I Had a Spiritual Experience During Unthought Known at MSG1

I was fortunate to attend both MSG 2010 shows. Much has been written on this board about MSG2; however, I will remember these shows for the unity, serenity and positive call to action I felt during Unthought Known at MSG1.

Like many of Pearl Jam's best songs, Unthought Known has taken time to grow for me. Initially, I admit, I was annoyed by the song. I even compared it to Coldplay to a friend of mine, with the prominent piano reminiscent of that irritating band's style.

Luckily, though, I remained open to the song because I have a simple credo when it comes to Pearl Jam: if I don't like the song, there's probably something wrong with me, not the song. I felt the band misfired with the song in March on Saturday Night Live, but I reserved ultimate judgment until I saw it performed in an arena setting.

Well, MSG1 was the payoff. Ed introduced the song as a slow builder that might be a good opportunity for the crowd to get the Garden physically shaking, as the building sometimes does when the crowd is at fever pitch. Nice suggestion. From the opening chords, I felt transfixed. I heard and pondered every word Ed sang, in a way that I was completely unable to before this moment. "Look for evidence, that you're worth keeping . . . Swallow whole the negatives . . . it's so sad it's sickening . . . Dream the dreams of other men - you will be no one's rival." It all finally made sense to me: stay positive; see yourself as part of the whole, humanity, the sky, the universe; empathize with others, even those more powerful than you, imagine walking in their shoes and see that they are just trying to get through life's uncertainties too; it takes work to have this attitude and the actions that reflect it, but it is the right way to live. What are you giving? And not just the lyrics, but the music: Ed's meditative strumming to open the song; the crashing glory when the band joins him; the way the the song drifts peacefully away. Words can't explain how I felt at that moment but I'll try: galvanized, emboldened yet hopefully humble, grateful, inspired.

I think the best art inspires one to action. More than a week later I hope I am applying the "Unthoughts" in my life: treating others better, fighting back selfishness, trying to be a team player. Listening more attentively to my children, not being resentful (but rather empathetic) to my work supervisors. Thank you Ed, thank you Pearl Jam, for inspiring me to reach for more.