'Release' PJ20 Alpine Valley Night #1 - your memories

2-feign-reluctance
2-feign-reluctance TigerTown, USA Posts: 23,469
in The Porch
If you were there - did you get the best case of music chills during Release? I've been to a lot of concerts in my life, but never have I heard a crowd and band this dialed into each other as this song at this concert. I won't ever have the means to see the band all over the world like a few people on here where the band/crowd connection is described by members who were there similar to what I've described above. So, I am 100% completely biased when I say the following. This song, this night was perhaps the single greatest concert moment (and Pearl Jam moment) I've ever experienced. No shitty YouTube version I've found does it justice. I know the club reads these forums because I got a personal e-mail response from 10c a few days ago about studio reissues. So, 10c, how about getting us 'Release' at the very least? I would love to relive that song and the memories.
www.cluthelee.com
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Comments

  • PJammer4life
    PJammer4life Los Angeles Posts: 2,674
    I have a killer video from row 7 night 1, that I've never uploaded. You can feel the moment. I'll have to look for it and maybe put up a link.
    Bridge Benefit 1994, San Francisco 1995, San Diego 1995 1 & 2, Missoula 1998, Los Angeles 2000, San Diego 2000, Eddie Vedder/Beck 2/26/2002, Santa Barbara 2003, Irvine 2003, San Diego 2003, Vancouver 2005, Gorge 2005, San Diego 2006, Los Angeles 2006 1 & 2, Santa Barbara 2006, Eddie Vedder 4/10/08, Eddie Vedder 4/12/08, Eddie Vedder 4/15/08, 7/12/2008, SF 8/28/09, LA 9/30/09, LA 10/1/09, LA 10/06/09, LA 10/07/09, San Diego 10/09/09, Eddie Vedder 7/6/2011, Eddie Vedder 7/8/2011, PJ20 9/3/2011, PJ20 9/4/2011, Vancouver 9/25/2011, San Diego 11/21/13, LA 11/24/13, Ohana 9/25/21, Ohana 9/26/21, Ohana 10/1/21, EV 2/17/22, LA Forum 5/6/22, LA Forum 5/7/22, EV 10/1/22, EV 9/30/23
  • mwplum
    mwplum Posts: 1,547
    I'm with you! That moment was the one that inspired me to travel more to see them. I had chills for sure all over. It really set the tone, and is something I'll never forget forever.
    1992-07-21 Vancouver
    1993-9-4 Vancouver
    1996-9-16 Seattle
    1998-7-19 Vancouver, 7-21 Seattle, Memorial Stadium
    2000-11-6 Seattle
    2001-10-22 Seattle
    2002 -12-09 Seattle
    2009-8-17 Manchester, 9-25 Vancouver
    2011-6-16 Seattle (EV), 9-3/4 PJ20, 9-25 Vancouver
    2012-6-27 Amsterdam (#2!)
    2013-11-29 Portland, 12-4 Vancouver, 12-6 Seattle
    2014-AUS - 1-26 Sydney, 1-31 Adelaide, 2-11/12 EV Sydney State Theatre, 2-13 EV Opera House
    2014 - USA - Memphis, Detroit, MOLINE, St. Paul, MILWAUKEE, Denver, 25/26 Bridge School
    2016 - Lexington, Philly x 2, MSG x 2, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto x 2, Pemberton, Fenway x 2, Wrigley x 2
    2018 - Seattle x 2, Missoula, Fenway x 2
  • mfc2006
    mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,496
    That was the first time I'd heard Release live since my Dad had passed away after battling ALS. It was an emotional moment for sure & I'm so glad that my wife was there with me.

    Would love an official bootleg of these shows.
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • cp3iverson
    cp3iverson Posts: 8,702
    I have a similar story. Wasnt there tho.

    Camden 98. Release played in pitch black. You could only see Matt slightly because of the 5 candles behind him. Chills indeed when Eddies voice came in.
  • goingonsix
    goingonsix Posts: 68
    Was there. Cried. One of the most incredible concert experiences I've ever had.
  • mcgruff10
    mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 29,468
    Release was wonderful. Arms aloft next was probably the worst song choice ever in the history of rock.
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • PJammer4life
    PJammer4life Los Angeles Posts: 2,674
    +1
    Bridge Benefit 1994, San Francisco 1995, San Diego 1995 1 & 2, Missoula 1998, Los Angeles 2000, San Diego 2000, Eddie Vedder/Beck 2/26/2002, Santa Barbara 2003, Irvine 2003, San Diego 2003, Vancouver 2005, Gorge 2005, San Diego 2006, Los Angeles 2006 1 & 2, Santa Barbara 2006, Eddie Vedder 4/10/08, Eddie Vedder 4/12/08, Eddie Vedder 4/15/08, 7/12/2008, SF 8/28/09, LA 9/30/09, LA 10/1/09, LA 10/06/09, LA 10/07/09, San Diego 10/09/09, Eddie Vedder 7/6/2011, Eddie Vedder 7/8/2011, PJ20 9/3/2011, PJ20 9/4/2011, Vancouver 9/25/2011, San Diego 11/21/13, LA 11/24/13, Ohana 9/25/21, Ohana 9/26/21, Ohana 10/1/21, EV 2/17/22, LA Forum 5/6/22, LA Forum 5/7/22, EV 10/1/22, EV 9/30/23
  • cdlongroad
    cdlongroad Posts: 30
    It was absolutely awesome. Just so much energy and anticipation leading up to that singular moment. I was on the lawn the first night (in the rain) and the collective voice of the crowd was phenomenal. I also agree that Arms Aloft deflated a lot of that energy in a short time. They recovered quickly though. By Not For You it was all back.
  • Drowned Out
    Drowned Out Posts: 6,056
    edited August 2015
    I was just saying yesterday that of all the shows I've seen or ever will see, nothing will top that moment. The hype leading up to it - knowing there were diehards from all over the world there.... The tension and concern caused by the rain earlier, and the weather breaking (and holding) in time for PJ... The people I was with...the spot we had was perfect - right at the bottom of the lawn in front of a stairway that meant we had room to move, and a rail to lean on, while still high enough to see the whole crowd for the best singalong in the history of crowd participation....I had chills the entire song. I have seen a few pretty well regarded shows in cool locales (msg, gorge)...nothing compares to that moment. I don't think PJ can top that. Even if they do a PJ25 at the gorge or something - it won't be the same as the original PJfest.
  • Drowned Out
    Drowned Out Posts: 6,056
    edited August 2015
    mcgruff10 said:

    Release was wonderful. Arms aloft next was probably the worst song choice ever in the history of rock.

    This was also true. And I couldn't help but chuckle at how badly ed botched who you are. Then again, speaking of song selections....night 2, the covers they chose.....thenew world and public image were both momentum killers....and I'd have liked to hear them do different TOTD songs from night one....but we've been thru all of this before. None of it takes away from the memories.
    Post edited by Drowned Out on
  • mcgruff10
    mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 29,468
    Drowned Out said:

    mcgruff10 said:

    Release was wonderful. Arms aloft next was probably the worst song choice ever in the history of rock.

    This was also true. And I couldn't help but chuckle at how badly ed botched who you are. Then again, speaking of song selections....night 2, the covers they chose.....thenew world and public image were both momentum killers....and I'd have liked to hear them do different TOTD songs from night one....but we've been thru all of this before. None of it takes away from the memories.
    Totally agree with you. Amazing weekend all around!!!
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • derbydave
    derbydave Columbus, OH Posts: 11,254
    PJ20 was my first Pearl Jam show after my marriage broke up in November of 2010 & I was still going thru some pretty rough times.
    I had been looking forward to this trip for months and really needed a get-away like this at that point in my life!!
    The experience was more than I expected & I met the most incredible people there that are still important forces in my life to this day.
    I don’t know why, but when I heard the opening notes of RELEASE…
    something in me just let go of all the bad energy I was feeling at the time & I JUST knew that my life going forward was gonna be BETTER!
    By the end of the song I really felt a RELEASE of the troubled times I had just gone thru.
    TRULY one of the BEST weekends of my life!!!
    '96: Seattle: Key Arena
    '98: Seattle: Memorial Stadium 1 & 2
    '00: Columbus: Polaris
    '03: Columbus: Germain
    '10: Columbus: Nationwide Arena
    '11: East Troy: Alpine Valley - PJ20 1 & 2 + EV Detroit
    '12: Missoula + EV Jacksonville 1 & 2
    '13: Chicago / Pittsburgh / Buffalo / Seattle
    '14: Cincinnati / St. Louis / Tulsa / Lincoln / Memphis / Detroit / Moline
    '15: New York City - Global Citizen Festival
    '16: Greenville / Hampton / Raleigh / Columbia / Lexington / Ottawa / Toronto 1 & 2 / Wrigley 1 & 2
    '17: Brooklyn - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    '18: London 1 & 2 / Seattle 1 & 2 / Missoula / Wrigley 1
    '22: Nashville / St. Louis


    http://www.livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=170

  • Dr.Teeth and the Electric Mayh
    Dr.Teeth and the Electric Mayh Posts: 1,180
    edited August 2015
    I actually loved all the covers that weekend. Was super stoked to hear arms aloft. Don't think I've ever been worried about the momentum of a show lol. They're gonna play what they want. I go to listen.

    Unfortunately I was on the lawn night 1 so I basically tried to keep my footing for 3 hours. Release was good though. Very expected.
    Post edited by Dr.Teeth and the Electric Mayh on
    looking to hear of the earth
  • YLed2
    YLed2 Posts: 5,534
    Thanks for posting, because this really is a topic that deserves its own thread.

    Plain and simple, Release was greatest musical experience of my life. That moment really is indescribable with the array of emotions that was poured into that song that night. I still get chills every time I think back on it and see videos of it.

    The entire emotion, anticipation, and energy leading up to that weekend and moment was released during that performance. I was fortunate enough ton have won lottery at that time, and me and one my best friends were 9th row front and center. The feeling and vibe being that close and during that song is something I will never forget. During the first chorus during "I'll ride the wave.....WHERE IT TAKES ME.....I'LL HOLD THE PAIN, RELEASE ME!!!" I literally felt like I was lifted off the ground. You could feel the energy and emotion rolling down the hill from the crowd and it really did feel like I was lifted off the ground. I get chills every time I think about it.

    In my opinion, Release from Alpine is one of the band's finest live moments ever. And for me, it will never be topped and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Very powerful and special stuff. Also, I think it is a perfect example of the band and Ed going out there and deciding what to open that show with and putting a period behind the name Pearl Jam and all that they represent. Release is that period that defines them as a band in my opinion. Their most powerful song, played for the perfect moment and perfect crowd. An experience and feeling of a lifetime that I will never forget.

    If they would have unleashed right into Corduroy right after Release that night, that place would have crumbled to the ground.
    Bristow, VA - 5.13.10
    East Troy, WI - 9.3.11
    East Troy, WI - 9.4.11
    Atlanta, GA - 9.22.12
    Las Vegas, NV - 10.31.12 (EV)
    Las Vegas, NV - 11.1.12 (EV)
    Chicago, IL - 7.19.13
    Dallas, TX - 11.15.13
    Oklahoma City, OK - 11.16.13
    Seattle, WA - 12.6.13
    Lincoln, NE - 10.9.14
    Moline, IL - 10.17.14
    St. Paul, MN - 10.19.14
    Milwaukee, WI - 10.20.14
    New York, NY - 5.1.16
    New York, NY - 5.2.16
    Boston, MA - 8.5.16
    Boston, MA - 8.7.16
    Chicago, IL - 8.20.16

  • 2-feign-reluctance
    2-feign-reluctance TigerTown, USA Posts: 23,469
    I have to add that coming a close second to this was another performance of Release that I saw. Kansas City 2003, front row, pouring down rain. Ed sings 'oh dear Dad can you see me now?' & lightning flashes and he says 'Hi Dad' and proceeds to fucking BELT out the next line. Listen to the bootleg. You hear the crowd cheer when the lightning flashes. Chills...
    www.cluthelee.com
  • maverick
    maverick Posts: 1,268
    PJammer4life said:

    I have a killer video from row 7 night 1, that I've never uploaded. You can feel the moment. I'll have to look for it and maybe put up a link.

    Please, if you can find it, would love to relive it... Thanks!
  • cockage
    cockage Posts: 465
    youtu.be/5TaF_9PAWP0
  • No one's rival
    No one's rival Posts: 241
    It was a remarkable moment. I was watching the video again last night. The crowd was singing so loud. Ed and Mike in particular looked astonished IMO.
    Nissan Pavilion Stone Ridge, Bristow Virginia, 7-1-2003; Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, Wisconsin, 3-9-2011 & 4-9-2011; Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica, 11-20-2011; 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic, 7-2-2012; 02 World, Berlin, Germany, 7-4-2012; Ericsson Globe, Stockholm, Sweden, 7-7-2012; Oslo Spektrum, Norway, 7-9-2012; Forum, Copenhagen, Denmark, 7-10-2012; 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland, 10-27-2013; Global Citizen Festival, NYC, 9-26-2015; Foro Sol, México D.F., 11-28-2015; Madison Square Garden, NYC, 05-01-2016; Madison Square Garden, NYC, 05-02-2016; Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington, 8-8-2018; Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington 8-10-2018.
    http://livefootsteps.org/USER/?USR=1225

  • mcgruff10
    mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 29,468
    2-feign-reluctance said:

    I have to add that coming a close second to this was another performance of Release that I saw. Kansas City 2003, front row, pouring down rain. Ed sings 'oh dear Dad can you see me now?' & lightning flashes and he says 'Hi Dad' and proceeds to fucking BELT out the next line. Listen to the bootleg. You hear the crowd cheer when the lightning flashes. Chills...

    I ve only listened to the boot but I 100% agree with you!!
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • yellowwho
    yellowwho Posts: 1,661
    If I could go back in time and repeat one musical moment.... this would be it. No words can describe it. The emotion and energy was through the roof.

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