Technically the 1st Pearl Jam fan?
Tonybalsamo
Posts: 20
Hello. My mom owned a restaurant in San Diego called Sicilia Restaurant near the San Diego State University area.
I was 13 years old at the time. A few doors down from our restaurant was a record shop called “Off The Wall Records” which I frequented often.
One day in the early Summer if 1991, I went to off the wall and the worker there was telling me about this band called “Pearl Jam” and they would be eating at my moms restaurant that night for the release of their new album… he gave me a circular poster of their album ‘ten’ and he said, get this signed, this band is going to be huge.
that evening, they in fact came to my moms restaurant and sat at table B2.
I was 13 years old at the time. A few doors down from our restaurant was a record shop called “Off The Wall Records” which I frequented often.
One day in the early Summer if 1991, I went to off the wall and the worker there was telling me about this band called “Pearl Jam” and they would be eating at my moms restaurant that night for the release of their new album… he gave me a circular poster of their album ‘ten’ and he said, get this signed, this band is going to be huge.
that evening, they in fact came to my moms restaurant and sat at table B2.
I shyly approached the table and asked if I could have their autograph. Little did I know at the time, but Eddie Vedder said loudly “our first official fan”. Not only did they sign the poster, but they also signed a CD for me. In a kind gesture, I asked my mom if we could cover their drinks on their bills which she approved…
As they were leaving, Eddie asked who was my favorite band at the time which I said Alice In Chains… several weeks later I received this care package from Eddie with several items from Alice In Chains (special shirts, cd’s, etc). I was so amazed by this gesture, even at 13 did not know what to make of it and of course, crazily excited. he recognized our kind gesture and was Thoughtful to repay the gesture… gone are these acts of generosity and kindness.
A few months go by and Eddie shows up with his brothers to eat -as he was playing a show that weekend down the street at a place called Winters. They sat at table C4. In return for the very kind care package, I asked my mom if we could comp their dinner, which she approved.
As they were leaving, Eddie asked who was my favorite band at the time which I said Alice In Chains… several weeks later I received this care package from Eddie with several items from Alice In Chains (special shirts, cd’s, etc). I was so amazed by this gesture, even at 13 did not know what to make of it and of course, crazily excited. he recognized our kind gesture and was Thoughtful to repay the gesture… gone are these acts of generosity and kindness.
A few months go by and Eddie shows up with his brothers to eat -as he was playing a show that weekend down the street at a place called Winters. They sat at table C4. In return for the very kind care package, I asked my mom if we could comp their dinner, which she approved.
In 1993 we sold the restaurant. The new owners contacted me saying someone stopped by and wrote me a letter on the back of a paper place mat. Of course, it was Eddie. I had no way to connect as I did not have his contact details. The restaurant was sold again to a new owner. He stopped by once more to visit and left me another letter with cosmic and inspirational worlds. I still have both letters.
just a crazy special experience in life with a truly talented group, and a very thoughtful and generous being.
just a crazy special experience in life with a truly talented group, and a very thoughtful and generous being.
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Song Wishlist: Oceans, Brother, Alone, Let Me Sleep, full W.M.A., Hold On, Bugs/all of Vitalogy, Gremmie Out Of Control, Mankind, Around The Bend (full band), The Long Road, Don't Gimme No Lip, Pilate, Push Me Pull Me, All Those Yesterdays, Rival, Parting Ways, Ghost, Bu$hleaguer, WWS, Parachutes, Army Reserve, low octave Driftin', Strangest Tribe, Other Side, Undone, Fatal, Hitchhiker, Education, Black Red Yellow, Of the Earth, Love Reign O'er Me, Gonna See My Friend, Amongst the Waves, Santa Cruz, Infallible, Yellow Moon, Alright, Comes Then Goes, Got to Give, and the Mamasan Trilogy.
Missoula 6/20/98
Alpine Valley 6/26/98 & 6/27/98
Alpine Valley 10/8/00
Champaign 4/23/03
Alpine Valley 6/21/03
Missoula 8/29/05
Chicago 5/16 & 17/06
Grand Rapids 5/19/06
Summerfest 6/29/06 & 6/30/06
Tampa 6/12/08
Chicago 8/23/09
Indy 5/7/10
Alpine Valley x2 2011
Wrigley 2013
Milwaukee 14
Telluride 16
I think that's a fantastic, Tony, but I am not going to try to read those words!
I'm glad you shared your snapshot of his beautifu, lovely, kindnesses.
2009 - Toronto
2010 - Buffalo
2011 - Toronto 1&2
2013 - London, Pittsburgh, Buffalo
2014 - Cincinnati, St. Louis, Detroit
2016 - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Ottawa, Toronto 1
2018 - Fenway 1&2
2022 - Hamilton, Toronto
2023 - Chicago 1&2
2024 - Las Vegas 1&2
thanks for sharing
very sweet stuff
Fantastic
Eddie Vedder Düsseldorf 06/30/2019
"The future ain't what it used to be..."
ISO 2016 Greenville shirt. Size medium. PM me if you have one for sale/trade.