* Wrigley Field Fanviews Here 7/19/13 *

given2fly23 · July 2013

I was lucky enough to be in Sec. B. last night. so many empty seats around us, I couldn't help but think of all the fans who were desperate for tickets.

this is another down side of the lottery system...everyone who is a member puts in for the lottery, including casual fans.

there was a man and his wife in the row in front of us (I dont know if they were their tickets or they paid a 10C member for them) who strolled in after 3 or 4 songs. the guy sat down (couldnt see cuz everyone around him was standing and had no interest in anything other than his fries) and the woman was chugging beers. they were there for all of 3 songs until the delay, after which they did not return.

with the new system, this will be happening at every show. the old way was rough, but at least the people who got tickets really wanted to be there.

jdickey82 · July 2013

I'm not sure what everyone is raving about. I was at the show last nite, on the field in fan club GA. Everyone knew that a storm was coming at some point in the nite. For the band to take the stage almost an hour later knowing this is completely ridiculous. It is disrespectful to any paying customer to do this but when a known storm is on the horizon, this is unacceptable. We left the stadium once the field was evacuated. After being at a game there last year in which a rain delay occurred, we knew that the one hour delay told by EV was a lie. We went to friend's condo two blocks away and listened from rooftop. Also, who wants to spend the additional time having to pay Wrigley prices for beer/soda/water/food? Plus, the stadium is so old that anyone there last nite can attest to just how awful it is to be stuck in the stadium in that muggy weather w/ so many people.

The setlist was lame. How do you open with such slow songs, have a 2.5 hour rain delay and then return w/ more slow drab? Ridiculous. I will be canceling my membership after I send an email to the Ten Club explaining all my dissatisfaction w/ the organization of the merchandise vendors (waited in line from 9:30 to 2:30 to be told that all the posters had sold out to then walk by same merchandise booth one hour later to pick up my tickets at will call to see that the booth was completely restocked. Only had one register to take transactions and only 3 employees that didn't know what they were doing. What a joke) to the disrespect displayed by the band to play an hour late. No excuse for that.

goodforyou19 · July 2013

given2fly23 wrote:

I was lucky enough to be in Sec. B. last night. so many empty seats around us, I couldn't help but think of all the fans who were desperate for tickets.

this is another down side of the lottery system...everyone who is a member puts in for the lottery, including casual fans.

there was a man and his wife in the row in front of us (I dont know if they were their tickets or they paid a 10C member for them) who strolled in after 3 or 4 songs. the guy sat down (couldnt see cuz everyone around him was standing and had no interest in anything other than his fries) and the woman was chugging beers. they were there for all of 3 songs until the delay, after which they did not return.

with the new system, this will be happening at every show. the old way was rough, but at least the people who got tickets really wanted to be there.

Ugh. Yes I would've gladly filled one of those empty seats. And would've traded my table at the cubby bear/vines to the meathead eating the fries for his ticket.

tschav · July 2013

I need a strength & conditioning coach to go through another show like last night. The rain delay definitely took the wind out of some people, but a few songs in everyone was ready to go.

You could see a little resentment in Eddie with the weather conditions. Seemed fitting Wrigley Field would put a little curse on this huge show for him. But damn, the band dug deep to make sure it was a memorable show.

Took a friend to his first show, and the look on his face reminds me of how I felt at my first show and quite possibly how Eddie looked when he first set foot in Wrigley. Some of us are lucky to have seen this band do amazing things multiple times before, yet some people are still witnessing this awesome band for the first time.

Only regrets are the weather affecting the show and/or the lack of a two-night stand.

RR105426 · July 2013

jdickey82 wrote:

I'm not sure what everyone is raving about. I was at the show last nite, on the field in fan club GA. Everyone knew that a storm was coming at some point in the nite. For the band to take the stage almost an hour later knowing this is completely ridiculous. It is disrespectful to any paying customer to do this but when a known storm is on the horizon, this is unacceptable. We left the stadium once the field was evacuated. After being at a game there last year in which a rain delay occurred, we knew that the one hour delay told by EV was a lie. Also, who wants to spend the additional time having to pay Wrigley prices for beer/soda/water/food? Plus, the stadium is so old that anyone there last nite can attest to just how awful it is to be stuck in the stadium in that muggy weather w/ so many people.

The setlist was lame. How do you open with such slow songs, have a 2.5 hour rain delay and then return w/ more slow drab? Ridiculous. I will be canceling my membership after I send an email to the Ten Club explaining all my dissatisfaction w/ the organization of the merchandise vendors (waited in line from 9:30 to 2:30 to be told that all the posters had sold out to then walk by same merchandise booth one hour later to pick up my tickets at will call to see that the booth was completely restocked. Only had on register to take transactions. What a joke) to the disrespect displayed by the band to play an hour late. No excuse for that.

Someone needs a hug.

long road walker · July 2013

Lets face it, show was far from epic lol

It happens. See an MsG show and come back, spectrum set lists blew this out of the water

2 new songs, who cares, noticing original and new, slow status, a rain delay

Looks like an average show to me, I challenge anyone who was at MSGII 2010 to say Wrigley was better

tschav · July 2013

long road walker wrote:

Lets face it, show was far from epic lol

It happens. See an MsG show and come back, spectrum set lists blew this out of the water

2 new songs, who cares, noticing original and new, slow status, a rain delay

Looks like an average show to me, I challenge anyone who was at MSGII 2010 to say Wrigley was better

This show had all aspects of being epic before the weather cut 25% of the setlist. And much like the Cubs, falling short of expectations is nothing new here.

But that's also what will make this show memorable. As if the band was fighting its way out of a potentially disastrous evening by willing themselves through what could have been easily a cancelled show (Pitchfork Fest and Phish stopped early).

Gern Blansten · July 2013

Hats off to Pearl Jam....just awesome

The rain delay was brutal. It was about 150 degrees in the concourses and people were losing their minds in there. Just a sweaty drunken mess. And goddammit they told me in the Captain's club that they were serving alcohol until midnight and they shut it down at 1130pm. Really wanted some more to drink but I guess with the delay things were getting a little out of control with some people.

I always get frustrated with the setlists at the shows I attend. I want to start fast and end fast. I don't mind some slower songs but I felt like this show started really really slow. Present Tense was #3 and got things moving a bit but then we got slow again. Of course then the 3 hour delay set in.

After the break (with a few exceptions) the show was legendary. All Night, DTE, CD/COT were awesome. I really thought Faithfull and RVM were absolute perfection.

Mind your Manners sounded great live. Lightning Bolt sounded good but I need to hear it again....

Was anyone else a little put off by Future Days when they booted Boom out and had BO'B play keys? And did the keyboard intro and ending remind you of old Lionel Ritchie tunes? I mean seriously....how the hell did that get on a Pearl Jam album? Maybe I'm jumping the gun but that just sounded goofy....not the song, just the keyboard is what I'm referring to.

I was disappointed to not see any songs from Binaural or Riot Act. Seems like some of the slow stuff could have been tweaked for at least one song from each. Did we really need to hear Bugs? That didn't go over well. Give me Cropduster or Insignificance in its place.

All bitching aside, these guys are absolute professionals. I knew that going in but last night confirmed it. Just a fucking awesome band and I'm glad to be around to witness it.

mace1229 · July 2013

Anyone else have an absolutely miserable time during the rain delay?
I was in the GA pit, and was told to go into the tunnel where most of the VIP's were. They yelled at us, threatened to kick us out or remove your VIP sticker if you had one, for not moving fast enough, even though it was so packed we couldn't take a step in any direction. Finally after 2 hours it cleared up enough in the tunnel to where we would walk around.
When I asked to use the restroom, they pointed to one around the corner. When I tried to return they would not let me return in that direction. I pleaded for 15 minutes, informing them that my wife is over in that direction, they said too bad, meet her at the show. When I told them we have GA tickets and it was going to be tough to find her during the show, so they said to meet her after the show then.
I don't see the point in yelling and threatening fans who were trying to comply, we can only move as fast as the mob in front of us. Then to tell me I need to ditch my wife? Unacceptable. I hope Wrigley finds another source for security.

pdalowsky · July 2013

Well it's great to see the overwhelming majority enjoyed it in the face of incredible adversity

I feel for my friends who lost their vantage spot after queuing overnight ....very bad. But in terms of the band - totally faultless.

Every pj show is a great night, seems this one was continuing their fine footprint

tradrrr · July 2013

Great show, especially given the circumstances. You can't control the weather and they were looking out for the fans to be safe. Highlight for me was them playing Come Back for the guy on this board's wife. I happened to read the post right before going to the show and hoped they played it for him. It's the type of thing that will make me a fan for life. What a classy band.

Lost In Ohio · July 2013

jdickey82 wrote:

I'm not sure what everyone is raving about. I was at the show last nite, on the field in fan club GA. Everyone knew that a storm was coming at some point in the nite. For the band to take the stage almost an hour later knowing this is completely ridiculous. It is disrespectful to any paying customer to do this but when a known storm is on the horizon, this is unacceptable. We left the stadium once the field was evacuated. After being at a game there last year in which a rain delay occurred, we knew that the one hour delay told by EV was a lie. We went to friend's condo two blocks away and listened from rooftop. Also, who wants to spend the additional time having to pay Wrigley prices for beer/soda/water/food? Plus, the stadium is so old that anyone there last nite can attest to just how awful it is to be stuck in the stadium in that muggy weather w/ so many people.

The setlist was lame. How do you open with such slow songs, have a 2.5 hour rain delay and then return w/ more slow drab? Ridiculous. I will be canceling my membership after I send an email to the Ten Club explaining all my dissatisfaction w/ the organization of the merchandise vendors (waited in line from 9:30 to 2:30 to be told that all the posters had sold out to then walk by same merchandise booth one hour later to pick up my tickets at will call to see that the booth was completely restocked. Only had one register to take transactions and only 3 employees that didn't know what they were doing. What a joke) to the disrespect displayed by the band to play an hour late. No excuse for that.

To be honest, I was hearing reports of electrical difficulties...that, I can understand. Some things, you just can't control.

As for the "all the way" song, I wonder if they wanted to get Ernie home at a decent time...does anyone know if he stuck around until 2??

Get_Right · July 2013

The evening started perfect although the band did come out much later than I thought.
Wrigleyville was jumping, the beer was flowing, everyone was ready. Release was perfect. The first few songs were great.

Then they left the stage. Security kicks us off the field. We wait 45 mins. Then the rain and lightning comes. Hard. For almost two hours. I never thought they would pull off this show. I was certain Ed was going to come out and pull the plug once it got past 11. Water was cascading off the top of the sound and light towers at times during the storm.

Hung out with cool folks in the halls. Security was very cool, letting people smoke and basically do what they wanted. But it was a major drag. Agree with others that said an hour would have been ok but 2.5 was just too long.

By the time they let us back in I was excited, but exhausted. Ed and the band were trying their heart out to get the fans back into it, but the energy never really came back IMHO. Made it through until two am, only to have to wait an hour to get on the train back downtown. It was a freaking zoo. Not a lot of hooting and hollering that you typically hear after a show. Just 30,000 trying to catch a cab or get on the train.

Glad I went. Been going to outdoor shows for years and never had an issue with rain. C'est la vie. It was a fun day, albeit a long one.

comebackgirl · July 2013

I loved every minute of last night...rain delay and all. We had seats in sec 236 and a decent view of the stage even for a shorty :oops: Thank you to the guy in front of me for checking that i could see. Opening with Release was perfect. My heart just swelled for Eddie. Hearing Chloe Dancer/Crown was just a beautiful, beautiful moment. I wanted to freeze that moment in time. It was awesome to hear Mother and Hold On (!) Hearing Ed dedicate Comeback to Hoosiers and Sarah was amazing. And of course I love the song! I felt energized the whole night, despite the fans around us being a bit lackluster. Every time I see PJ it's a spiritual experience for me...a reminder of where I've been and how/why I got to where I am now and hope for the future. Corny I know, but exactly the reason I could give a shit where my seats are, if there is a rain delay, a lottery or anything else. I will forever love this band and Eddie for his words for what they've done for me. So glad i had the chance to thank Ed for that once.

The pre-party at the Full Shilling was a blast! So great to see you guys

you make me happy! Finishing up with French Toast at The Edge at 4am was the perfect ending. Finally crawled into bed at 5:45am. Loved every single minute of it. This is living

obinder26 · July 2013

Many criticisms and just as many plaudits. As in most cases, the truth is somewhere in between.

I thought the first group of songs before the rain delay were solid. Release, an early Nothingman, Hold On and Low Light. No complaints here. That being said, given that the last few songs before the break were slower (Come Back and Elderly Woman), I was expecting them to come out swinging after the rain delay, perhaps with Alive or Why Go to get the crowd right back into it. When Ed decided to talk for a few minutes and start back up with All the Way, I think it took the last of the wind from many peoples sails. Hindsight's 20/20, but it probably was not the best choice. Still, we all knew that he was going to play it at some point, so better to just get it out of the way. Once they launched into DTE, it was pretty smooth sailing the rest of the way.

Besides that, I've got nothing else negative to say, and I'm genuinely curious to hear what the naysayers would have had liked to have seen/heard. They played 2 brand new songs that no one has ever heard (which got me really excited for this new album). They played Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns. They played Mother. They played hits and they played deep cuts.

Most importantly, they played until past 2am on a night where several other high profile concerts around the city were cancelled. The delay sucked, and it's a shame we got shorted 6 or 7 songs, but they made good on their word of giving us a full show. I think the band, and the entire staff at Wrigley deserve a lot of praise for mostly salvaging what could have been a massive letdown.

Setlist wise, it's far from an instant classic. But it's a night that I'll always remember and I'm damn glad I was there.

Just my 2 cents.

To the people during the rain delay complaining that it was ridiculous and PJ should never have another concert in a similar venue, as well as the people who just said fuck it and left, I ask this -- why the hell did you buy a ticket?

jdickey82 · July 2013

mace1229 wrote:

Anyone else have an absolutely miserable time during the rain delay?
I was in the GA pit, and was told to go into the tunnel where most of the VIP's were. They yelled at us, threatened to kick us out or remove your VIP sticker if you had one, for not moving fast enough, even though it was so packed we couldn't take a step in any direction. Finally after 2 hours it cleared up enough in the tunnel to where we would walk around.
When I asked to use the restroom, they pointed to one around the corner. When I tried to return they would not let me return in that direction. I pleaded for 15 minutes, informing them that my wife is over in that direction, they said too bad, meet her at the show. When I told them we have GA tickets and it was going to be tough to find her during the show, so they said to meet her after the show then.
I don't see the point in yelling and threatening fans who were trying to comply, we can only move as fast as the mob in front of us. Then to tell me I need to ditch my wife? Unacceptable. I hope Wrigley finds another source for security.

I agree with you. People that attended this show that are the die-hard fans will say this was an "epic" show or whatever b/c they had built it to be so in their minds and can't admit or realize that it was very far from it. Probably one of those things where you imagine it happened how you thought it would but wasn't the case. That, or feel the need to say it was "epic" so others that missed out due to crap lottery system feel that they just had to be there. Trust me guys, I was there, I've been to dozens of PJ shows and this was far, far from it. The band played well, of course. They always do. But as far as overall experience, I would have gladly sold my GA fan club tickets to people on the street offering $1,000/ticket in hindsight had I known the band was to take the stage an hour late, there would be a nearly 3 hour rain delay and that the show would not start until after midnite. Plus, the flow of the setlist wasn't happening. So much build up and hype for this show that just didn't happen. The crowd wanted to rock, especially after the delay. Not be bored by the slow tunes and new crap.

jdickey82 · July 2013

obinder26 wrote:

Many criticisms and just as many plaudits. As in most cases, the truth is somewhere in between.

I thought the first group of songs before the rain delay were solid. Release, an early Nothingman, Hold On and Low Light. No complaints here. That being said, given that the last few songs before the break were slower (Come Back and Elderly Woman), I was expecting them to come out swinging after the rain delay, perhaps with Alive or Why Go to get the crowd right back into it. When Ed decided to talk for a few minutes and start back up with All the Way, I think it took the last of the wind from many peoples sails. Hindsight's 20/20, but it probably was not the best choice. Still, we all knew that he was going to play it at some point, so better to just get it out of the way. Once they launched into DTE, it was pretty smooth sailing the rest of the way.

Besides that, I've got nothing else negative to say, and I'm genuinely curious to hear what the naysayers would have had liked to have seen/heard. They played 2 brand new songs that no one has ever heard (which got me really excited for this new album). They played Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns. They played Mother. They played hits and they played deep cuts.

Most importantly, they played until past 2am on a night where several other high profile concerts around the city were cancelled. The delay sucked, and it's a shame we got shorted 6 or 7 songs, but they made good on their word of giving us a full show. I think the band, and the entire staff at Wrigley deserve a lot of praise for mostly salvaging what could have been a massive letdown.

Setlist wise, it's far from an instant classic. But it's a night that I'll always remember and I'm damn glad I was there.

Just my 2 cents.

To the people during the rain delay complaining that it was ridiculous and PJ should never have another concert in a similar venue, as well as the people who just said fuck it and left, I ask this -- why the hell did you buy a ticket?

Here's my reply to your question...to have genuine criticism of this show is perfectly fine. I agree and acknowledge that weather happens. I agree the band tried and did a great job. But, to start an hour late when you know a storm is coming is BS. To play so much slow crap after a 3 hour delay is stupid. To have poorly run merch booths was ludicrous and unexpected from a band that's been around so long. One would expect the tour manager and his/her crew to have this stuff down pat by now. I could easily name 5 other shows I have attended in the Chicagoland area that beat this one.

Indifference71 · July 2013

rick1zoo2 wrote:

Is it just me or does it seem like Mike keeps getting better? He played just amazingly last night and Tuesday.

I've been thinking the same thing all day. Mike was so fucking awesome last night.

pdalowsky · July 2013

jdickey82 wrote:

mace1229 wrote:

Anyone else have an absolutely miserable time during the rain delay?
I was in the GA pit, and was told to go into the tunnel where most of the VIP's were. They yelled at us, threatened to kick us out or remove your VIP sticker if you had one, for not moving fast enough, even though it was so packed we couldn't take a step in any direction. Finally after 2 hours it cleared up enough in the tunnel to where we would walk around.
When I asked to use the restroom, they pointed to one around the corner. When I tried to return they would not let me return in that direction. I pleaded for 15 minutes, informing them that my wife is over in that direction, they said too bad, meet her at the show. When I told them we have GA tickets and it was going to be tough to find her during the show, so they said to meet her after the show then.
I don't see the point in yelling and threatening fans who were trying to comply, we can only move as fast as the mob in front of us. Then to tell me I need to ditch my wife? Unacceptable. I hope Wrigley finds another source for security.

I agree with you. People that attended this show that are the die-hard fans will say this was an "epic" show or whatever b/c they had built it to be so in their minds and can't admit or realize that it was very far from it. Probably one of those things where you imagine it happened how you thought it would but wasn't the case. That, or feel the need to say it was "epic" so others that missed out due to crap lottery system feel that they just had to be there. Trust me guys, I was there, I've been to dozens of PJ shows and this was far, far from it. The band played well, of course. They always do. But as far as overall experience, I would have gladly sold my GA fan club tickets to people on the street offering $1,000/ticket in hindsight had I known the band was to take the stage an hour late, there would be a nearly 3 hour rain delay and that the show would not start until after midnite. Plus, the flow of the setlist wasn't happening. So much build up and hype for this show that just didn't happen. The crowd wanted to rock, especially after the delay. Not be bored by the slow tunes and new crap.

Your seriously going to knock the band for premiering their new songs ? And label it crap ?

AndySlash · July 2013

definitely the most unique show experience i have had, for a variety of reasons.

this show will be memorable, and in a good way, though the weather factors and how it affected the scene in general played an important role in preventing it from being what it could have been. as others have mentioned, the band put up as good an effort as they could, but the energy level was just never able to rise to the level everyone was capable of. had the weather not been an issue, i think we're talking "epic" show, but the long delay really did kill any chance of this show reaching or sustaining significant highs. and that's too bad. you could definitely see eddie wanted this to be much more than what it was, and i feel for him. but he shouldn't be too disappointed- i think we'll all feel lucky to have been there.

my rain delay story is a bit different than most- the ladyfriend fainted during the middle of release, and we spent the remainder of the first set of songs as well as most of the rain delay in the first aid room so she could recover. the heat had taken its toll on her, and because we got into town late and rushed to the show we didn't do a good job of fueling up beforehand- she was dehydrated and we hadn't eaten since lunchtime. thank you to the folks around us in the back of GA who showed concern and helped out- it was scary (i'd never seen someone so devoid of normal color- even her lips were blue) and i appreciated the support. once she got an icepack, water and some food, she recovered and we were back in the crowd for the restart of the show. suffice it to say, we both were not disappointed the show was stopped- if one was going to pass out during the first song, this was the show to do it at.

i thought the band sounded as practiced and tight as i have seen them in some time. songs like even flow and corduroy were not rushed as they have been for the last few years. i've seen crown of thorns a few times and to me it was the best performance of that song i have seen and one of the definitive highlights of the show. eddie had a couple nice speeches, especially the one about the fans during faithfull. the new songs sounded like they had some creative spark that was not present on backspacer, though i thought the opening lyrics to both lightning bolt and future days were cringeworthy. future days will probably not be a favorite of mine, but i did like the music for lightning bolt and were glad both songs were not 2-3 minute throwaway tracks. mind your manners was a great performance and made me like the song more than i did going in.

as a pink floyd fan, i was very excited they played mother, and i thought they nailed it. it's a personal highlight of my entire pearl jam concert going experience. i was a floyd fan first, and pj's another brick... tag on daughter was what got me to pay attention to them back in the day, so it was definitely a "full circle" experience for me. despite not being from chicago or much of a cubs fan, seeing ernie banks in person was really cool and the video that played during all the way was a nice enhancement. i'd never been to wrigley before so getting to stand in centerfield and soak in the stadium was pretty special. the new stage lighting was well done, though they're definitely getting used to using it. the bird thing was kind of cheesy when they had the wings "flapping" during some songs, but it is a neat addition to the setup- it does look really cool, especially with the lighting in it. i'm not at all disappointed by the cut songs from the setlist- the fact that the show actually happened after the delay is enough for me to understand the whys.

i will say the crowd activity in the GA section was very disappointing. we were toward the back and could see a lot of people just standing around. not everyone, but a lot more than i thought there would be. maybe it was all the room we had- seriously, they could have put hundreds of more people in there and we'd still have plenty of space to move around- combined with the delay but there definitely wasn't the excitement or energy emanating from that space. i am fairly certain eddie looked over us several times with a bit of incredulity, and both he and mike took different opportunities to try and liven the crowd up with their movements. the crowd was far more lively at the end than the first few songs after the restart, so the band was at least successful in bringing out some excitement. and to the 10c members who brought the "rare shit" and "play bugs" signs that were held up when the band first took the stage- :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

i love this band, i love their shows, and i am really glad i got to be a part of this one, warts and all. it's one i'll be talking about for a long time.

* Wrigley Field Fanviews Here 7/19/13 *

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*** Wrigley Field Fanviews Here 7/19/13 ***

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* Wrigley Field Fanviews Here 7/19/13 *