First, as many have said, get there on time (7:30) for Liam Finn! I'm a total convert and plan on going to his show at the Bowery Ballroom in September (for a much more modest $15).
Second, I was fairly impressed with the staff at the venue. Security at the door busted me for trying to sneak a water bottle in, but they were cool about it. The ushers inside were very courteous, even when dealing with guys openly smoking and spilling beer. They also were generous with the programs, which are cool souvenirs in and of themselves. The bathroom attendants impressed too.
I really liked the ushers; one in particular had me laughing for a long time. As part of their job, they have to deal with drunk assholes sometimes. There was this one guy who walked up to the ticket checker at one of the entrance doors. Apparently, his seat was on the other side of the theater, but wanted to enter through her door; she was having none of it, and told him to go around. He started cursing and yelling, and said to her, "this fucking sucks, this is fascist-ism." Which she started laughing at, saying "that's right, this is all fascist-ism." Those who were sober enough to realize it got a laugh out of it.
Last night was such an amazing experience, so deep and moving. I more than enjoyed every second of it. Eddie was just incredible. I can't wait till tonight!
I really liked the ushers; one in particular had me laughing for a long time. As part of their job, they have to deal with drunk assholes sometimes. There was this one guy who walked up to the ticket checker at one of the entrance doors. Apparently, his seat was on the other side of the theater, but wanted to enter through her door; she was having none of it, and told him to go around. He started cursing and yelling, and said to her, "this fucking sucks, this is fascist-ism." Which she started laughing at, saying "that's right, this is all fascist-ism." Those who were sober enough to realize it got a laugh out of it.
The venue was great and the ushers were cool as hell. We were talking to one of them before the show started and we were saying we were a bit disappointed in our seats (we got balcony and thought it would be closer). After Ed played the first 3 songs the usher came back and whispered to us to follow him. He took us about 30 rows lower and the seats were excellent. A nice guy for sure.
Excellent show all around. I was at both MSG shows, and honestly I can say that despite being acoustic this one had just as much energy. My only complaint is the people who get up to get beer, go to the bathroom etc., who come back and proceed to just stand up looking for their row or seat...blocking everyones view behind them. Have a little common courtesy and at least duck down.
My favorites were Sometimes, Goodbye (wasnt a fan before but after hearing it live Im hooked), and Let My Love Open the Door. Incredible show...Im going to try and score tix for Thursday night now.
was it me or did he change his clothes for hard sun?
lol! they all came out in the doctors outfits
Aah, fuck it, I’m just gonna go home, turn on the fuckin’ TV...
Watch the nightly news and drink a beer...
Like I could even change the world, yeah right...
************************************
JOE! Where you at man??see you at coogans tonite or what?
Aah, fuck it, I’m just gonna go home, turn on the fuckin’ TV...
Watch the nightly news and drink a beer...
Like I could even change the world, yeah right...
************************************
Aah, fuck it, I’m just gonna go home, turn on the fuckin’ TV...
Watch the nightly news and drink a beer...
Like I could even change the world, yeah right...
************************************
Ed..if you like portugese food..you've gotta try Don Pepe..kickin sangria, too! In Newark, just across from NJPAC (down the road a bit) Look for Lisa & Steve when you get there...we'd love to have you (& Jill & Olivia) as our guests before the show on Thursday.
"Dream the dream others then...you will be no one's RIVAL!"
"Doo do do do doo do doo, Doo do do do doo do doo..."
what a great fucking show, just shows you what a great songwriter and musician ed is. . .i loved his line about the tubes in the ceiling pumping the pot smoke up there lol
i have wished for so long, how i wish for you today
JEFFREY ROSS ROGERS 1975-2002
when ed did hard sun as the closer i moved up to about 4 rows away from the stage, he flicked his guitar pick about 2 feet away from me and it landed on the floor. . .bent down to get it and some big dude crushed me against a seat and swiped it. . .i thanked him for the crushed ribs afterwards
i have wished for so long, how i wish for you today
JEFFREY ROSS ROGERS 1975-2002
Fantastic show that really rocked my socks, especially because I didn't think I'd be able to go until almost the last minute. When tickets went on sale through the 10 Club I tried to get them for either of the NYC shows and got shut out. I went to Ticketmaster and had no luck there either. I had accepted the fact that I'd miss the shows and bummed as I was I figured it was probably for the best, financially speaking.
On Sunday night I got an email from my friend Alan who had sent some video from the Boston show of Eddie playing an acoustic version of "Porch" and telling me that the show was amazing. So that had my itching to see the show. I was thinking about heading up to the theatre after work and trying to scalp a ticket, but on a whim went to Ticketmaster yesterday afternoon and found two tickets with no trouble. Weird.
Got to the show a little late - missed most of Liam Finn. Seemed like he was in the midst of a pretty cool set though, so I might have to check him out another time. We probably heard the last 2 or 3 songs in full once we got to our seats (about 3 rows from the very back of the orchestra - not bad all things considered) and he was making good use of several looping effects and/or pre-recorded tracks. Definitely a charged performance, to say the least.
Around 8:45 or so Eddie hit the stage, coming up through the crowd. He sat for the whole show and played in front of a series of increasingly in-artistic backdrops. The first one was a city background which was cool, but the two that followed were no great shakes. The final sky backdrop was better, but a little hokey.
He opened with a couple of covers, "Walking The Cow" by Daniel Johnston and Cat Stevens' "Trouble". Not overly familiar with either tune, but I think he's played each a few times as sound checks at PJ shows. First thing I noticed was that his voice sounded very good. Sound system in the building was MUCH better than the Tweeter Center PJ show last month. Of course, they were only really mixing his vox with his guitar last night, so I would imagine that had something to do with it. I had never seen a show at this venue before, but to me it sounded great.
From there he went into some Pearl Jam material. "Around The Bend" sounded great and I realized how long it's been since I listened to that song. I've never been a huge fan of "I Am Mine" but stripping it down to just him and a guitar made it seem fresher and I really enjoyed it. "Dead Man Walking" has never been a favorite of mine either. This performance was fine, but the song just doesn't really do much for me - never really goes anywhere. It is cool, however, to see him go deep into the PJ catalogue and play songs you rarely hear the band play live to fill out his set list.
He briefly played part of "I'm Open" before "Man of the Hour" which was also fine, despite being another song that never really gets out of 1st gear for me. It's funny - writing this now I feel like I'm being very critical of the show, but to be honest, I never really thought "Oh, I don't like this song" or "I wish he was playing different stuff" as the show was progressing. I was just enjoying being there which I think had everything to do with accepting that I was going to miss the show in the first place then being surprised at the ticket availability.
"Sometimes" was a huge surprise for me (I haven't been keeping up with the set lists for his solo shows) and that really knocked me out. He followed that with a few songs from the "Into the Wild" soundtrack, which felt like a bit of a rock-opera to me. "Setting Forth", "No Ceiling", "Guaranteed", "Far Behind" (my personal favorite song from the album), and "Rise Up" were a great representation of the album and I loved the overall flow of that particular mini-set.
After the Into the Wild section, he played "Millworker" which is just such a great story in a song. Really clean and crisp throughout the song, but then he veered way off course (in a good way) and went into a Townshend-esque guitar beating session which was just completely emphatic and brutal. Totally out of left field and a take on the song I wouldn't really have expected.
"Soon Forget" game next which reminded me how much I love Binaural. He followed that up with a song called "Goodbye" which I hadn't heard before. Not sure if it was one of his own or a cover, but it was great. Very emotional and one of the real highlights for me - love the new stuff.
Eddie had some fun next, saying he was going to play a sad song and goofing around with "Used To Work In Chicago" which basically ended up being about a verse's worth of set up for a limerick punchline. He followed that up with a brief "Walk Hard" cover which then lead into "Drifting", which did about as much to blow the doors off of the place as one could expect at a solo show with an acoustic guitar. Another rarity that was great to hear live and a song that really captures the very best of his talents, I think. He kept the pedal down for the rest of the main set, closing with singalongs "Hide Your Love Away" and "Porch" both of which were phenominal and tremendously energetic.
He took off for a minute or two, but came back quickly for the encore, which was a nice surprise. Not the encore, just that we didn't have to stand there clapping for 5 minutes before it happened. Second set opened with "Wishlist" which is another favorite that I haven't heard the full band play very much live. Funny bit here as he sort of sang the e-bow solo (I still love the mini-argument Ed and Stone get in over who should play that solo on the "Single Video Theory" DVD).
Highlight of the night came next in what appeared to be a completely impromptu rendition of "Let My Love Open The Door". Just completely thrilling. Before the song he said something along the lines of "I have no idea how this one is gonna go..." Well, it went pretty fucking great. He attempted to get the audience to sing in harmony at the end, which also went surprisingly well, considering they were having trouble even keeping a simple beat with the clapping along all night. Great moment and another cover that allowed Ed to really showcase where his voice is at right now. I honestly think he sounds as good as I've ever heard him live right now.
Liam Finn joined him for "Society" and then Ed played "Masters of War" after someone shouted it out as a request. Speaking of which, there seemed to be a lot of that going on last night. Not surprising, happens all the time with every band. That doesn't make it any less annoying though. Yeah, there are about 100 songs I've love to hear him play too, but why spend time bitching about what you're not hearing when there is such a great show happening right in front of you? Just something I don't get about people. And don't even get me started on the shitheads who just scream out whatever goes through their heads just to be heard. At least the clowns requesting their favorite song have some kind of misguided purpose. The other guys and gals might as well just scream "PAY ATTENTION TO ME!" and get it over with. Just do us a favor and take up your inferiority complex with your parents at Christmastime instead of in the middle of a show the rest of us are trying to enjoy.
Also, to the dude in front of us who was taping long portions of the show. When the usher busts you and tells you to stop, don't argue, just apologize and stop. It's not the difficult. And when you're being a dick and taping again, knowing you're not allowed, and the woman behind you asks you to please lower your camera so she can enjoy her view, the proper response would be to apologize for inconveniencing her and then lower your camera. An improper response would be to act like a dickbag and tell her that the only way you'll put the camera down is if she pays for your seat. I know it's embarrassing when people call you out for behaving like an ass, but further underlining that behavior is not the way to go when it happens.
Where was I?
Oh yeah, "Masters of War" was fucking intense. Saw this with the full band on the Vote For Change tour in 04, but I think this version was more gripping. Someone mentioned above how the whole place was completely silent and I was struck by the same thing. Eerie. Touching. "No More" followed and that felt sort of like the manufactured version of the Dylan tune. Where "Masters of War" shook the whole place, "No More" was more like a paint by numbers thing with a big "YOU PROTEST HERE!" neon sign flashing during the singalong parts. Still moving based on the subject matter alone, but not in the same league as "Masters" and it ended up suffering for it's placement.
Second set closed with "Arc", a tune from Riot Act that I've never been a huge fan of. Completely different experience live though, with Eddie looping his howling voice and adding to the loop until he goes off at the end, improving at the high end of his register. Really a striking performance.
He ended the show with "Hard Sun" for which he was joined by Liam Finn and Eliza (not sure of Eliza's last name, but she plays with Liam). This was a total 180 from the direction the show had taken in the second set with the lights coming up and everyone letting loose and celebrating the music. The three of them played along with a pre-recorded track, which led to at least one minor problem with Eddie repeating a chorus one time too many when the music shifted back to the verse, but he covered it well and it made the whole thing that much more memorable.
Eddie seemed in good spirits all night. He talked a little about his first trip to NYC way back when and how the magnitude of playing the Garden and these solo shows in the same summer was not lost on him. He joked a bit here and there, talked up the venue, gave us a little politics (not much) and generally came off as though he was really enjoying the chance to do something a little different. I remember shows where, despite his enthusiasm for the music, it sometimes looked like touring was the last thing he ever wanted to do and I just feel really fortunate with the way he and the band have progressed because when I see them these days it looks like they are all 100% comfortable, happy and content, which has me hoping for many more great shows to come.
As we were walking out I was just shaking my head at how great a time I had. I'm honestly not even sure exactly what it was that made it such a great show to me - although I think sometimes it's the stuff you can't explain that makes certain concerts stand out. I just know that I had a great time and that it's easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. Not that I didn't expect Eddie to step up and deliver the goods, but even then my expectations were exceeded. Wish I was headed back up there tonight.
I suggest you step out on your porch...run away my son...see it all...oh see the world // I wait on the porch...hoping someday I'll be let in
Springfield, MA 4/6/94 -- Boston, MA 4/11/94 -- Hartford, CT 10/2/96 -- Hartford, CT 9/13/98 -- Mansfield, MA 7/2/03 -- Reading, PA 10/1/04 -- Albany, NY 5/12/06 -- Milwaukee, WI 6/29/06 -- Mansfield, MA 6/30/08 -- Toronto, ON 9/21/09 -- Philadelphia, PA 10/31/09 -- Worcester, MA 10/16/13 -- Hartford, CT 10/25/13 -- New York, NY 9/26/15 -- New York, NY 5/2/16 -- Boston, MA 8/5/16 -- Boston, MA 8/7/16 -- Boston, MA 9/2/18 -- Boston, MA 9/4/18 -- London, UK 7/8/22 -- Hamilton, ON 9/6/22 -- Toronto, ON 9/8/22 -- New York, NY 9/11/22 -- Chicago, IL 9/5/23 -- Chicago, IL 9/7/23 -- New York, NY 9/3/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/7/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/9/24
As we were walking out I was just shaking my head at how great a time I had. I'm honestly not even sure exactly what it was that made it such a great show to me - although I think sometimes it's the stuff you can't explain that makes certain concerts stand out. I just know that I had a great time and that it's easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. Not that I didn't expect Eddie to step up and deliver the goods, but even then my expectations were exceeded. Wish I was headed back up there tonight.
Great recap! And this last part captures exactly why I want to go see it again this weekend.
"just be darling, and I will be too"
10/25/13 - H, CT
10/15/13 - W, MA
06/16/11 - B, MA (E.V.)
05/17/10 - B, MA
05/15/10 - H, CT
06/09/09 - A, NY (E.V.)
08/01/08 - B, MA (E.V.)
06/30/08 - M, MA
05/25/08 - B, MA
08/30/00 - M, MA
Fantastic show that really rocked my socks, especially because I didn't think I'd be able to go until almost the last minute. When tickets went on sale through the 10 Club I tried to get them for either of the NYC shows and got shut out. I went to Ticketmaster and had no luck there either. I had accepted the fact that I'd miss the shows and bummed as I was I figured it was probably for the best, financially speaking.
On Sunday night I got an email from my friend Alan who had sent some video from the Boston show of Eddie playing an acoustic version of "Porch" and telling me that the show was amazing. So that had my itching to see the show. I was thinking about heading up to the theatre after work and trying to scalp a ticket, but on a whim went to Ticketmaster yesterday afternoon and found two tickets with no trouble. Weird.
Got to the show a little late - missed most of Liam Finn. Seemed like he was in the midst of a pretty cool set though, so I might have to check him out another time. We probably heard the last 2 or 3 songs in full once we got to our seats (about 3 rows from the very back of the orchestra - not bad all things considered) and he was making good use of several looping effects and/or pre-recorded tracks. Definitely a charged performance, to say the least.
Around 8:45 or so Eddie hit the stage, coming up through the crowd. He sat for the whole show and played in front of a series of increasingly in-artistic backdrops. The first one was a city background which was cool, but the two that followed were no great shakes. The final sky backdrop was better, but a little hokey.
He opened with a couple of covers, "Walking The Cow" by Daniel Johnston and Cat Stevens' "Trouble". Not overly familiar with either tune, but I think he's played each a few times as sound checks at PJ shows. First thing I noticed was that his voice sounded very good. Sound system in the building was MUCH better than the Tweeter Center PJ show last month. Of course, they were only really mixing his vox with his guitar last night, so I would imagine that had something to do with it. I had never seen a show at this venue before, but to me it sounded great.
From there he went into some Pearl Jam material. "Around The Bend" sounded great and I realized how long it's been since I listened to that song. I've never been a huge fan of "I Am Mine" but stripping it down to just him and a guitar made it seem fresher and I really enjoyed it. "Dead Man Walking" has never been a favorite of mine either. This performance was fine, but the song just doesn't really do much for me - never really goes anywhere. It is cool, however, to see him go deep into the PJ catalogue and play songs you rarely hear the band play live to fill out his set list.
He briefly played part of "I'm Open" before "Man of the Hour" which was also fine, despite being another song that never really gets out of 1st gear for me. It's funny - writing this now I feel like I'm being very critical of the show, but to be honest, I never really thought "Oh, I don't like this song" or "I wish he was playing different stuff" as the show was progressing. I was just enjoying being there which I think had everything to do with accepting that I was going to miss the show in the first place then being surprised at the ticket availability.
"Sometimes" was a huge surprise for me (I haven't been keeping up with the set lists for his solo shows) and that really knocked me out. He followed that with a few songs from the "Into the Wild" soundtrack, which felt like a bit of a rock-opera to me. "Setting Forth", "No Ceiling", "Guaranteed", "Far Behind" (my personal favorite song from the album), and "Rise Up" were a great representation of the album and I loved the overall flow of that particular mini-set.
After the Into the Wild section, he played "Millworker" which is just such a great story in a song. Really clean and crisp throughout the song, but then he veered way off course (in a good way) and went into a Townshend-esque guitar beating session which was just completely emphatic and brutal. Totally out of left field and a take on the song I wouldn't really have expected.
"Soon Forget" game next which reminded me how much I love Binaural. He followed that up with a song called "Goodbye" which I hadn't heard before. Not sure if it was one of his own or a cover, but it was great. Very emotional and one of the real highlights for me - love the new stuff.
Eddie had some fun next, saying he was going to play a sad song and goofing around with "Used To Work In Chicago" which basically ended up being about a verse's worth of set up for a limerick punchline. He followed that up with a brief "Walk Hard" cover which then lead into "Drifting", which did about as much to blow the doors off of the place as one could expect at a solo show with an acoustic guitar. Another rarity that was great to hear live and a song that really captures the very best of his talents, I think. He kept the pedal down for the rest of the main set, closing with singalongs "Hide Your Love Away" and "Porch" both of which were phenominal and tremendously energetic.
He took off for a minute or two, but came back quickly for the encore, which was a nice surprise. Not the encore, just that we didn't have to stand there clapping for 5 minutes before it happened. Second set opened with "Wishlist" which is another favorite that I haven't heard the full band play very much live. Funny bit here as he sort of sang the e-bow solo (I still love the mini-argument Ed and Stone get in over who should play that solo on the "Single Video Theory" DVD).
Highlight of the night came next in what appeared to be a completely impromptu rendition of "Let My Love Open The Door". Just completely thrilling. Before the song he said something along the lines of "I have no idea how this one is gonna go..." Well, it went pretty fucking great. He attempted to get the audience to sing in harmony at the end, which also went surprisingly well, considering they were having trouble even keeping a simple beat with the clapping along all night. Great moment and another cover that allowed Ed to really showcase where his voice is at right now. I honestly think he sounds as good as I've ever heard him live right now.
Liam Finn joined him for "Society" and then Ed played "Masters of War" after someone shouted it out as a request. Speaking of which, there seemed to be a lot of that going on last night. Not surprising, happens all the time with every band. That doesn't make it any less annoying though. Yeah, there are about 100 songs I've love to hear him play too, but why spend time bitching about what you're not hearing when there is such a great show happening right in front of you? Just something I don't get about people. And don't even get me started on the shitheads who just scream out whatever goes through their heads just to be heard. At least the clowns requesting their favorite song have some kind of misguided purpose. The other guys and gals might as well just scream "PAY ATTENTION TO ME!" and get it over with. Just do us a favor and take up your inferiority complex with your parents at Christmastime instead of in the middle of a show the rest of us are trying to enjoy.
Also, to the dude in front of us who was taping long portions of the show. When the usher busts you and tells you to stop, don't argue, just apologize and stop. It's not the difficult. And when you're being a dick and taping again, knowing you're not allowed, and the woman behind you asks you to please lower your camera so she can enjoy her view, the proper response would be to apologize for inconveniencing her and then lower your camera. An improper response would be to act like a dickbag and tell her that the only way you'll put the camera down is if she pays for your seat. I know it's embarrassing when people call you out for behaving like an ass, but further underlining that behavior is not the way to go when it happens.
Where was I?
Oh yeah, "Masters of War" was fucking intense. Saw this with the full band on the Vote For Change tour in 04, but I think this version was more gripping. Someone mentioned above how the whole place was completely silent and I was struck by the same thing. Eerie. Touching. "No More" followed and that felt sort of like the manufactured version of the Dylan tune. Where "Masters of War" shook the whole place, "No More" was more like a paint by numbers thing with a big "YOU PROTEST HERE!" neon sign flashing during the singalong parts. Still moving based on the subject matter alone, but not in the same league as "Masters" and it ended up suffering for it's placement.
Second set closed with "Arc", a tune from Riot Act that I've never been a huge fan of. Completely different experience live though, with Eddie looping his howling voice and adding to the loop until he goes off at the end, improving at the high end of his register. Really a striking performance.
He ended the show with "Hard Sun" for which he was joined by Liam Finn and Eliza (not sure of Eliza's last name, but she plays with Liam). This was a total 180 from the direction the show had taken in the second set with the lights coming up and everyone letting loose and celebrating the music. The three of them played along with a pre-recorded track, which led to at least one minor problem with Eddie repeating a chorus one time too many when the music shifted back to the verse, but he covered it well and it made the whole thing that much more memorable.
Eddie seemed in good spirits all night. He talked a little about his first trip to NYC way back when and how the magnitude of playing the Garden and these solo shows in the same summer was not lost on him. He joked a bit here and there, talked up the venue, gave us a little politics (not much) and generally came off as though he was really enjoying the chance to do something a little different. I remember shows where, despite his enthusiasm for the music, it sometimes looked like touring was the last thing he ever wanted to do and I just feel really fortunate with the way he and the band have progressed because when I see them these days it looks like they are all 100% comfortable, happy and content, which has me hoping for many more great shows to come.
As we were walking out I was just shaking my head at how great a time I had. I'm honestly not even sure exactly what it was that made it such a great show to me - although I think sometimes it's the stuff you can't explain that makes certain concerts stand out. I just know that I had a great time and that it's easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. Not that I didn't expect Eddie to step up and deliver the goods, but even then my expectations were exceeded. Wish I was headed back up there tonight.
Hi.
"I don't believe in PJ fans but I believe there is something, not too sure what." - Thoughts_Arrive
First of all, Liam Finn is AMAZING. Alone, he was pretty much worth the price of admission. A fantastic talent, you MUST get there early for him.
Eddie was in fine form despite his illness, whatever it may be. Trouble was great, and it was really cool to hear Sometimes. The crowd was very respectful with their requests, not many yelling idiots as Ed addressed early when he said that he left em all in Boston. I'd say a big highlight was Let My Love Open The Door. Ed really got into it, as did the crowd. Scored 8th row seats from 10c, dead center.
That's pretty much it for now. It was hilarious when Ed missed the last verse in Hard Sun, but since it's on a backing track he couldn't go back. Overall, a great show, can't wait for NJPAC.
I suggest you step out on your porch...run away my son...see it all...oh see the world // I wait on the porch...hoping someday I'll be let in
Springfield, MA 4/6/94 -- Boston, MA 4/11/94 -- Hartford, CT 10/2/96 -- Hartford, CT 9/13/98 -- Mansfield, MA 7/2/03 -- Reading, PA 10/1/04 -- Albany, NY 5/12/06 -- Milwaukee, WI 6/29/06 -- Mansfield, MA 6/30/08 -- Toronto, ON 9/21/09 -- Philadelphia, PA 10/31/09 -- Worcester, MA 10/16/13 -- Hartford, CT 10/25/13 -- New York, NY 9/26/15 -- New York, NY 5/2/16 -- Boston, MA 8/5/16 -- Boston, MA 8/7/16 -- Boston, MA 9/2/18 -- Boston, MA 9/4/18 -- London, UK 7/8/22 -- Hamilton, ON 9/6/22 -- Toronto, ON 9/8/22 -- New York, NY 9/11/22 -- Chicago, IL 9/5/23 -- Chicago, IL 9/7/23 -- New York, NY 9/3/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/7/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/9/24
Wow ... the show was amazing (notwithstanding my new subway friend's views ... more on that later)!
I got there at 6:15 and picked up my tix ... solid orchestra. Not as good as I would have hope for, but awesome all the same. I was sitting between 10C members who were 100,000 higher and lower than me on each side, so apparently the seating was pretty random. While I picked up my tix, I stepped inside for a moment and heard Liam and EJ soundchecking ... they sounded awesome, which only got me more stoked.
But before I ever got inside, I had to walk 2 blocks to stand at the end of a rather long line of people waiting to get in. The line eventually started rolling at about 6:45. I had to wait for a few minutes for my buddy to meet me, but he showed up at 7pm and we headed in. (To the guys who were waiting against the fence with me ... I hope your friends made it!)
As soon as we got in, I headed to the merch table and picked up an EV poster, as I hoped to avoid a repeat of the MSG debacle. As it turned out, there was no reason to worry ... plenty of posters for all! They were still selling them after the show. My buddy picked up two beers, but just as we started sipping them and making our way to the orchestra doors, a woman passed out and dropped to the floor. I am an EMT, so I dropped my poster and rushed over to see if I could help. One of the mindful staff members called 911 and stabilized the woman's head. I introduced myself, and offered to help with the scene until the ambulance arrived. Thankfully, the woman regained consciousness and her vital signs all appeared to be normalizing by the time the ambulance arrived. To gauge her consciousness, I asked her where she was and why she was there. She responded, "I am at the United Palace Theatre in New York City, and I'm here to rock out with Eddie Vedder!" I had to laugh, and replied, "I think that's why we're all here ... and I really hope you'll get to stick around see the show!" The ambulance crew that took her seemed capable and professional. I don't know if she was able to stay for the show, or went to the hospital, but my prayers are with her and I certainly hope she is doing well.
After all this excitement, I picked up my poster (miraculously unharmed!), and my buddy and I picked up our programs and settled into our seats. We sat in Orchestra H, 22-24, around a cool crew of folks. The people behind us were really rocking out and were clearly awesome fans. The couple to our right were also pretty rocking.
Liam and EJ came out and played a freaking awesome set. I apologize to the poor woman in front of me who jumped 3 feet when I screamed as Liam started Second Chance. Hopefully we can all agree that the song is amazing! The Happy Birthday tribute for their road manager was really cute and the whole crowd got into it. Liam and EJ were even good sports when some dude shouted out "Flight of the Concords!" They agreed to adopt the personas of Liam's fellow New Zealanders (this was an even grander gesture by Ms. Barnes, who I'm told is Australian), but then quickly began arguing over which one of them is Jerome. Apparently Bret is not too popular with the Kiwis or the Aussies.
I hit the men's room after Liam's set and ended up next to a sorta weird looking middle-aged dude with a bandage on his head. I could be absolutely, totally wrong, but for a moment i was sure it was Daniel Johnston. Anyone know if he was there?!
After a short break, Eddie came out and opened with Walking the Cow and then Trouble. Lest the crowd think it was going to be a night of covers, he then plowed into one of the most powerful performances of I Am Mine I've ever heard. At some point early on, he made a crack about how cool the crowd was and that he was thankful that, "we left all the assholes back in Boston." As if on cue, 2 minutes later some guy stands up in the middle of his row and, when one of the guys behind him asks him to sit, he whirls around and starts screaming expletives and threatening the guy physically. Security moved quickly to intervene, but the asshole kept shouting and threatening the other guy, until the engineer behind the soundboard turned to his right and called him out and then threatened to throw the asshole out. I'm not sure who it was working the board, but THANK YOU!! Your involvement quickly ended what was starting to escalate into an ugly situation, and made the concert far more enjoyable for all of us in that area. I'd be remiss if I didn't add that the sound was AMAZING! The bass came through without getting distorted or clipping, and the vocals all came through clearly and crisply. It's a damn shame that there's no bootleg off the board for this one ... Eddie and Liam both sounded phenomenal.
Which brings me to Eddie's voice. From what I can tell from the West Coast boots and setlists, tonight's show was definitely shorter (probably due to the fact that Ed admitted he's still on meds), but Eddie sounded amazing. Without having to shout over the entire band, it seemed he was able to relax his voice a little more and fine tune the musicianship. He was pitch-perfect for nearly every note, culminating in the climactic and moving rendition of Arc at the end of Encore 1.
I've got to get up early for work, so I"ll wrap up with my highlights, in chronological order:
1. Liam and EJ rocking Second Chance
2. Ed ripping through I Am Mine
3. The uke vs. mandolin lesson
4. Walk Hard (from Dewey Cox ... I was LMAO)
5. Hide Your Love Away ... right into PORCH!!
6. ARC (whoever said it was a religious experience was dead on)
7. LMLOTD (w/ the guys and girls sing-along)
8. Society w/ Liam (though I would liked to hear more harmony from Liam)
9. Masters of War
10. Hard Sun w/ Liam and EJ
I also met this awesome rocking woman on the 1 train home. I got off at 110, you headed down to 66th ... we bonded over PJ concerts and I marveled at her good fortune to have seen The Who with Moonie. She was the one who told me how sick Ed had been in Boston and that while he sounded great tonight, she was dissapointed that he didn't talk more or play some more songs. I guess when your expectations are THAT high, even tonight's kickass performance can fall short.
That's it for now, but damn, what a great night.
Thank you again to everyone on stage, behind stage, and sitting out in front of the stage. Tonight was magic.
Thank you so much for recaping the night. It was such an amazing experience. Words can't describe how much it meant to me to see Eddie twice in one year. I was at MSG II and now NYC1. Twice in one year is such a treat.I loved Walking the cow, I am mine was just pure power, Man of the hour brought me to tears, Rise up gave me chills, Walk hard made me laugh, Porch made me jump out of my seat, Let love open the door was AWESOME, Masters of war put me in a trace where I seemed to be singing along with Eddie and swaying back and fourth, No more was beautiful, Arc was so haunting I love it, And last but not least Hard sun, awesome performance. Eddie I love you and I have loved you for the past 17years. You got me with Black and ever since then I am yours. You have helped me through some really rough times in my life and I know if it wasn't for you and youre music I would not be here on this earth today. And that's the truth. Thank you for making this summer unforgetable.
Underneath this smile lies everything...All my hopes, anger, pride and shame...make myself a pact, not to shut doors on the past just for today,... I am free.
I met some really amazing people. Thank you to ccnyc for the invite to the pre-party. Thank you to the 3 awesome guys I met at Coogan's, Ray, Luke and Ian. I hope you guys enjoyed the show. Thank you to my new friend Niomi, we will grow to be very good friends. And thank you to Eddie for making me feel alive again.
Underneath this smile lies everything...All my hopes, anger, pride and shame...make myself a pact, not to shut doors on the past just for today,... I am free.
Meeting you was awesome! How about that show! Ray and I got so lucky with our seats!! Many thanks to the 10club! We were seated in the 1st 2 aisle seats left side 2nd Row!! After eddies 1st encore i met him at the stage with a mob of people behind us and he shook my f*$king hand!! My hat fell of from the mob of people behind me! So surreal!! Also met and talked with Liam Finn who was hanging out before eddies set downstairs by the poster table, got him to sign my playbill! Best concert ive evver been too! I obeyed the 10club rules of no cameras but i was a little jealous of not having pictures of the show to put me back there somewhat to try to relive it!!! If anyone can send me a kodak gallery of there shots would be much appreciated!
Vedder Woman we still owe you some shots from Coogans! I felt bad about that later! Thanks for the JW Black! Hope to see you at a future show!! Great to meet you.
I was not lucky through the 10c sale or ticketbastards to get tix for any of the NYC shows.
My friend did score a pair from the 10c and she was going to take my other 10c friend that also was not lucky. She was planing to go but at the last minute she cancelled and she asked me if I wanted to take her ticket...I said ofcourse!
So thanks to you both...lol
Well on with the show.
Liam and EJ were cool. The performance was a little all over the place but I guess it was good and different. Liam's voice was great and EJ...wow with the screams.
I saw that the crew was setting up for the EV performance and they had what looked like a butcher's white coat...hahahaha...funny I heard it's b/c of some experiment, I was like what experiment...Is EV going to have frankenstein on stage.lol...oh well.
Eddie was making everyone laugh with his funny remarks about the "I Love You Eddie" that some guy screamed out and Eddie reply was can't say it back bcs he didn't know who said it and didn't want his other boyfriends to get jealous...lol and there were other remarks regarding what was on the glass some red liquid...I told my friend it probably was some V8..lol...
He seemed in a good mood and seemed to have energy eventhough he told us he was still sick but was not on medication.
High lights for me were def. were Sometimes, Goodbye, Let My Love Open the Door (Wow...I never thought I would see this gem), Society was really nice with Liam. Masters of War, always gives me goosebumps.
First time seeing Arc...It was nice. Does anyone know if it sounded different when played on PJ shows?
The scenary on the stage change: First it was Eddie singing in an ally behind a building. After a few songs the screen behind went up and now what looked like to me some cargo boxes was the scene. Then after a few songs the screen changed into a tent. really nice background for the EV show.
The last song: Hard Sun was really nice. Eddie came out with the white coat as well did Liam and EJ. The background was changed for the finale into the blue sea and clouds...For a moment I thought I was in a cult singing along in that venue...Well the venue is a church of some kind.lol.
Everyone was singing along including me. Great show! Thanks again to my friends for thinking of me
Besides the late comers, people getting up and not letting us see. The two talkative guys next to me that wouldn't shut up...always had to say something during when EV sang. The people who rushed down the aisle to the stage during the last song and ofcourse the security who kept flashing people's faces just to show the late comers where their seats were. The EV show was a memorable experience.
Thanks Eddie!
I cannot stop talking about Monday night. The greatest live show EVER! So intimate-I felt like I was just hanging out with Eddie and some friends in his livingroom.
Great crowd-NYC!!!-gorgeous venue-Eddie's vocals were heartfelt and powerful.
I was 6 rows back from the stage- and the theater is just beautiful.
Liam Finn and Eliza Jane was unexpected. I've never heard him play and I thought that it was pleasantly surprising. What a talented guy! And made a fan out of me.
The only words I can say is that EV was the best. I'm glad I cut my trip short to see him.
P.S.
***Also, to the dude in front of us who was taping long portions of the show. When the usher busts you and tells you to stop, don't argue, just apologize and stop. It's not the difficult. And when you're being a dick and taping again, knowing you're not allowed, and the woman behind you asks you to please lower your camera so she can enjoy her view, the proper response would be to apologize for inconveniencing her and then lower your camera. An improper response would be to act like a dickbag and tell her that the only way you'll put the camera down is if she pays for your seat. I know it's embarrassing when people call you out for behaving like an ass, but further underlining that behavior is not the way to go when it happens.***
I had a similar situation with the woman in front of me. I know that it would be nice to have a record of this wonderful experience. But on that same note, the people behind you would like to enjoy the show.
This woman got tapped 5 times and she still would not put the camera down. My husband tapped her and asked that she put it away- she just looked over at us- moved the camera a few degrees over to block another person instead. But the bright screen was still there! If it was not the camera- it was the iPhone. If its a picture once in a while- fine- but for the WHOLE show- that is just wrong to the people behind you.
I understand the No Camera Rule- and now I'm for it.
Eddie made an awesome statement, something along the lines of "I get so fuckin' angry, that people aren't more fuckin' angry" or something like that. Does anybody recall the quote?
Joe
"It's Evolution Baby"
Montreal '00; Toronto '03; Montreal '03; Kitchener '05; London '05; Hamilton '05; Toronto '05; Toronto '06 x2; Boston '06; Toronto '08 x2 (Eddie)
Comments
I really liked the ushers; one in particular had me laughing for a long time. As part of their job, they have to deal with drunk assholes sometimes. There was this one guy who walked up to the ticket checker at one of the entrance doors. Apparently, his seat was on the other side of the theater, but wanted to enter through her door; she was having none of it, and told him to go around. He started cursing and yelling, and said to her, "this fucking sucks, this is fascist-ism." Which she started laughing at, saying "that's right, this is all fascist-ism." Those who were sober enough to realize it got a laugh out of it.
right smack in the middle of washington heights.
psst 1 block down on amsterdam ave and 175th, they have the best exotic purple around, grab me a sack from the dominicans.
The venue was great and the ushers were cool as hell. We were talking to one of them before the show started and we were saying we were a bit disappointed in our seats (we got balcony and thought it would be closer). After Ed played the first 3 songs the usher came back and whispered to us to follow him. He took us about 30 rows lower and the seats were excellent. A nice guy for sure.
Excellent show all around. I was at both MSG shows, and honestly I can say that despite being acoustic this one had just as much energy. My only complaint is the people who get up to get beer, go to the bathroom etc., who come back and proceed to just stand up looking for their row or seat...blocking everyones view behind them. Have a little common courtesy and at least duck down.
My favorites were Sometimes, Goodbye (wasnt a fan before but after hearing it live Im hooked), and Let My Love Open the Door. Incredible show...Im going to try and score tix for Thursday night now.
Mihi cura futuri.
The elements they speak to me.
http://espn.go.com/espnradiostations/NewYork1050/gallery/35218855.html
so cute they are
Watch the nightly news and drink a beer...
Like I could even change the world, yeah right...
************************************
Yep, all part of the "experiment"
- 8/28/98
- 9/2/00
- 4/28/03, 5/3/03, 7/3/03, 7/5/03, 7/6/03, 7/9/03, 7/11/03, 7/12/03, 7/14/03
- 9/28/04, 9/29/04, 10/1/04, 10/2/04
- 9/11/05, 9/12/05, 9/13/05, 9/30/05, 10/1/05, 10/3/05
- 5/12/06, 5/13/06, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 5/30/06, 6/1/06, 6/3/06, 6/23/06, 7/22/06, 7/23/06, 12/2/06, 12/9/06
- 8/2/07, 8/5/07
- 6/19/08, 6/20/08, 6/22/08, 6/24/08, 6/25/08, 6/27/08, 6/28/08, 6/30/08, 7/1/08
- 8/23/09, 8/24/09, 9/21/09, 9/22/09, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09
- 5/15/10, 5/17/10, 5/18/10, 5/20/10, 5/21/10, 10/23/10, 10/24/10
- 9/11/11, 9/12/11
- 10/18/13, 10/21/13, 10/22/13, 11/30/13, 12/4/13
Watch the nightly news and drink a beer...
Like I could even change the world, yeah right...
************************************
blue eddie-
8/25/00NY, 9/1/00NJ, 4/30/03NY, 7/2&3/03MSG, 7/14/03NJ, 10/13/04 EdW/Boss, 9/24&25/05 St Johns, 5/13/06CT, 5/27&28/06NJ, 6/1/06NJ, 6/3/06NJ, 6/24/06 OH, 7/15-16/06CA, Lolla07, DC, MSGx2, MA1, ED SOLO NYC1&2!
Watch the nightly news and drink a beer...
Like I could even change the world, yeah right...
************************************
"Doo do do do doo do doo, Doo do do do doo do doo..."
JEFFREY ROSS ROGERS 1975-2002
9.10.98 NYC / 8.23.00 JONES BEACH /4.30.03 UNIONDALE / 7.9.03 NYC /5.12.06 ALBANY/ 6.1.06 E.RUTHEFORD/ 6.3.06 E. RUTHEFORD/ CAMDEN 6.19.08/ NYC 6.24.08/ NYC 6.25.08/ HARTFORD 6.27.08/ CHICAGO 8.24.09/ PHILLY 10.31.09/ HARTFORD 5.15.10/ NEWARK 5.18.10/ NYC 5.20.10/ CHICAGO 7.19.13/ BROOKLYN 10.18.13/ BROOKLYN 10.19.13/ HARTFORD 10.25.13/ NYC 9.26.15/ 4.8.16 FT. LAUDERDALE/ 4.9.16 MIAMI / 5.1.16 NYC/ 5.2.16 NYC / 8.5.16 BOSTON / 8.7.16 BOSTON/ 8.20.18 CHICAGO/ 9.2.18 BOSTON/ 9.4.18 BOSTON/ 9.18.21 ASBURY PARK
finally, FUCK TICKETMASTER
JEFFREY ROSS ROGERS 1975-2002
9.10.98 NYC / 8.23.00 JONES BEACH /4.30.03 UNIONDALE / 7.9.03 NYC /5.12.06 ALBANY/ 6.1.06 E.RUTHEFORD/ 6.3.06 E. RUTHEFORD/ CAMDEN 6.19.08/ NYC 6.24.08/ NYC 6.25.08/ HARTFORD 6.27.08/ CHICAGO 8.24.09/ PHILLY 10.31.09/ HARTFORD 5.15.10/ NEWARK 5.18.10/ NYC 5.20.10/ CHICAGO 7.19.13/ BROOKLYN 10.18.13/ BROOKLYN 10.19.13/ HARTFORD 10.25.13/ NYC 9.26.15/ 4.8.16 FT. LAUDERDALE/ 4.9.16 MIAMI / 5.1.16 NYC/ 5.2.16 NYC / 8.5.16 BOSTON / 8.7.16 BOSTON/ 8.20.18 CHICAGO/ 9.2.18 BOSTON/ 9.4.18 BOSTON/ 9.18.21 ASBURY PARK
finally, FUCK TICKETMASTER
On Sunday night I got an email from my friend Alan who had sent some video from the Boston show of Eddie playing an acoustic version of "Porch" and telling me that the show was amazing. So that had my itching to see the show. I was thinking about heading up to the theatre after work and trying to scalp a ticket, but on a whim went to Ticketmaster yesterday afternoon and found two tickets with no trouble. Weird.
Got to the show a little late - missed most of Liam Finn. Seemed like he was in the midst of a pretty cool set though, so I might have to check him out another time. We probably heard the last 2 or 3 songs in full once we got to our seats (about 3 rows from the very back of the orchestra - not bad all things considered) and he was making good use of several looping effects and/or pre-recorded tracks. Definitely a charged performance, to say the least.
Around 8:45 or so Eddie hit the stage, coming up through the crowd. He sat for the whole show and played in front of a series of increasingly in-artistic backdrops. The first one was a city background which was cool, but the two that followed were no great shakes. The final sky backdrop was better, but a little hokey.
He opened with a couple of covers, "Walking The Cow" by Daniel Johnston and Cat Stevens' "Trouble". Not overly familiar with either tune, but I think he's played each a few times as sound checks at PJ shows. First thing I noticed was that his voice sounded very good. Sound system in the building was MUCH better than the Tweeter Center PJ show last month. Of course, they were only really mixing his vox with his guitar last night, so I would imagine that had something to do with it. I had never seen a show at this venue before, but to me it sounded great.
From there he went into some Pearl Jam material. "Around The Bend" sounded great and I realized how long it's been since I listened to that song. I've never been a huge fan of "I Am Mine" but stripping it down to just him and a guitar made it seem fresher and I really enjoyed it. "Dead Man Walking" has never been a favorite of mine either. This performance was fine, but the song just doesn't really do much for me - never really goes anywhere. It is cool, however, to see him go deep into the PJ catalogue and play songs you rarely hear the band play live to fill out his set list.
He briefly played part of "I'm Open" before "Man of the Hour" which was also fine, despite being another song that never really gets out of 1st gear for me. It's funny - writing this now I feel like I'm being very critical of the show, but to be honest, I never really thought "Oh, I don't like this song" or "I wish he was playing different stuff" as the show was progressing. I was just enjoying being there which I think had everything to do with accepting that I was going to miss the show in the first place then being surprised at the ticket availability.
"Sometimes" was a huge surprise for me (I haven't been keeping up with the set lists for his solo shows) and that really knocked me out. He followed that with a few songs from the "Into the Wild" soundtrack, which felt like a bit of a rock-opera to me. "Setting Forth", "No Ceiling", "Guaranteed", "Far Behind" (my personal favorite song from the album), and "Rise Up" were a great representation of the album and I loved the overall flow of that particular mini-set.
After the Into the Wild section, he played "Millworker" which is just such a great story in a song. Really clean and crisp throughout the song, but then he veered way off course (in a good way) and went into a Townshend-esque guitar beating session which was just completely emphatic and brutal. Totally out of left field and a take on the song I wouldn't really have expected.
"Soon Forget" game next which reminded me how much I love Binaural. He followed that up with a song called "Goodbye" which I hadn't heard before. Not sure if it was one of his own or a cover, but it was great. Very emotional and one of the real highlights for me - love the new stuff.
Eddie had some fun next, saying he was going to play a sad song and goofing around with "Used To Work In Chicago" which basically ended up being about a verse's worth of set up for a limerick punchline. He followed that up with a brief "Walk Hard" cover which then lead into "Drifting", which did about as much to blow the doors off of the place as one could expect at a solo show with an acoustic guitar. Another rarity that was great to hear live and a song that really captures the very best of his talents, I think. He kept the pedal down for the rest of the main set, closing with singalongs "Hide Your Love Away" and "Porch" both of which were phenominal and tremendously energetic.
He took off for a minute or two, but came back quickly for the encore, which was a nice surprise. Not the encore, just that we didn't have to stand there clapping for 5 minutes before it happened. Second set opened with "Wishlist" which is another favorite that I haven't heard the full band play very much live. Funny bit here as he sort of sang the e-bow solo (I still love the mini-argument Ed and Stone get in over who should play that solo on the "Single Video Theory" DVD).
Highlight of the night came next in what appeared to be a completely impromptu rendition of "Let My Love Open The Door". Just completely thrilling. Before the song he said something along the lines of "I have no idea how this one is gonna go..." Well, it went pretty fucking great. He attempted to get the audience to sing in harmony at the end, which also went surprisingly well, considering they were having trouble even keeping a simple beat with the clapping along all night. Great moment and another cover that allowed Ed to really showcase where his voice is at right now. I honestly think he sounds as good as I've ever heard him live right now.
Liam Finn joined him for "Society" and then Ed played "Masters of War" after someone shouted it out as a request. Speaking of which, there seemed to be a lot of that going on last night. Not surprising, happens all the time with every band. That doesn't make it any less annoying though. Yeah, there are about 100 songs I've love to hear him play too, but why spend time bitching about what you're not hearing when there is such a great show happening right in front of you? Just something I don't get about people. And don't even get me started on the shitheads who just scream out whatever goes through their heads just to be heard. At least the clowns requesting their favorite song have some kind of misguided purpose. The other guys and gals might as well just scream "PAY ATTENTION TO ME!" and get it over with. Just do us a favor and take up your inferiority complex with your parents at Christmastime instead of in the middle of a show the rest of us are trying to enjoy.
Also, to the dude in front of us who was taping long portions of the show. When the usher busts you and tells you to stop, don't argue, just apologize and stop. It's not the difficult. And when you're being a dick and taping again, knowing you're not allowed, and the woman behind you asks you to please lower your camera so she can enjoy her view, the proper response would be to apologize for inconveniencing her and then lower your camera. An improper response would be to act like a dickbag and tell her that the only way you'll put the camera down is if she pays for your seat. I know it's embarrassing when people call you out for behaving like an ass, but further underlining that behavior is not the way to go when it happens.
Where was I?
Oh yeah, "Masters of War" was fucking intense. Saw this with the full band on the Vote For Change tour in 04, but I think this version was more gripping. Someone mentioned above how the whole place was completely silent and I was struck by the same thing. Eerie. Touching. "No More" followed and that felt sort of like the manufactured version of the Dylan tune. Where "Masters of War" shook the whole place, "No More" was more like a paint by numbers thing with a big "YOU PROTEST HERE!" neon sign flashing during the singalong parts. Still moving based on the subject matter alone, but not in the same league as "Masters" and it ended up suffering for it's placement.
Second set closed with "Arc", a tune from Riot Act that I've never been a huge fan of. Completely different experience live though, with Eddie looping his howling voice and adding to the loop until he goes off at the end, improving at the high end of his register. Really a striking performance.
He ended the show with "Hard Sun" for which he was joined by Liam Finn and Eliza (not sure of Eliza's last name, but she plays with Liam). This was a total 180 from the direction the show had taken in the second set with the lights coming up and everyone letting loose and celebrating the music. The three of them played along with a pre-recorded track, which led to at least one minor problem with Eddie repeating a chorus one time too many when the music shifted back to the verse, but he covered it well and it made the whole thing that much more memorable.
Eddie seemed in good spirits all night. He talked a little about his first trip to NYC way back when and how the magnitude of playing the Garden and these solo shows in the same summer was not lost on him. He joked a bit here and there, talked up the venue, gave us a little politics (not much) and generally came off as though he was really enjoying the chance to do something a little different. I remember shows where, despite his enthusiasm for the music, it sometimes looked like touring was the last thing he ever wanted to do and I just feel really fortunate with the way he and the band have progressed because when I see them these days it looks like they are all 100% comfortable, happy and content, which has me hoping for many more great shows to come.
As we were walking out I was just shaking my head at how great a time I had. I'm honestly not even sure exactly what it was that made it such a great show to me - although I think sometimes it's the stuff you can't explain that makes certain concerts stand out. I just know that I had a great time and that it's easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. Not that I didn't expect Eddie to step up and deliver the goods, but even then my expectations were exceeded. Wish I was headed back up there tonight.
Springfield, MA 4/6/94 -- Boston, MA 4/11/94 -- Hartford, CT 10/2/96 -- Hartford, CT 9/13/98 -- Mansfield, MA 7/2/03 -- Reading, PA 10/1/04 -- Albany, NY 5/12/06 -- Milwaukee, WI 6/29/06 -- Mansfield, MA 6/30/08 -- Toronto, ON 9/21/09 -- Philadelphia, PA 10/31/09 -- Worcester, MA 10/16/13 -- Hartford, CT 10/25/13 -- New York, NY 9/26/15 -- New York, NY 5/2/16 -- Boston, MA 8/5/16 -- Boston, MA 8/7/16 -- Boston, MA 9/2/18 -- Boston, MA 9/4/18 -- London, UK 7/8/22 -- Hamilton, ON 9/6/22 -- Toronto, ON 9/8/22 -- New York, NY 9/11/22 -- Chicago, IL 9/5/23 -- Chicago, IL 9/7/23 -- New York, NY 9/3/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/7/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/9/24
Great recap! And this last part captures exactly why I want to go see it again this weekend.
10/25/13 - H, CT
10/15/13 - W, MA
06/16/11 - B, MA (E.V.)
05/17/10 - B, MA
05/15/10 - H, CT
06/09/09 - A, NY (E.V.)
08/01/08 - B, MA (E.V.)
06/30/08 - M, MA
05/25/08 - B, MA
08/30/00 - M, MA
We treat him like some sort of a god, yet he treats us like we are his close friends.
That's the best I could put it.
3 Decibels Doubles the Volume
2006
Hi.
First of all, Liam Finn is AMAZING. Alone, he was pretty much worth the price of admission. A fantastic talent, you MUST get there early for him.
Eddie was in fine form despite his illness, whatever it may be. Trouble was great, and it was really cool to hear Sometimes. The crowd was very respectful with their requests, not many yelling idiots as Ed addressed early when he said that he left em all in Boston. I'd say a big highlight was Let My Love Open The Door. Ed really got into it, as did the crowd. Scored 8th row seats from 10c, dead center.
That's pretty much it for now. It was hilarious when Ed missed the last verse in Hard Sun, but since it's on a backing track he couldn't go back. Overall, a great show, can't wait for NJPAC.
Mansfield II '08
EV Solo Shows:
NYC I
NJPAC
I. LOVE. YIELD.
Hello.
Springfield, MA 4/6/94 -- Boston, MA 4/11/94 -- Hartford, CT 10/2/96 -- Hartford, CT 9/13/98 -- Mansfield, MA 7/2/03 -- Reading, PA 10/1/04 -- Albany, NY 5/12/06 -- Milwaukee, WI 6/29/06 -- Mansfield, MA 6/30/08 -- Toronto, ON 9/21/09 -- Philadelphia, PA 10/31/09 -- Worcester, MA 10/16/13 -- Hartford, CT 10/25/13 -- New York, NY 9/26/15 -- New York, NY 5/2/16 -- Boston, MA 8/5/16 -- Boston, MA 8/7/16 -- Boston, MA 9/2/18 -- Boston, MA 9/4/18 -- London, UK 7/8/22 -- Hamilton, ON 9/6/22 -- Toronto, ON 9/8/22 -- New York, NY 9/11/22 -- Chicago, IL 9/5/23 -- Chicago, IL 9/7/23 -- New York, NY 9/3/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/7/24 -- Philadelphia, PA 9/9/24
Meeting you was awesome! How about that show! Ray and I got so lucky with our seats!! Many thanks to the 10club! We were seated in the 1st 2 aisle seats left side 2nd Row!! After eddies 1st encore i met him at the stage with a mob of people behind us and he shook my f*$king hand!! My hat fell of from the mob of people behind me! So surreal!! Also met and talked with Liam Finn who was hanging out before eddies set downstairs by the poster table, got him to sign my playbill! Best concert ive evver been too! I obeyed the 10club rules of no cameras but i was a little jealous of not having pictures of the show to put me back there somewhat to try to relive it!!! If anyone can send me a kodak gallery of there shots would be much appreciated!
Vedder Woman we still owe you some shots from Coogans! I felt bad about that later! Thanks for the JW Black! Hope to see you at a future show!! Great to meet you.
Luke
My friend did score a pair from the 10c and she was going to take my other 10c friend that also was not lucky. She was planing to go but at the last minute she cancelled and she asked me if I wanted to take her ticket...I said ofcourse!
So thanks to you both...lol
Well on with the show.
Liam and EJ were cool. The performance was a little all over the place but I guess it was good and different. Liam's voice was great and EJ...wow with the screams.
I saw that the crew was setting up for the EV performance and they had what looked like a butcher's white coat...hahahaha...funny I heard it's b/c of some experiment, I was like what experiment...Is EV going to have frankenstein on stage.lol...oh well.
Eddie was making everyone laugh with his funny remarks about the "I Love You Eddie" that some guy screamed out and Eddie reply was can't say it back bcs he didn't know who said it and didn't want his other boyfriends to get jealous...lol and there were other remarks regarding what was on the glass some red liquid...I told my friend it probably was some V8..lol...
He seemed in a good mood and seemed to have energy eventhough he told us he was still sick but was not on medication.
High lights for me were def. were Sometimes, Goodbye, Let My Love Open the Door (Wow...I never thought I would see this gem), Society was really nice with Liam. Masters of War, always gives me goosebumps.
First time seeing Arc...It was nice. Does anyone know if it sounded different when played on PJ shows?
The scenary on the stage change: First it was Eddie singing in an ally behind a building. After a few songs the screen behind went up and now what looked like to me some cargo boxes was the scene. Then after a few songs the screen changed into a tent. really nice background for the EV show.
The last song: Hard Sun was really nice. Eddie came out with the white coat as well did Liam and EJ. The background was changed for the finale into the blue sea and clouds...For a moment I thought I was in a cult singing along in that venue...Well the venue is a church of some kind.lol.
Everyone was singing along including me. Great show! Thanks again to my friends for thinking of me
Besides the late comers, people getting up and not letting us see. The two talkative guys next to me that wouldn't shut up...always had to say something during when EV sang. The people who rushed down the aisle to the stage during the last song and ofcourse the security who kept flashing people's faces just to show the late comers where their seats were. The EV show was a memorable experience.
Thanks Eddie!
Great crowd-NYC!!!-gorgeous venue-Eddie's vocals were heartfelt and powerful.
Transcendent..
Will never forget it.
I was 6 rows back from the stage- and the theater is just beautiful.
Liam Finn and Eliza Jane was unexpected. I've never heard him play and I thought that it was pleasantly surprising. What a talented guy! And made a fan out of me.
The only words I can say is that EV was the best. I'm glad I cut my trip short to see him.
P.S.
***Also, to the dude in front of us who was taping long portions of the show. When the usher busts you and tells you to stop, don't argue, just apologize and stop. It's not the difficult. And when you're being a dick and taping again, knowing you're not allowed, and the woman behind you asks you to please lower your camera so she can enjoy her view, the proper response would be to apologize for inconveniencing her and then lower your camera. An improper response would be to act like a dickbag and tell her that the only way you'll put the camera down is if she pays for your seat. I know it's embarrassing when people call you out for behaving like an ass, but further underlining that behavior is not the way to go when it happens.***
I had a similar situation with the woman in front of me. I know that it would be nice to have a record of this wonderful experience. But on that same note, the people behind you would like to enjoy the show.
This woman got tapped 5 times and she still would not put the camera down. My husband tapped her and asked that she put it away- she just looked over at us- moved the camera a few degrees over to block another person instead. But the bright screen was still there! If it was not the camera- it was the iPhone. If its a picture once in a while- fine- but for the WHOLE show- that is just wrong to the people behind you.
I understand the No Camera Rule- and now I'm for it.
No, no, no, the awesome rocking woman got off with you at 110!
Ok, I guess the other one was also awesome and rocking
"It's Evolution Baby"
Montreal '00; Toronto '03; Montreal '03; Kitchener '05; London '05; Hamilton '05; Toronto '05; Toronto '06 x2; Boston '06; Toronto '08 x2 (Eddie)