They have given meaning where there was little and purpose when the way forward was unclear. "Alive" propelled me to meet my father in 92 and "Sleight of Hand" led me to walk away from nepotism a decade later. When I was reading Emerson in college, "Who You Are" was playing in the background. When I was checked out from politics in the mid-2000s (in DC no less!), Pearl Jam helped me care again by putting a face on a nation in turmoil. Vitalogy--"Immortality" specifically-- helped all of us who loved Nirvana process the loss of one of our own and move on. While "Whipping" ... well ... maybe some things are better left unsaid.
There are so many things (often covered by journalists) I could say about what Pearl Jam means--like how much integrity they have fighting TM and how loyal they are to their fans. But it's the smaller things that have added a bit more meaning to my life. The fact that Ed--a high school dropout no less--compelled me to pick up a dictionary to look up words like "Dissident" and "Nemesis" back in 1993 got me excited about language. Or the speech Ed gave at Randall's 2 about needing to change yourself to change your world. These moments cannot be dismissed as a moments that ultimately led me to turn my life around from a complete fuck up in High School to graduating with honors from college and having a job as an adult that means something beyond making money (though I do OK).
I got lucky on the Vote for Change tour and scored front row seats from the presale arranged by 10C (the one, the only!). Having never been that close to the stage over the previous 12 years, I was impressed with the sincerity and intensity they played --like on "Go" where Ed kept looking down sadly at his Johnny Ramone t-shirt still mourning the loss of his friend. Toward the end of that show, during "Alive" Ed came to the side of the stage where my wife and I were standing (Stone's side). As the crowd began the inevitable fist-pumping punctuated by Yeahs, Ed looked at my wife and me and mouthed three words: "This is fun." Surely those couple seconds have been long-forgotten by Ed, but they still mean so much to me (and my wife!).
Being alive and sharing space and time with Pearl Jam -- what could be more fun? What could be more meaningful?
Very nice to read this. It feels good to read stories like this. At first I felt a little weird posting my big long one and putting myself out there, but got it out anyway.
The band should be touched, and for that matter, proud, that their art has effected people so deeply. That is HUGE.
Nice post!
Hey thanks! I loved your post. If we can't say it here--then where can we say it?!!
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
They have given meaning where there was little and purpose when the way forward was unclear. "Alive" propelled me to meet my father in 92 and "Sleight of Hand" led me to walk away from nepotism a decade later. When I was reading Emerson in college, "Who You Are" was playing in the background. When I was checked out from politics in the mid-2000s (in DC no less!), Pearl Jam helped me care again by putting a face on a nation in turmoil. Vitalogy--"Immortality" specifically-- helped all of us who loved Nirvana process the loss of one of our own and move on. While "Whipping" ... well ... maybe some things are better left unsaid.
There are so many things (often covered by journalists) I could say about what Pearl Jam means--like how much integrity they have fighting TM and how loyal they are to their fans. But it's the smaller things that have added a bit more meaning to my life. The fact that Ed--a high school dropout no less--compelled me to pick up a dictionary to look up words like "Dissident" and "Nemesis" back in 1993 got me excited about language. Or the speech Ed gave at Randall's 2 about needing to change yourself to change your world. These moments cannot be dismissed as a moments that ultimately led me to turn my life around from a complete fuck up in High School to graduating with honors from college and having a job as an adult that means something beyond making money (though I do OK).
I got lucky on the Vote for Change tour and scored front row seats from the presale arranged by 10C (the one, the only!). Having never been that close to the stage over the previous 12 years, I was impressed with the sincerity and intensity they played --like on "Go" where Ed kept looking down sadly at his Johnny Ramone t-shirt still mourning the loss of his friend. Toward the end of that show, during "Alive" Ed came to the side of the stage where my wife and I were standing (Stone's side). As the crowd began the inevitable fist-pumping punctuated by Yeahs, Ed looked at my wife and me and mouthed three words: "This is fun." Surely those couple seconds have been long-forgotten by Ed, but they still mean so much to me (and my wife!).
Being alive and sharing space and time with Pearl Jam -- what could be more fun? What could be more meaningful?
Very nice to read this. It feels good to read stories like this. At first I felt a little weird posting my big long one and putting myself out there, but got it out anyway.
The band should be touched, and for that matter, proud, that their art has effected people so deeply. That is HUGE.
Nice post!
Hey thanks! I loved your post. If we can't say it here--then where can we say it?!!
Exactly...like I said, I usually get a *blank stare* when I try to explain how I need this music in my life. Normal people that just don't get it suck.
I've been into the band since i was really young. they've been such a big part of my life. Mike McCready inspired me to learn guitar when i was 12, and i'm still playing years later. When i think back, i can relate certain tunes to pretty much anything significant that has happened in my life. Pearl jam have been there with me when i've laughed, cried, been apprehensive, ecstatic, scared, frustrated, orgasmic..they've run the gamut of my emotions. More than anything, and singly most importantly, they've been there every step of the way. I feel like i have grown up with them, kinda like a best friend. I've never tired of them and i've always been able to feel that connection to their lyrics.
Lastly, can we all agree that Riffmeister Gossard is the greatest human that ever lived?
Comments
Hey thanks! I loved your post. If we can't say it here--then where can we say it?!!
Exactly...like I said, I usually get a *blank stare* when I try to explain how I need this music in my life. Normal people that just don't get it suck.
I've been into the band since i was really young. they've been such a big part of my life. Mike McCready inspired me to learn guitar when i was 12, and i'm still playing years later. When i think back, i can relate certain tunes to pretty much anything significant that has happened in my life. Pearl jam have been there with me when i've laughed, cried, been apprehensive, ecstatic, scared, frustrated, orgasmic..they've run the gamut of my emotions. More than anything, and singly most importantly, they've been there every step of the way. I feel like i have grown up with them, kinda like a best friend. I've never tired of them and i've always been able to feel that connection to their lyrics.
Lastly, can we all agree that Riffmeister Gossard is the greatest human that ever lived?
Okay, thanks.