Even The Longest Road Comes To An End - Reece & GTL @Oakland 2

IamTomIamTom Posts: 1,138

You’ve been a rockstar at an event where people are turning up just to meet you and have a selfie, you have a bag of swag and a Pearl Jam signed poster hand delivered and you still haven’t seen a rock n roll show…something’s missing.

But not for long, no sir. 



We reckon it’s a pretty good thing there was some time for Reece to catch his breath after all the excitement so far which included bumping into Rob from Pearl Jam radio on our way into the arena. Rob knew all about Reece and was so glad to meet him. 

Lights go down, Reece’s band walks on stage and before you know it he’s singing along to show opener Long Road. It would be easy to go into the show itself, to review the great setlist but this is Reece’s show and Given To Live’s highlights weren’t the drums at the end of WMA or Richard Stuverud channeling Keith Moon during Baba. No, our highlights were the smiles. 

Reece’s smiles so damn wide, him singing along especially to Mind Your Manners which is a favourite - never knowing what you’ll get at a Pearl Jam show Reece getting MYM was special for us knowing he loves it. Parental smiles wide, Matt and Kelly enjoying the show but more importantly enjoying Reece having his show, his band right there in front of them. And of course, Eddie Vedder giving Reece a shout out during the show. Reece’s day, his night, his show. 



A day and night that resulted in Reece sleeping later than he ever has. Normally up by 7.30 at the latest he slept in until long after 10am as a body that struggles due to Glut1 needed more recuperation than usual after a very long, exciting, emotional and wondrous show day and night. 

The show opening with Long Road seemed so apposite as the journey to his show started 27 months ago. Reece had spent a long time wishing for his Pearl Jam day…his wishes came true and a whole lot more. 



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Thank You 🙏🏻 

Given To Live would like to thank everyone involved in this show and making it so special. It’s a long list…

-Sarah S, Emily B, and Pearl Jam. Thank you for all the time and consideration you gave to create something so beautiful for Reece.

-Barry, Barney, Jason & Matt for all the fundraising you do for Given To Live.

-Kamila Staniszewska for Reece’s poster and tshirt. The chorus of absolute admiration from so many is still echoing.

-Ewa, any GTL show day is a long day. I have absolutely no idea how we’d have given Reece, Matt & Kelly their day without your help, support and patience.

-To everyone who came to Reece’s event and made him feel like a star, you created something beautiful.

-Moxy Oakland Downtown thank you for taking such good care of Reece and for his gifts.

-Niche Frames our wonderful printers. You’re awesome and patient with me as we make sure everything is right. 

-Randy and the Live On 4 Legs Podcast who wanted GTL to interview Reece for his thoughts on his show.


Given To Live -

Latest story - Declan at Slipknot is up on the website now at www.giventolive.com along with Kayleigh at Foo Fighters, Tony at Stereophonics and more.

Inspired by Pearl Jam, making live music dreams come true.

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