I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
Completely agree. The entire schtick of the sphere flies in the face of why PJ is a great live band.
On the other hand, it’s perfect to add some intrigue to generic psychedelic/blues bands like Dead & Co. Give me some fog and lights, but let the music speak for itself 👎🏻
Wrigley 7/19/2013 Philadelphia 10/22/2013 Baltimore 10/27/2013 Hampton 4/18/2016 Ft. Worth 9/13/2023 Ft. Worth 9/15/2023 Wrigley 8/31/2024 Baltimore 9/12/2024 Fenway 9/15/2024
I’m sure it is somewhere on the 29 plus pages, but hoping for NOLA in late April. Not a festival guy but Jazz fest is a blast. They can make a quick cash grab and work their way east or west off it.
I always wanted to go to Jazz Fest, and the lineups are always great. But I heard it gets too uncomfortably crowded, and that would surely sour the experience for me. Hopefully Ohana Fest isn't too crowded.
I've been to Jazzfest both times they played there (2016, 2010).... and honestly, it's underwhelming. I would pass on it again. They get a two hour slot (typically 5-7 pm on Saturday), the crowd is huge and inattentive. A lot of people there for Jazz as opposed to headlining acts.. they want to set up their blanket on the lawn and don't you dare crowd their space.
and it's fucking hot. NOLA in early may - think 90-degrees and 100% RH.
oh... and no merch. Only Jazzfest licensed gear is allowed to be sold at the venue. No posters, no tshirts. in 2010 they made an exception for a pearl jam tshirt and did not make that exception again in 2016... which was fine with me considering they sold them after on the website... but for those that like the merch...
And I also have a pet peeve in that Jazzfest headliners have a contractual clause saying they can't play houston 90-days before/after... which is bullshit... houston is 7 million people and 6 hours away... but it's also kind of irrelevant because Houston isn't getting a show anyway...
Regardless... back to talking about Toronto in April. Going to be an awesome time. Can't wait!
Houston, Texas... Believe it or not, there are 7 million people here... must be a couple of fans who'd love to see you play.
If they are touring Europe and US next year in Spring/Summer time I assume we will start to hear a few rumours in the next few weeks. If I remember it was around Ohana time last year that the 2024 rumours started, and with the solid rumours from early November.
Seattle might see some action in May.
Is this wishful thinking or something that has some meat on the bones, so to say?
Heard it in person in Baltimore from someone close to the band.
Portland, OR (November 29, 2013) | Seattle, WA (December 06, 2013) | Leeds, UK (July 08, 2014) | St Paul, MN (October 19, 2014) | Denver, CO (October 22, 2014) | Mexico City, MX (November 28, 2015) | Miami (April 09, 2016) | Boston 1 (August 05, 2016) | Prague (July 01, 2018) | Krakow (July 03, 2018) | Berlin (July 05, 2018) | Barcelona (July 10, 2018) | Seattle Night 2 (August 10, 2018) | Missoula, MT (August 13, 2018) | Ohana Festival (September 26, 2021) | Los Angeles (May 06, 2022) | Frankfurt (June 28, 2022) | Copenhagen (July 05, 2022) | London Hyde Park (July 08, 2022) | London Hyde Park (July 09, 2022) | Budapest (July 12, 2022) | New York (September 11, 2022) | St Paul (September 02, 2023) | Chicago (September 05, 2023) | Ft. Worth (September 15, 2023) | Austin (September 19, 2023) | Portland, OR (May 10, 2024) | Las Vegas, NV (May 16, 2024) | Las Vegas, NV (May 18, 2024) | Seattle, WA (May 28, 2024) | Seattle, WA (May 30, 2024) | Manchester (June 25, 2024) | Missoula (August 22, 2024) | Indianapolis (August 26, 2024) | Chicago (August 31, 2024) | Philadelphia (September 09, 2024) | Baltimore (September 12, 2024) | Ohana Festival (September 29, 2024)
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Yes because tickets to the Sphere are going to be affordable. It took them 34 years to throw together a screen and some Windows Media Player visuals.
The start of the Dark Matters songs were my screen saver in 1997.
The waves during wreckage look so bad. I’m honestly surprised this in general isn’t being talked about more. I don’t mind bringing in screens like that, but 90% of its usage looked bad and didn’t bring much of anything to the experience. Graphics do not even compare to sphere level.
If anything, I liked how they used it as a background to cast their shadows. Like at the start of the shows. 😂
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
No one is suggesting that they need the visuals, but perhaps they want to try it because they want to. Besides the visuals, I also enjoy the zoomed in views of the band, and also the audience shots. Pearl Jam is too good of a live act to let anything distract you from them. If anything, the visuals would likely be creatively designed as to enhance the experience and draw you in. I'm sure the team is well aware of all of this as they plan (if they plan, still a rumor).
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
Amen. And how many people here will complain if they do a Sphere stint, and the setlists inevitably become more formulaic?
I don't understand your logic. "If they do the Sphere, then the setlists will become more formulaic". I'm not seeing the correlation. The band can do several Sphere performances, and yet still remain the amazing Pearl Jam that we all love, with wonderful setlists.
I'm really confused as to how anyone would think that the Sphere would be a bad thing. It would be a brand new and unique experience. I understand 100% to the people saying that they can't stand Vegas. Fair enough. But the Sphere would be a cool new experience for the band, existing fans, and also potential new fans.
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
No one is suggesting that they need the visuals, but perhaps they want to try it because they want to. Besides the visuals, I also enjoy the zoomed in views of the band, and also the audience shots. Pearl Jam is too good of a live act to let anything distract you from them. If anything, the visuals would likely be creatively designed as to enhance the experience and draw you in. I'm sure the team is well aware of all of this as they plan (if they plan, still a rumor).
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
Amen. And how many people here will complain if they do a Sphere stint, and the setlists inevitably become more formulaic?
I don't understand your logic. "If they do the Sphere, then the setlists will become more formulaic". I'm not seeing the correlation. The band can do several Sphere performances, and yet still remain the amazing Pearl Jam that we all love, with wonderful setlists.
I'm really confused as to how anyone would think that the Sphere would be a bad thing. It would be a brand new and unique experience. I understand 100% to the people saying that they can't stand Vegas. Fair enough. But the Sphere would be a cool new experience for the band, existing fans, and also potential new fans.
Here are my main reasons I don't want them in the Sphere, in order: 1. They are the best live band in existence and don't need to rely on gimmicky visuals to put on a good show. 2. Doing an extended stint at a single venue, especially in Vegas, feels a bit like a sellout move to me. To me, it signals that their careers are winding down, which is obviously sad and something I don't want to happen. 3. Staying in Vegas adds huge cost to 99% of the fans that could otherwise see them in a closer city. 4. Ticket prices will be astronomical, especially the "good" seats that allow you to fully enjoy the screens. 5. The setlists will become formulaic, because the visuals will be designed around specific songs. Otherwise, there is no point in doing a concert there.
TL;DR - it's a gimmicky venue, I don't want to go to Vegas (many will agree with me on that), and setlists will have to be more formulaic.
Wrigley 7/19/2013 Philadelphia 10/22/2013 Baltimore 10/27/2013 Hampton 4/18/2016 Ft. Worth 9/13/2023 Ft. Worth 9/15/2023 Wrigley 8/31/2024 Baltimore 9/12/2024 Fenway 9/15/2024
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
No one is suggesting that they need the visuals, but perhaps they want to try it because they want to. Besides the visuals, I also enjoy the zoomed in views of the band, and also the audience shots. Pearl Jam is too good of a live act to let anything distract you from them. If anything, the visuals would likely be creatively designed as to enhance the experience and draw you in. I'm sure the team is well aware of all of this as they plan (if they plan, still a rumor).
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
Amen. And how many people here will complain if they do a Sphere stint, and the setlists inevitably become more formulaic?
I don't understand your logic. "If they do the Sphere, then the setlists will become more formulaic". I'm not seeing the correlation. The band can do several Sphere performances, and yet still remain the amazing Pearl Jam that we all love, with wonderful setlists.
I'm really confused as to how anyone would think that the Sphere would be a bad thing. It would be a brand new and unique experience. I understand 100% to the people saying that they can't stand Vegas. Fair enough. But the Sphere would be a cool new experience for the band, existing fans, and also potential new fans.
Here are my main reasons I don't want them in the Sphere, in order: 1. They are the best live band in existence and don't need to rely on gimmicky visuals to put on a good show. 2. Doing an extended stint at a single venue, especially in Vegas, feels a bit like a sellout move to me. To me, it signals that their careers are winding down, which is obviously sad and something I don't want to happen. 3. Staying in Vegas adds huge cost to 99% of the fans that could otherwise see them in a closer city. 4. Ticket prices will be astronomical, especially the "good" seats that allow you to fully enjoy the screens. 5. The setlists will become formulaic, because the visuals will be designed around specific songs. Otherwise, there is no point in doing a concert there.
TL;DR - it's a gimmicky venue, I don't want to go to Vegas (many will agree with me on that), and setlists will have to be more formulaic.
That makes sense, and I understand your perspective much better now. I hadn't thought about how the visuals would effect the setlist in that way, and hopefully that's something that they could work around.
No denying the huge costs. Everything is getting so expensive lately. I am a bit biased in my excitement for the Sphere, because I live in LA and that is a very short and cheap flight to Vegas.
But in terms of a sellout move, I think it would be more like a short experiment, before they return back to the usual tours.
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
No one is suggesting that they need the visuals, but perhaps they want to try it because they want to. Besides the visuals, I also enjoy the zoomed in views of the band, and also the audience shots. Pearl Jam is too good of a live act to let anything distract you from them. If anything, the visuals would likely be creatively designed as to enhance the experience and draw you in. I'm sure the team is well aware of all of this as they plan (if they plan, still a rumor).
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
Amen. And how many people here will complain if they do a Sphere stint, and the setlists inevitably become more formulaic?
I don't understand your logic. "If they do the Sphere, then the setlists will become more formulaic". I'm not seeing the correlation. The band can do several Sphere performances, and yet still remain the amazing Pearl Jam that we all love, with wonderful setlists.
I'm really confused as to how anyone would think that the Sphere would be a bad thing. It would be a brand new and unique experience. I understand 100% to the people saying that they can't stand Vegas. Fair enough. But the Sphere would be a cool new experience for the band, existing fans, and also potential new fans.
Here are my main reasons I don't want them in the Sphere, in order: 1. They are the best live band in existence and don't need to rely on gimmicky visuals to put on a good show. 2. Doing an extended stint at a single venue, especially in Vegas, feels a bit like a sellout move to me. To me, it signals that their careers are winding down, which is obviously sad and something I don't want to happen. 3. Staying in Vegas adds huge cost to 99% of the fans that could otherwise see them in a closer city. 4. Ticket prices will be astronomical, especially the "good" seats that allow you to fully enjoy the screens. 5. The setlists will become formulaic, because the visuals will be designed around specific songs. Otherwise, there is no point in doing a concert there.
TL;DR - it's a gimmicky venue, I don't want to go to Vegas (many will agree with me on that), and setlists will have to be more formulaic.
That makes sense, and I understand your perspective much better now. I hadn't thought about how the visuals would effect the setlist in that way, and hopefully that's something that they could work around.
No denying the huge costs. Everything is getting so expensive lately. I am a bit biased in my excitement for the Sphere, because I live in LA and that is a very short and cheap flight to Vegas.
But in terms of a sellout move, I think it would be more like a short experiment, before they return back to the usual tours.
To be fair, I'd probably be much more receptive to it if I lived on the west coast
Wrigley 7/19/2013 Philadelphia 10/22/2013 Baltimore 10/27/2013 Hampton 4/18/2016 Ft. Worth 9/13/2023 Ft. Worth 9/15/2023 Wrigley 8/31/2024 Baltimore 9/12/2024 Fenway 9/15/2024
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
No one is suggesting that they need the visuals, but perhaps they want to try it because they want to. Besides the visuals, I also enjoy the zoomed in views of the band, and also the audience shots. Pearl Jam is too good of a live act to let anything distract you from them. If anything, the visuals would likely be creatively designed as to enhance the experience and draw you in. I'm sure the team is well aware of all of this as they plan (if they plan, still a rumor).
I seem to be in the minority, and will openly admit that I can't stand Vegas, but PJ at the Sphere makes no sense to me at all. They are not a "visuals heavy" act, I mean we have this giant screen on the current tour and they barely use it for anything interesting outside of the 30 year old DTE video, video of the band, and some random squiggles. Do we really think they are gonna develop two hours of unique visuals to play the Sphere a few times? And if they do, cause money talks, do we really think it will be better than seeing them in say, Philly? With a bunch of drunken idiots there on comp tickets for getting lucky at roulette?
It would be a unique experience and I'd be interested to see what they put together for that venue
Agreed. People are too focused on what the band has done, or what they are doing now. The amazing Pearl Jam is an ever evolving act. I'm very excited to see what visual art would be developed for a potential Sphere show. Perhaps the talented Rob Sheridan is involved, as he did a great job on the Dark Matter tour visuals.
Pearl Jam can always and forever continue to evolve. But they don't need these visuals at all. They distract from the band. And bring no added value.
Amen. And how many people here will complain if they do a Sphere stint, and the setlists inevitably become more formulaic?
I don't understand your logic. "If they do the Sphere, then the setlists will become more formulaic". I'm not seeing the correlation. The band can do several Sphere performances, and yet still remain the amazing Pearl Jam that we all love, with wonderful setlists.
I'm really confused as to how anyone would think that the Sphere would be a bad thing. It would be a brand new and unique experience. I understand 100% to the people saying that they can't stand Vegas. Fair enough. But the Sphere would be a cool new experience for the band, existing fans, and also potential new fans.
Here are my main reasons I don't want them in the Sphere, in order: 1. They are the best live band in existence and don't need to rely on gimmicky visuals to put on a good show. 2. Doing an extended stint at a single venue, especially in Vegas, feels a bit like a sellout move to me. To me, it signals that their careers are winding down, which is obviously sad and something I don't want to happen. 3. Staying in Vegas adds huge cost to 99% of the fans that could otherwise see them in a closer city. 4. Ticket prices will be astronomical, especially the "good" seats that allow you to fully enjoy the screens. 5. The setlists will become formulaic, because the visuals will be designed around specific songs. Otherwise, there is no point in doing a concert there.
TL;DR - it's a gimmicky venue, I don't want to go to Vegas (many will agree with me on that), and setlists will have to be more formulaic.
That makes sense, and I understand your perspective much better now. I hadn't thought about how the visuals would effect the setlist in that way, and hopefully that's something that they could work around.
No denying the huge costs. Everything is getting so expensive lately. I am a bit biased in my excitement for the Sphere, because I live in LA and that is a very short and cheap flight to Vegas.
But in terms of a sellout move, I think it would be more like a short experiment, before they return back to the usual tours.
Both sides are making great points. What gets me is how do they do seniority seating for a series of shows that REQUIRES airfare and hotels. No chance many fans put in for a ticket lottery with huge travel and ticket costs without know exactly where their tickets are before laying out a grand on travel costs.
they obviously earned the right to do what they wish, but the sphere is the opposite of the live vibe they spent a career creating. Whats terrific about their previous arena shows with rear seating is they are surrounded by so many fans who are actually very close to the stage and highly engaged with the band. That was sorely missed this tour.
also the setlist is tricky because the sphere video requires specialized equipment and is time consuming to create. So either they create 100 specialized sphere videos (unlikely) or play the same video different songs for different shows, which defeats the purpose of having an amazing video with a specific song.
although the sphere tech looks to be awesome, there are so many seats a mile from the stage.
I was over 500 comments ago since I’ve been on here. Are the sphere comments rumors or wish list stuff? Any actual rumors? Seen a Toronto and NOLA comment too. I’m currently sitting in Fenway waiting for the guys to hit the stage. Ready to loosely plan 2025!
I was over 500 comments ago since I’ve been on here. Are the sphere comments rumors or wish list stuff? Any actual rumors? Seen a Toronto and NOLA comment too. I’m currently sitting in Fenway waiting for the guys to hit the stage. Ready to loosely plan 2025!
This guy(Facemeltor) was pretty good for this Tour(2024)
As far as the Sphere goes - no rumors, just information to digest:
1) Ed visited the sphere twice during the U2 residency.
2) At LV1, Ed polled the audience as to how many travelled to the show, and how many were locals. After the crowd responded, he looked toward somebody in the wings off to the side of the stage and said something to the effect of ’See, about 50-50. About half travelled for the show.’ Then he confirmed the band heard him by looking around the stage.
3) Later in the evening of LV1, Ed made a quick comment about being back next year.
4) The big screen behind the stage sure was Sphere-esque, the way they used it.
I was over 500 comments ago since I’ve been on here. Are the sphere comments rumors or wish list stuff? Any actual rumors? Seen a Toronto and NOLA comment too. I’m currently sitting in Fenway waiting for the guys to hit the stage. Ready to loosely plan 2025!
This guy(Facemeltor) was pretty good for this Tour(2024)
As far as the Sphere goes - no rumors, just information to digest:
1) Ed visited the sphere twice during the U2 residency.
2) At LV1, Ed polled the audience as to how many travelled to the show, and how many were locals. After the crowd responded, he looked toward somebody in the wings off to the side of the stage and said something to the effect of ’See, about 50-50. About half travelled for the show.’ Then he confirmed the band heard him by looking around the stage.
3) Later in the evening of LV1, Ed made a quick comment about being back next year.
4) The big screen behind the stage sure was Sphere-esque, the way they used it.
This is a dumb guess, but it could be not entirely wrong.
South America in March/April seems very likely. Europe in the usual summer months is also probable because of course it is.
Either May or after Europe, I'd love to see the southern and eastern Great Lakes area. We know that Cleveland and Pittsburgh were likely for 2020. What happened since then? They could do Buffalo and Toronto. Some people would cross the border, but it'd also make it easier for people who didn't want to
Post edited by Lost In Ohio on
Presidential Advice from President-Elect Mike McCready: "Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?"
I’m sure it is somewhere on the 29 plus pages, but hoping for NOLA in late April. Not a festival guy but Jazz fest is a blast. They can make a quick cash grab and work their way east or west off it.
I always wanted to go to Jazz Fest, and the lineups are always great. But I heard it gets too uncomfortably crowded, and that would surely sour the experience for me. Hopefully Ohana Fest isn't too crowded.
I've been to Jazzfest both times they played there (2016, 2010).... and honestly, it's underwhelming. I would pass on it again. They get a two hour slot (typically 5-7 pm on Saturday), the crowd is huge and inattentive. A lot of people there for Jazz as opposed to headlining acts.. they want to set up their blanket on the lawn and don't you dare crowd their space.
and it's fucking hot. NOLA in early may - think 90-degrees and 100% RH.
oh... and no merch. Only Jazzfest licensed gear is allowed to be sold at the venue. No posters, no tshirts. in 2010 they made an exception for a pearl jam tshirt and did not make that exception again in 2016... which was fine with me considering they sold them after on the website... but for those that like the merch...
And I also have a pet peeve in that Jazzfest headliners have a contractual clause saying they can't play houston 90-days before/after... which is bullshit... houston is 7 million people and 6 hours away... but it's also kind of irrelevant because Houston isn't getting a show anyway...
I'm a 27 year old New Orleans native that works in the music industry down here, for local musicians as well as LiveNation.
Unfortunately, unless PJ plays Jazzfest again, I doubt we'll ever seen Pearl Jam in New Orleans ever again. Which sucks because Pearl Jam seem to have developed a strong bond with the New Orleans and Team Gleason community that I'd almost hope it'd become a PJ destination event at this point like Chicago or Boston or Ohana etc etc.
Your live music options in NOLA when it comes to big name known artists are growing slimmer and slimmer month after month, at least post covid. Venue options that aren't the Smoothie King Center where the Pelicans play which holds on average around 20(!!!!) concerts and a basketball season a year since covid, are few and far between. The taxes the state apply to almost everything a tour needs to survive is driving these artists away from even talking to bookers representing Louisiana venues. Add increasing ticket prices and low demand across ALL demographics (except, maybe, country.... sometimes) in NOLA to all of this and you're having more shows get cancelled or underselling down here to the point where it doesn't seem feasible for bands to WANT to come down here.
For instance, the venues Pearl Jam has played in Louisiana since their inception have all been different sizes, but some of those aren't even around anymore, but have also never been replaced.
The Municipal Auditorium they played in 1991 opening for the Chili Peppers/Pumpkins was flooded by Katrina and has been sitting abandoned for the last 20 years. A 95 year old historic 7,500 capacity auditorium STILL STANDING but left to rot. Our replacement was Champions Square, a nice flat plot of concrete with a stage and a 7,000 capacity viewing area that held shows with everyone from Hootie and the Blowfish to Slipknot to Tyler, The Creator to Skynyrd. SMG (Superdome Management Group) have read the room when it comes to shows in NOLA and have chosen not to utilize Champions Square as a concert venue for the last 14 months. The last big name band to play was 3 Doors Down and Candlebox.
The venue they circled back to in 1992, Tipitina's (aka Professor Longhair's house), almost went under in the last 10 years or so, but was bought by New Orleans funk legends Galactic, then almost went under AGAIN due to covid. They used to get a bunch of touring artists come through, and it's even considered a mecca to some musicians, but just like every other independent music venue in the world it struggles to make enough money just to keep the doors open.
The UNO Lakefront Arena that hosted those 3 scorching shows from Fall of 93' when Eddie took his drunk ass to Bourbon street and got himself arrested only makes sense if they chose to do multiple nights. The venue itself was built in 1983 and opened with a concert from PRIME "All Night Long" Lionel Ritchie. and guess what? It hasn't been renovated since that day. I kid you not, when you walk into this 9,000 capacity arena, you literally get transported back to the 80's. It looks like a Stranger Things set. I personally believe they've outgrown this venue, but you never know. Billy Strings has called this venue his home for the last 3 years during New Years. Widespread Panic took over this venue post 93 grunge era and has played this venue 32 times since 1997. A month after PJ played, Nirvana played one of their final shows of 1993 here. Pearl Jam would revisit here in 2003 on the Riot Act tour.
The venue they chose for their anit-ticketmaster tour was a venue that was once graced by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Tad Gormley hasn't held a proper concert since it was the home of the first (now-defunct) Voodoo Fest in oh gee, let me see, 1999!!!!!! It just won't happen here.
I'd very much like them to come back to the Smoothie King Center. For whatever reason they played there on the Binaural tour, but never again. And I believe PJ's website even wrongly lists this date's venue as the UNO Arena, but this audio of the show clearly shows a ticket stub which state it was at the New Orleans Arena (aka Smoothie King Center thanks to brand deals):
I wasn't at the 2010 Jazzfest show. I planned to see them for the first time at Voodoo in 2013 as a 16 year old, but that fell through and is one of the bigger regrets of my life. But the 2016 Jazzfest show holds a special place in my heart as my first PJ show. People forget, but that setlist was UNREALLLLL for a festival setlist. They OPENED with State Of Love and Trust which has only happened 1 other recorded time in the 90's. God's Dice!! In Hiding! Mid-set Long Road! the 4th to last time Of The Earth was played! and The Real Me with Big Sams Funky Nation, who I've had the pleasure to work with since then. I'll never forget that show!
And i'm sure if you go look at any of the comments on the videos i've shared, you'll see 100s of other people who have commented saying they were there and will never forget those nights.
I think theres a very reasonable chance they could play this year if they have anything planned in the US in April or May...
Comments
Philadelphia 10/22/2013
Baltimore 10/27/2013
Hampton 4/18/2016
Ft. Worth 9/13/2023
Ft. Worth 9/15/2023
Wrigley 8/31/2024
Baltimore 9/12/2024
Fenway 9/15/2024
and it's fucking hot. NOLA in early may - think 90-degrees and 100% RH.
oh... and no merch. Only Jazzfest licensed gear is allowed to be sold at the venue. No posters, no tshirts. in 2010 they made an exception for a pearl jam tshirt and did not make that exception again in 2016... which was fine with me considering they sold them after on the website... but for those that like the merch...
And I also have a pet peeve in that Jazzfest headliners have a contractual clause saying they can't play houston 90-days before/after... which is bullshit... houston is 7 million people and 6 hours away... but it's also kind of irrelevant because Houston isn't getting a show anyway...
Regardless... back to talking about Toronto in April. Going to be an awesome time. Can't wait!
Also, would love a re-visit to The Gorge.
Vote Pearl Jam Week 2025!
Philadelphia 10/22/2013
Baltimore 10/27/2013
Hampton 4/18/2016
Ft. Worth 9/13/2023
Ft. Worth 9/15/2023
Wrigley 8/31/2024
Baltimore 9/12/2024
Fenway 9/15/2024
I don't understand your logic. "If they do the Sphere, then the setlists will become more formulaic". I'm not seeing the correlation. The band can do several Sphere performances, and yet still remain the amazing Pearl Jam that we all love, with wonderful setlists.
I'm really confused as to how anyone would think that the Sphere would be a bad thing. It would be a brand new and unique experience.
I understand 100% to the people saying that they can't stand Vegas. Fair enough. But the Sphere would be a cool new experience for the band, existing fans, and also potential new fans.
1. They are the best live band in existence and don't need to rely on gimmicky visuals to put on a good show.
2. Doing an extended stint at a single venue, especially in Vegas, feels a bit like a sellout move to me. To me, it signals that their careers are winding down, which is obviously sad and something I don't want to happen.
3. Staying in Vegas adds huge cost to 99% of the fans that could otherwise see them in a closer city.
4. Ticket prices will be astronomical, especially the "good" seats that allow you to fully enjoy the screens.
5. The setlists will become formulaic, because the visuals will be designed around specific songs. Otherwise, there is no point in doing a concert there.
TL;DR - it's a gimmicky venue, I don't want to go to Vegas (many will agree with me on that), and setlists will have to be more formulaic.
Philadelphia 10/22/2013
Baltimore 10/27/2013
Hampton 4/18/2016
Ft. Worth 9/13/2023
Ft. Worth 9/15/2023
Wrigley 8/31/2024
Baltimore 9/12/2024
Fenway 9/15/2024
ISO Hollywood & Nashville 2 tickets. PM me to coordinate a drop!
No denying the huge costs. Everything is getting so expensive lately. I am a bit biased in my excitement for the Sphere, because I live in LA and that is a very short and cheap flight to Vegas.
But in terms of a sellout move, I think it would be more like a short experiment, before they return back to the usual tours.
Philadelphia 10/22/2013
Baltimore 10/27/2013
Hampton 4/18/2016
Ft. Worth 9/13/2023
Ft. Worth 9/15/2023
Wrigley 8/31/2024
Baltimore 9/12/2024
Fenway 9/15/2024
with that said, why aren't we talking about toronto?
they obviously earned the right to do what they wish, but the sphere is the opposite of the live vibe they spent a career creating. Whats terrific about their previous arena shows with rear seating is they are surrounded by so many fans who are actually very close to the stage and highly engaged with the band. That was sorely missed this tour.
also the setlist is tricky because the sphere video requires specialized equipment and is time consuming to create. So either they create 100 specialized sphere videos (unlikely) or play the same video different songs for different shows, which defeats the purpose of having an amazing video with a specific song.
although the sphere tech looks to be awesome, there are so many seats a mile from the stage.
So, does this mean they will finally release a live concert via 4k Blu-ray?
South America in March/April seems very likely.
Europe in the usual summer months is also probable because of course it is.
Either May or after Europe, I'd love to see the southern and eastern Great Lakes area. We know that Cleveland and Pittsburgh were likely for 2020. What happened since then? They could do Buffalo and Toronto. Some people would cross the border, but it'd also make it easier for people who didn't want to
Unfortunately, unless PJ plays Jazzfest again, I doubt we'll ever seen Pearl Jam in New Orleans ever again. Which sucks because Pearl Jam seem to have developed a strong bond with the New Orleans and Team Gleason community that I'd almost hope it'd become a PJ destination event at this point like Chicago or Boston or Ohana etc etc.
Your live music options in NOLA when it comes to big name known artists are growing slimmer and slimmer month after month, at least post covid. Venue options that aren't the Smoothie King Center where the Pelicans play which holds on average around 20(!!!!) concerts and a basketball season a year since covid, are few and far between. The taxes the state apply to almost everything a tour needs to survive is driving these artists away from even talking to bookers representing Louisiana venues. Add increasing ticket prices and low demand across ALL demographics (except, maybe, country.... sometimes) in NOLA to all of this and you're having more shows get cancelled or underselling down here to the point where it doesn't seem feasible for bands to WANT to come down here.
For instance, the venues Pearl Jam has played in Louisiana since their inception have all been different sizes, but some of those aren't even around anymore, but have also never been replaced.
The Municipal Auditorium they played in 1991 opening for the Chili Peppers/Pumpkins was flooded by Katrina and has been sitting abandoned for the last 20 years. A 95 year old historic 7,500 capacity auditorium STILL STANDING but left to rot. Our replacement was Champions Square, a nice flat plot of concrete with a stage and a 7,000 capacity viewing area that held shows with everyone from Hootie and the Blowfish to Slipknot to Tyler, The Creator to Skynyrd. SMG (Superdome Management Group) have read the room when it comes to shows in NOLA and have chosen not to utilize Champions Square as a concert venue for the last 14 months. The last big name band to play was 3 Doors Down and Candlebox.
The venue they circled back to in 1992, Tipitina's (aka Professor Longhair's house), almost went under in the last 10 years or so, but was bought by New Orleans funk legends Galactic, then almost went under AGAIN due to covid. They used to get a bunch of touring artists come through, and it's even considered a mecca to some musicians, but just like every other independent music venue in the world it struggles to make enough money just to keep the doors open.
The UNO Lakefront Arena that hosted those 3 scorching shows from Fall of 93' when Eddie took his drunk ass to Bourbon street and got himself arrested only makes sense if they chose to do multiple nights. The venue itself was built in 1983 and opened with a concert from PRIME "All Night Long" Lionel Ritchie. and guess what? It hasn't been renovated since that day. I kid you not, when you walk into this 9,000 capacity arena, you literally get transported back to the 80's. It looks like a Stranger Things set. I personally believe they've outgrown this venue, but you never know. Billy Strings has called this venue his home for the last 3 years during New Years. Widespread Panic took over this venue post 93 grunge era and has played this venue 32 times since 1997. A month after PJ played, Nirvana played one of their final shows of 1993 here. Pearl Jam would revisit here in 2003 on the Riot Act tour.
The venue they chose for their anit-ticketmaster tour was a venue that was once graced by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Tad Gormley hasn't held a proper concert since it was the home of the first (now-defunct) Voodoo Fest in oh gee, let me see, 1999!!!!!! It just won't happen here.
I'd very much like them to come back to the Smoothie King Center. For whatever reason they played there on the Binaural tour, but never again. And I believe PJ's website even wrongly lists this date's venue as the UNO Arena, but this audio of the show clearly shows a ticket stub which state it was at the New Orleans Arena (aka Smoothie King Center thanks to brand deals):
I wasn't at the 2010 Jazzfest show. I planned to see them for the first time at Voodoo in 2013 as a 16 year old, but that fell through and is one of the bigger regrets of my life. But the 2016 Jazzfest show holds a special place in my heart as my first PJ show. People forget, but that setlist was UNREALLLLL for a festival setlist. They OPENED with State Of Love and Trust which has only happened 1 other recorded time in the 90's. God's Dice!! In Hiding! Mid-set Long Road! the 4th to last time Of The Earth was played! and The Real Me with Big Sams Funky Nation, who I've had the pleasure to work with since then. I'll never forget that show!
And i'm sure if you go look at any of the comments on the videos i've shared, you'll see 100s of other people who have commented saying they were there and will never forget those nights.
I think theres a very reasonable chance they could play this year if they have anything planned in the US in April or May...
Please come back PJ. Nola loves and misses you.