I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
Try to stop over somewhere. For us Kiwis going right through from Europe to NZ you sit on a plane for 12 hours and your reward at the end of it is another 12 hr flight.
Wife and I went from Dublin to Wellington in 2016. Left our house at 1730 on Friday evening and got to my Mum's place at 1930 on Sunday evening.
Add jet lag and age to that and...well...still worth it though.
Stars are suns to other people.
Wellington 1998 London 2007 Brisbane 2009 Stockholm 2012
Amsterdam 1 & 2 2014 EV Dublin 2017 Milan 2018 Padova 2018 Boston 2 2018 Auckland 1 & 2 2024
I had no issues with jet lag going from East Coast US to Auckland. Landed in the morning, checked in to hotel, went to grab merch, walked around a bit, took an hour nap, did a little work, and then went to the show. Woke up at 5am the next day, got breakfast, had a couple conference calls and then drove up north for some afternoon golf.
The return home was a different story. 5 days later I was still laying in bed until 3 or 4 am trying to fall asleep.
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
Still super jealous.
Post the one with Ed.
ha, Ed with his take out... was pretty surreal, had the entire band to myself for a good bit. I said what I needed to, but in hindsight I still babbled like a fanboy and wish I said a lot more.
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
Ya, I could stay there forever. Had a feeling PJ was leading us to good place.
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
Still super jealous.
Post the one with Ed.
ha, Ed with his take out... was pretty surreal, had the entire band to myself for a good bit. I said what I needed to, but in hindsight I still babbled like a fanboy and wish I said a lot more.
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
You going in our summer.. when you say this summer? It's winter there and most places have cold, esp Melbourne
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
You going in our summer.. when you say this summer? It's winter there and most places have cold, esp Melbourne
Yes, our summer. Haven't quite sorted out the itin, but might involve a cross-continent type tour. Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, etc.
The weather would be a relief from Phoenix; that's partly the point.
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
You going in our summer.. when you say this summer? It's winter there and most places have cold, esp Melbourne
Yes, our summer. Haven't quite sorted out the itin, but might involve a cross-continent type tour. Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, etc.
The weather would be a relief from Phoenix; that's partly the point.
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
You going in our summer.. when you say this summer? It's winter there and most places have cold, esp Melbourne
Yes, our summer. Haven't quite sorted out the itin, but might involve a cross-continent type tour. Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, etc.
The weather would be a relief from Phoenix; that's partly the point.
Am heading to Phoenix in a few weeks. What's the clothing situation for winter? Shorts and hoodies? Or does it get cooler than that. We'll hit a Suns game or two so will be out late. Cheers in advance!
Stars are suns to other people.
Wellington 1998 London 2007 Brisbane 2009 Stockholm 2012
Amsterdam 1 & 2 2014 EV Dublin 2017 Milan 2018 Padova 2018 Boston 2 2018 Auckland 1 & 2 2024
I don't know how this SE US tour can ever compare to down under. That trip has ruined me for domestic PJ tours.
That trip ruined the ocean for me! Man... those waves!
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori! also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
I'm planning a trip to AUS with my daughter this summer, and the only thing I'm dragging my feet over is buying plane tickets. 15hrs+ of the flying is no joke.
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
You going in our summer.. when you say this summer? It's winter there and most places have cold, esp Melbourne
Yes, our summer. Haven't quite sorted out the itin, but might involve a cross-continent type tour. Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, etc.
The weather would be a relief from Phoenix; that's partly the point.
Am heading to Phoenix in a few weeks. What's the clothing situation for winter? Shorts and hoodies? Or does it get cooler than that. We'll hit a Suns game or two so will be out late. Cheers in advance!
We hit 80+ today. I expect lows will probably be in the 50s at worst. Highs 70s-80s. Inningsfest, along with spring training openers, are towards the end of February. I'm usually in shorts and a hoodie for that.
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
Sweet!
Did you have fresh sharpies and something to sign? What a cool experience. What was Ed eating for takeout? I might want to buy him lunch someday! Surprised no Big Pete at his side. He 'autograph blocked" me the one time I met Ed. Oh well. Did get a couple guitar picks though.
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
Still super jealous.
Post the one with Ed.
ha, Ed with his take out... was pretty surreal, had the entire band to myself for a good bit. I said what I needed to, but in hindsight I still babbled like a fanboy and wish I said a lot more.
^Good one. Didn't notice that. Who's Smitty? Never saw him but have been out of tourland for a while. It definitely takes guts to go talk to our 'idols'. I understand they are just people like us, yet somehow so much more. The music and talent elevates them in our minds. Glad I did way back when.
The best most comfortable few minute back and forth was with Chris Connell. Saw him at PJ20 screening and he was so genuine and kind. Other than that, only met MM and EV. Both very nice too but were with a small crowd of fans and just some quick awkward (on my behalf) exchanges. CC was really 1 on 1. End of lovely flashback
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
I live in the Milwaukee area and even though I'm very well traveled, I had never made the trip to AU/NZ before and was really worked up about the jet lag. I was dumfounded how easy it was going there. Flew from Milwaukee to San Fran, then the big leg from SFO to Auckland, but was easier than going to Europe. Overnight flight, slept a decent amount, got there in the morning, got lucky with an early check in at the hotel, took a shower and hit the town with no issue. Coming home from Sydney though....that did suck...what didn't suck was the three shows in Auckland/Gold Coast, the incredible people, and the beautiful geography. Bumping into these guys didn't hurt either...
Sweet!
Did you have fresh sharpies and something to sign? What a cool experience. What was Ed eating for takeout? I might want to buy him lunch someday! Surprised no Big Pete at his side. He 'autograph blocked" me the one time I met Ed. Oh well. Did get a couple guitar picks though.
I knew they were staying at my hotel the first day we got there because I ran into Mike in the lobby that first night...and then again at the corner store across the street a couple days later, he was getting help trying to figure out the self checkout, ha.. Anyway, the day we checked out after the 2nd show we left our bags with the concierge in the morning and spent our last few hours around the harbor. When we came back we were waiting for the hotel staff to pull our bags and I saw Pete walk through the lobby and kind of scope things out, so my radar went up, and sure enough they all came down the elevator one by one. It was really nice because after I talked to one for a few mins another one would show up, haha. Ed was last down with Smitty at his side.
They were all so nice and down to earth. Talked a little sports with Jeff, talked about my first show with Mike (7/9/95) where they did Maggot Brain and he ended up getting an IV or something after the show. Matt was the only one traveling with his wife, so I only bothered him for a quick hello, but the rest were on their own so they were happy to chat while they waited for their ride to the airport. Stone wasn't thrilled to do the photo, but I'm like...guys, when else am I going to have a chance with ALL of you. Smitty said no pics with Ed in the hotel, luckily my wife snuck one while I was chatting to him, he really liked my Johnny-O pull over I was wearing cause their logo is the guy with the surfboard.
I think they were so cool with it because there was literally no one else in the lobby, so they were very chill. just sat around till the whole group was there to go to the airport. Said I'd split an Uber with them, but got turned down, haha...no autographs or anything, I didn't ask, just some good authentic conversation. Through some chance encounters I've met most of them before, except for Stone, I told him he's the unicorn, and he gave me the "and that's kind of on purpose" face, haha...loved it. My wife, who likes to play it cool and generally puts up with my PJ crap was pretty star struck talking to Ed. She tried not to interfere with me being a fan boy, but he called her over and wanted to say hello, ask her some questions, etc. Insane experience, don't think I can ever top that.
Comments
Melbourne #2 '03
Melbourne #3 '03
Melbourne #1 '06
Melbourne #3 '06
Melbourne '09
Melbourne '14
I liked the PJ Vancouver tour opener on the floor better than being so far away in the stadiums. I didn't expect so much jetlag travelling from Tamaki Makaurau to Coolangatta then down south! I totally learned a deeper respect for the travelling band et al.
also, the Taranaki Mounga (mountain) got granted personhood rights today. So much respect for tbe Maori!
also, I went off a high diving board a couple days back and because of the AJHackett bungee, I'm scarred for life!
The other issue is I'm very tempted not to return.
Wife and I went from Dublin to Wellington in 2016. Left our house at 1730 on Friday evening and got to my Mum's place at 1930 on Sunday evening.
Add jet lag and age to that and...well...still worth it though.
Wellington 1998
London 2007
Brisbane 2009
Stockholm 2012
EV Dublin 2017
Milan 2018
Padova 2018
Boston 2 2018
Auckland 1 & 2 2024
The return home was a different story. 5 days later I was still laying in bed until 3 or 4 am trying to fall asleep.
98' - 6/26, 6/27, 6/29, 8/26, 9/22
03' - 4/25
06' - 6/29, 6/30
07' - 8/05
09' - 8/23
11' - 9/03, 9/04
12' - 9/30
13' - 7/16, 7/19, 10/21, 10/22, 11/15, 11/16, 12/06
14' - 06/28, 06/29, 10/1, 10/03, 10/16, 10/17, 10/20, 10/22
15' - 11/20, 11/22
16' - 4/21, 4/26, 4/28, 4/29, 5/1, 5/2, 7/9, 8/5, 8/7, 8/20, 8/22
17' - 4/7
18' - 7/1, 7/3, 7/5, 8/8, 8/10, 8/18, 8/20, 9/4
21' - 10/1, 10/2
22' - 7/12, 7/14, 9/6, 9/8
Post the one with Ed.
98' - 6/26, 6/27, 6/29, 8/26, 9/22
03' - 4/25
06' - 6/29, 6/30
07' - 8/05
09' - 8/23
11' - 9/03, 9/04
12' - 9/30
13' - 7/16, 7/19, 10/21, 10/22, 11/15, 11/16, 12/06
14' - 06/28, 06/29, 10/1, 10/03, 10/16, 10/17, 10/20, 10/22
15' - 11/20, 11/22
16' - 4/21, 4/26, 4/28, 4/29, 5/1, 5/2, 7/9, 8/5, 8/7, 8/20, 8/22
17' - 4/7
18' - 7/1, 7/3, 7/5, 8/8, 8/10, 8/18, 8/20, 9/4
21' - 10/1, 10/2
22' - 7/12, 7/14, 9/6, 9/8
Wellington 1998
London 2007
Brisbane 2009
Stockholm 2012
EV Dublin 2017
Milan 2018
Padova 2018
Boston 2 2018
Auckland 1 & 2 2024
The weather would be a relief from Phoenix; that's partly the point.
Wellington 1998
London 2007
Brisbane 2009
Stockholm 2012
EV Dublin 2017
Milan 2018
Padova 2018
Boston 2 2018
Auckland 1 & 2 2024
Sweet!
What a cool experience.
What was Ed eating for takeout? I might want to buy him lunch someday!
Surprised no Big Pete at his side. He 'autograph blocked" me the one time I met Ed. Oh well. Did get a couple guitar picks though.
It definitely takes guts to go talk to our 'idols'. I understand they are just people like us, yet somehow so much more. The music and talent elevates them in our minds.
Glad I did way back when.
The best most comfortable few minute back and forth was with Chris Connell. Saw him at PJ20 screening and he was so genuine and kind.
Other than that, only met MM and EV.
Both very nice too but were with a small crowd of fans and just some quick awkward (on my behalf) exchanges. CC was really 1 on 1.
End of lovely flashback
Mark "Smitty" Smith is Pearl Jam's manager.
They were all so nice and down to earth. Talked a little sports with Jeff, talked about my first show with Mike (7/9/95) where they did Maggot Brain and he ended up getting an IV or something after the show. Matt was the only one traveling with his wife, so I only bothered him for a quick hello, but the rest were on their own so they were happy to chat while they waited for their ride to the airport. Stone wasn't thrilled to do the photo, but I'm like...guys, when else am I going to have a chance with ALL of you. Smitty said no pics with Ed in the hotel, luckily my wife snuck one while I was chatting to him, he really liked my Johnny-O pull over I was wearing cause their logo is the guy with the surfboard.
I think they were so cool with it because there was literally no one else in the lobby, so they were very chill. just sat around till the whole group was there to go to the airport. Said I'd split an Uber with them, but got turned down, haha...no autographs or anything, I didn't ask, just some good authentic conversation. Through some chance encounters I've met most of them before, except for Stone, I told him he's the unicorn, and he gave me the "and that's kind of on purpose" face, haha...loved it. My wife, who likes to play it cool and generally puts up with my PJ crap was pretty star struck talking to Ed. She tried not to interfere with me being a fan boy, but he called her over and wanted to say hello, ask her some questions, etc. Insane experience, don't think I can ever top that.
98' - 6/26, 6/27, 6/29, 8/26, 9/22
03' - 4/25
06' - 6/29, 6/30
07' - 8/05
09' - 8/23
11' - 9/03, 9/04
12' - 9/30
13' - 7/16, 7/19, 10/21, 10/22, 11/15, 11/16, 12/06
14' - 06/28, 06/29, 10/1, 10/03, 10/16, 10/17, 10/20, 10/22
15' - 11/20, 11/22
16' - 4/21, 4/26, 4/28, 4/29, 5/1, 5/2, 7/9, 8/5, 8/7, 8/20, 8/22
17' - 4/7
18' - 7/1, 7/3, 7/5, 8/8, 8/10, 8/18, 8/20, 9/4
21' - 10/1, 10/2
22' - 7/12, 7/14, 9/6, 9/8