stone's sides.

    I wasn't sure why and thought perhaps Ed would walk the "plank" but it was strictyl for security to penetrate the crowd. In Mike's side (where I was) It was effective three times.

    1) a crazy lady clearly on SOMETHING bumrushed forward, elbowing and clawing her way up only to be held by three guys (protecting nearby ladies) and then pushed towards the security guy who lifted and removed her from the crowd.

    2) perhaps crazy lady's BF - another asshole, clearly drunk, thought he was a truck and just kept going forward even though people were clearly not allowing it. he caused a lot of pushing and showing and then security yanked his ass out.

    3) to protect a woman who started to suffer heat exhaustion, they lifted her up and out (and her BF/husband to be with her).

    So, all in all, Mike's side was rough....and all of this action happened before and up to the fourth song.
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  • CitizenRickCitizenRick Posts: 1,079
    What is the view like from the back of the floor....if i remember correctly your'e about 50 or so yards away from the stage.

    Can you see everything from back there?
    "Had my eyes peeled both wide open, and I got a glimpse...of my innocense, got back my inner sence, baby got it...still got it"
  • MizatthewMizatthew Posts: 20
    Not sure. I think it will be ok but not great. I didn't get to the venue until 5:45 or so and could have gotten as close as I wanted. No need to camp out unless you want front row. Why settle for view from the back? You can get a good view in relative calm probably 20 yards back from the stage.
  • bonowallbonowall Posts: 116
    distance is about right - I thought the view was fine form the back. The sound in the place was AWESOME across the board.

    I think it just depends on what you really want...
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  • CitizenRickCitizenRick Posts: 1,079
    Cool...were going with a group of eight people.

    What's the Pre-drinking situation? aka parking garage, bar in vicinity, ect...

    we were thinking of bringing a couple cases of beer with us.
    "Had my eyes peeled both wide open, and I got a glimpse...of my innocense, got back my inner sence, baby got it...still got it"
  • MasterFramerMasterFramer Posts: 2,268
    bonowall wrote:
    crowd surfing was minimal but present. NO seats anywhere on the floor. If you have ever been to the Fillmore or a venue of smaller size LIKE that, then you can envision the wa this is set up. It is just a much wider scale. Think giant floor, soundstage in back center, and the security railing was not just flush to the stage all the way across - it came out into the floor about 20 rows back (if you envision rows existing) and split Mike and Stone's sides.

    I wasn't sure why and thought perhaps Ed would walk the "plank" but it was strictyl for security to penetrate the crowd. In Mike's side (where I was) It was effective three times.

    1) a crazy lady clearly on SOMETHING bumrushed forward, elbowing and clawing her way up only to be held by three guys (protecting nearby ladies) and then pushed towards the security guy who lifted and removed her from the crowd.

    2) perhaps crazy lady's BF - another asshole, clearly drunk, thought he was a truck and just kept going forward even though people were clearly not allowing it. he caused a lot of pushing and showing and then security yanked his ass out.

    3) to protect a woman who started to suffer heat exhaustion, they lifted her up and out (and her BF/husband to be with her).

    So, all in all, Mike's side was rough....and all of this action happened before and up to the fourth song.

    You know I am kinda surprised how rough it was at times. Its one thing to push and lean into people, maybe move up a bit but when you have no regard for anyone else's safety that's when it gets fucked. Plus there are people that dont understand that there IS going to be pushing and they freak out and start pushing back.

    One guy started screaming... "Get off me!" "Stop pushing me!!!" Give me a break buddy... then his dumb wife tried to get me kicked out by pointing me out to security. They clearly saw I was with my girlfriend NOT causing the problems. Nice try dummies :)
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  • frenchsfrenchs Posts: 34
    First off, I'm still speechless, but it's a good thing I only have to type on the computer and not talk to it.

    According to my best recollection, this is my 15th PJ show. This, without a doubt, was the best one of all of them. The energy was incredible, the crowd, save a couple assholes, was incredible, and like Ed said, it was the first show in "San Fran Proper" in 8 years. There's nothing like having the show in your backyard, instead of having to drive out to shoreline!

    I was about 30 feet back, dead in front of Mike with a couple friends. First four songs were pretty intense, lots of crowd movement, but things calmed down and people figured out how to rock out "in place", which made the night much more tolerable.

    The one thing I kept noticing is how into it Stone was. We got quite a bit of head bobbing, and even a little duck walking. I'm a real fan of Stone and his playing, so that made my night; in and of itself.

    In regards to the crazy ass lady that pushed her way up to the front. I don't think she was on anything, I think she was just a freaking idiot. She and her friend were standing next to us for the Sonic Youth set, being pretty mellow and nice and as soon as PJ took the stage, she just took off running into people like a maniac without even saying a word to her friend. Just one rude and weird chick.

    This show was a perfect example as to why this band is the best live band on the planet. They just went out there and played their asses off and we sang our asses off and I can't wait to put the bootleg into perpetual rotation in my car.

    Fucking Incredible, I can't wait for tomorrow :)

    -Steve
    ----
    edit: added in "in 8 years"
  • vsinjusticevsinjustice Posts: 20
    Good show indeed! Slight craziness on Mike's side, but we all made it out alive :D I'll be very sad that tomorrow will be my last show, but alas all good things must come to an end at some point.

    Until tomorrow................

    Rock on!
    "If you hate something, don't you do it, too..."
  • leopattieleopattie Posts: 22
    Well I just woke up, still with the music in my head. My friend and I lined up at 11:30 yesterday - the fan club line is organized only by what time you arrive, not seniority or 10C number - and waited, waited, waited... once the line started going in at about 6:20 it moved quickly and we spotted ourselves on the center railing about 4 people back. I have NEVER had the opportunity to get such great "seats" in a regular/seated venue, it was amazing! But let me say it was indeed rough: I'm a 5'4" woman (almost 44) and if I hadn't had the rail space I wouldn't have stayed up there. A big, roiling, pushing crush of people, occasional crowd surfers - madness! But the set list must have been written for me, I am in a state of bliss.

    I'm driving to Oregon today and won't see any other SF shows but I almost feel as if I don't even need to, nothing could top last night for me. Next week: The Gorge!
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  • AliveinFLAliveinFL Posts: 567
    You will get RVM most probably tonight. They like to close off the first set with that song. You got DTE last night but will probably get RVM or Porch tonight(usually about the 17th song). And whatever they choose to close the first set will be an extended version(about 7-8 minutes). Good Luck to you.
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  • NOCODE#1NOCODE#1 Posts: 1,477
    what does is say when pj puts on the best setlist of the tour for a GA show?

    A. lbc means nothing

    b. rokslide means nothing


    man this band is changing.
    Let's not be negative now. Thumper has spoken
  • Bird888Bird888 Posts: 99
    I was on the floor, Mikes' side...real clos...with my 15 and 2 18yo. the 15 yo and I moved back after a few songs because of all the pushing and moshing. I can see people pushing and jumping around due to the music. but what pisses me off are the 18-25 yo white rich posers who think that moshing is still the thing to do. was pretty distracting for me at times. course, worrying about my kids didn't help. as a side note, my two 18 yo boys had a blast and just "went with the flow"
    Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
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    ride" ! Unknown

  • bonowallbonowall Posts: 116
    Hey Bird -

    I think I saw you and your family...I was to your right of you shielding my shorter friend from the ruckuss. I felt bad for you because I know they couldn't see anything but once things got out of control, I just opted out of the closeness in exchange for just enjoying the show from farther back.

    Seems like Stone's side didn't have as many problems. Perhaps that's the place to be if you want to be close.

    Going tonight with a taller, larger male friend - haven't decided yet if I am going to brave the wave or chill.
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  • snowrider04snowrider04 Posts: 44
    I was up on Mike's side too, probably 4 rows back and it got crazy after the third song or so. A bunch of drunk a'holes kept pushing forward trying to get up front, it was annoying. Everyone up front seemed to have a great thing going until the pushing forward happened. My buddy and I got out of there and watched the remainder of the show from just underneath the overhang on Mike's side, great view, good sound. Can't wait for tonight!!!
  • CitizenRickCitizenRick Posts: 1,079
    Hey No code #1....

    i'ts not like they play GA shows all tour...give em' a break...if there is any band who has integrity you now it's them.

    Roskilde happened years ago...what did you expect an acoustic GA show?

    LBC was written for that certain time...it will always mean something. By the way...in case you didn't know people and things (opinions) change over time...if they didn't we would be still listening to songs that sound exactly like the one's on TEN and VS ect....so it's perfectly natural.
    "Had my eyes peeled both wide open, and I got a glimpse...of my innocense, got back my inner sence, baby got it...still got it"
  • picture_a_cuppicture_a_cup Posts: 17
    NOCODE#1 wrote:
    what does is say when pj puts on the best setlist of the tour for a GA show?

    A. lbc means nothing

    b. rokslide means nothing


    man this band is changing.

    Maybe it means PJ hasn't played the city of San Francisco in eight years and they wanted to make sure the doors were blown completely off the venue. Or maybe Ed still feels he has to make up for being sick at the Golden Gate Park show years ago. Or maybe it meant nothing.

    I was in the middle of the pack last night, about 50 feet from the stage and there were a few annoying moments of people pushing forward and or knocking into me but what is nice about GA is there are so many options. If I didn't like my situation I could just move back. Or tonight when I go if I don't want to get manhandled maybe I'll sit in seats or maybe I'll brave the floor again. Options are good, yes?

    The energy at last night's shows was great. Generally speaking people were excited but well behaved. Roskilde was terrible but I'm happy to see PJ playing in front of an audience that is just going nuts. No offense, but the site of 10c members up front sitting on their hands waiting to see which rarity they're going to get is not my idea of a good rock show.
  • vedhead10vedhead10 Posts: 40
    Freddie...freddie...freddie...
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  • bonowallbonowall Posts: 116
    vedhead10 wrote:
    Freddie...freddie...freddie...

    This is where I feel really stupid...maybe I couldn't hear correctly about what Ed was saying but what was all the Freddie stuff about?

    ANyone share please...
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  • NOCODE#1NOCODE#1 Posts: 1,477
    CitizenRick wrote:
    Hey No code #1....

    i'ts not like they play GA shows all tour...give em' a break...if there is any band who has integrity you now it's them.

    Roskilde happened years ago...what did you expect an acoustic GA show?

    LBC was written for that certain time...it will always mean something. By the way...in case you didn't know people and things (opinions) change over time...if they didn't we would be still listening to songs that sound exactly like the one's on TEN and VS ect....so it's perfectly natural.
    your right they originally said they would only do videos with their concert footage, then jeremy came out. so yea they were liars back from the beginning,
    Let's not be negative now. Thumper has spoken
  • takingpunchestakingpunches Posts: 107
    bonowall wrote:
    This is where I feel really stupid...maybe I couldn't hear correctly about what Ed was saying but what was all the Freddie stuff about?

    ANyone share please...

    freddie was eddies uncle, he pointed him out and dedicated parachutes to him and his "girl" friend/wife.
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  • Boston21Boston21 Posts: 26
    NOCODE#1 wrote:
    your right they originally said they would only do videos with their concert footage, then jeremy came out. so yea they were liars back from the beginning,[/quote

    I'm sure over the last 15 years you've never changed your mind, right?
  • jmcjcjmcjc Posts: 90
    peace. i understand where you are coming from. but just how often are you going to get to see a great band (the greatest,IMHO) in a small venue where the playing field gets this level???

    plenty of security
    great audience overall.
    everyone got a chance to find his/her own spot. no special favors.
    tenclub # didnt matter.

    i, for one, thought the band thoroughly enjoyed the vibe here at the civic center

    i think these 3 concerts are something extra special.

    you cant say these GA concerts arent safe. JUST AINT SO.

    sacramento , 10/30/00
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  • lastexit78lastexit78 Posts: 618
    snowrider04 wrote:
    I was up on Mike's side too, probably 4 rows back and it got crazy after the third song or so. A bunch of drunk a'holes kept pushing forward trying to get up front, it was annoying. Everyone up front seemed to have a great thing going until the pushing forward happened. My buddy and I got out of there and watched the remainder of the show from just underneath the overhang on Mike's side, great view, good sound. Can't wait for tonight!!!

    I was also in that same area with my wife on Saturday night. We made it half way through Save You. Then we headed for the back of the floor like you did. It's a shame because we waited in line for 4 hours to get that spot. Then some clowns ruin it by pushing so they can get 2 feet closer to the stage. My wife started to panic and I seen an older guy near me who looked kind of sick as well. Oh well it was still a good show. On Sunday we headed straight for the balcony and that alone increased the enjoyment of the show. Not to mention that I thought the crowd and the band sounded better on Sunday.
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