I feel the same way. I feel no urgency to go out of my way to see a Pearl Jam show. If I win the lottery for a local show then great. It kind of reminds me of the Dead in the early 90s. The party was over by 92, maybe even earlier. I think I might be at the same point with Pearl Jam. I will still keep my membership, but I am not driven to see 5-10 shows like I was before COVID. I am tired of hearing the Ten songs. I guess that is a good problem to have.
This sums up where I'm at but instead of being tired of any songs it's ticket prices and cancelation risk
Back rail people are the absolute worst. They stand back there so smug. "Look at me, I don't need to be 10 feet from the band. I'm so cool and chill. I don't even care if I'm here or not."
I feel the same way. I feel no urgency to go out of my way to see a Pearl Jam show. If I win the lottery for a local show then great. It kind of reminds me of the Dead in the early 90s. The party was over by 92, maybe even earlier. I think I might be at the same point with Pearl Jam. I will still keep my membership, but I am not driven to see 5-10 shows like I was before COVID. I am tired of hearing the Ten songs. I guess that is a good problem to have.
This sums up where I'm at but instead of being tired of any songs it's ticket prices and cancelation risk
I do not mind the prices. They are still below market prices, at least up here in the Northeast. Pearl Jam is still cheaper than a Broadway show and they give more. I guess cancellation is more of a risk as they get older. I never really gave it much thought. With less desirable 10C tix, ticketmaster BS, and more predictable sets, I am just not as inspired. As Jose said, I have had my fill and was lucky to see some of their best live shows. First world problems.
It’s going to be the same 20 people up front this whole tour. Why does the band want people to sleep on the curb for 3 weeks just so they can be front row for every show. I dont get it.
Consistency.
Band security can rest easy knowing Ed is safe.
To quote the 10C from Newsletter #8: "Please understand we have a lot of members and it is very hard to please everybody. If you are one of those unhappy people...please call 1-900-IDN-TCAR."
"Me knowing the truth, I can not concur."
1996: Toronto - 1998: Chicago, Montreal, Barrie - 2000: Montreal, Toronto - 2002: Seattle X2 (Key Arena) - 2003: Cleveland, Buffalo, Toronto, Montreal, Seattle (Benaroya Hall) - 2004: Reading, Toledo, Grand Rapids - 2005: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City - 2006: Toronto X2, Albany, Hartford, Grand Rapids, Cleveland - 2007: Chicago (Vic Theatre) - 2008: NYC X2, Hartford, Mansfield X2 - 2009: Toronto, Chicago X2, Seattle X2, Philadelphia X4 - 2010: Columbus, Noblesville, Cleveland, Buffalo, Hartford - 2011: Montreal, Toronto X2, Ottawa, Hamilton - 2012: Missoula - 2013: London, Chicago, Buffalo, Hartford - 2014: Detroit, Moline - 2015: NYC (Global Citizen Festival) - 2016: Greenville, Toronto X2, Chicago 1 - 2017: Brooklyn (RRHOF Induction) - 2018: Chicago 1, Boston 1 - 2022: Fresno, Ottawa, Hamilton, Toronto, NYC, Camden - 2023: St. Paul X2, Austin X2 - 2024: Vancouver X2, Portland, Sacramento, Missoula, Noblesville, Philadelphia X2, Baltimore - 2025: Hollywood X2, Atlanta 2, Nashville X2, Pittsburgh X2
I feel the same way. I feel no urgency to go out of my way to see a Pearl Jam show. If I win the lottery for a local show then great. It kind of reminds me of the Dead in the early 90s. The party was over by 92, maybe even earlier. I think I might be at the same point with Pearl Jam. I will still keep my membership, but I am not driven to see 5-10 shows like I was before COVID. I am tired of hearing the Ten songs. I guess that is a good problem to have.
This sums up where I'm at but instead of being tired of any songs it's ticket prices and cancelation risk
I do not mind the prices. They are still below market prices, at least up here in the Northeast. Pearl Jam is still cheaper than a Broadway show and they give more. I guess cancellation is more of a risk as they get older. I never really gave it much thought. With less desirable 10C tix, ticketmaster BS, and more predictable sets, I am just not as inspired. As Jose said, I have had my fill and was lucky to see some of their best live shows. First world problems.
Predictable setlists, Ticketmaster nonsense, 10club seats now going up to the rafters, etc.
That said.
Shows are still fantastic, it's always great seeing folks I've known for 20 years, and traveling with my wife or friends is always a fun adventure.
Take me piece by piece..... Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
I feel the same way. I feel no urgency to go out of my way to see a Pearl Jam show. If I win the lottery for a local show then great. It kind of reminds me of the Dead in the early 90s. The party was over by 92, maybe even earlier. I think I might be at the same point with Pearl Jam. I will still keep my membership, but I am not driven to see 5-10 shows like I was before COVID. I am tired of hearing the Ten songs. I guess that is a good problem to have.
This sums up where I'm at but instead of being tired of any songs it's ticket prices and cancelation risk
I do not mind the prices. They are still below market prices, at least up here in the Northeast. Pearl Jam is still cheaper than a Broadway show and they give more. I guess cancellation is more of a risk as they get older. I never really gave it much thought. With less desirable 10C tix, ticketmaster BS, and more predictable sets, I am just not as inspired. As Jose said, I have had my fill and was lucky to see some of their best live shows. First world problems.
Predictable setlists, Ticketmaster nonsense, 10club seats now going up to the rafters, etc.
That said.
Shows are still fantastic, it's always great seeing folks I've known for 20 years, and traveling with my wife or friends is always a fun adventure.
I feel the same way. I feel no urgency to go out of my way to see a Pearl Jam show. If I win the lottery for a local show then great. It kind of reminds me of the Dead in the early 90s. The party was over by 92, maybe even earlier. I think I might be at the same point with Pearl Jam. I will still keep my membership, but I am not driven to see 5-10 shows like I was before COVID. I am tired of hearing the Ten songs. I guess that is a good problem to have.
This sums up where I'm at but instead of being tired of any songs it's ticket prices and cancelation risk
I do not mind the prices. They are still below market prices, at least up here in the Northeast. Pearl Jam is still cheaper than a Broadway show and they give more. I guess cancellation is more of a risk as they get older. I never really gave it much thought. With less desirable 10C tix, ticketmaster BS, and more predictable sets, I am just not as inspired. As Jose said, I have had my fill and was lucky to see some of their best live shows. First world problems.
Their prices are fair for the market, but the market is such that I'm priced out of multiple arena shows for any band.
And the Raleigh show was the cancelation inflection point for me. If they cancel a local show for protest/illness/whatever I get my money back and wait for the next one. It's the travel outlays I'm not getting back that would sting.
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
I have heard Ed talking about that pat on the chest many times. Great to hear your version!
I feel the same way. I feel no urgency to go out of my way to see a Pearl Jam show. If I win the lottery for a local show then great. It kind of reminds me of the Dead in the early 90s. The party was over by 92, maybe even earlier. I think I might be at the same point with Pearl Jam. I will still keep my membership, but I am not driven to see 5-10 shows like I was before COVID. I am tired of hearing the Ten songs. I guess that is a good problem to have.
This sums up where I'm at but instead of being tired of any songs it's ticket prices and cancelation risk
I do not mind the prices. They are still below market prices, at least up here in the Northeast. Pearl Jam is still cheaper than a Broadway show and they give more. I guess cancellation is more of a risk as they get older. I never really gave it much thought. With less desirable 10C tix, ticketmaster BS, and more predictable sets, I am just not as inspired. As Jose said, I have had my fill and was lucky to see some of their best live shows. First world problems.
Predictable setlists, Ticketmaster nonsense, 10club seats now going up to the rafters, etc.
That said.
Shows are still fantastic, it's always great seeing folks I've known for 20 years, and traveling with my wife or friends is always a fun adventure.
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
I have heard Ed talking about that pat on the chest many times. Great to hear your version!
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
“Chest”
Why the quotes? lol
I felt bad because I hit him pretty hard. I had adrenaline and didn't realize how small he was until I did it lol
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
“Chest”
Why the quotes? lol
I felt bad because I hit him pretty hard. I had adrenaline and didn't realize how small he was until I did it lol
I m gonna roll into ga at Pitt one about five minutes before they take the stage with a smile on my face knowing wherever I am in ga is closer than 95% of the people in the arena.
I've told this story several times before. But Tampa 2016 me and my wife were about ten people off the stage in GA. She got tired about halfway through the set and wanted to move to the back. I was annoyed and did not hide it lol. Ended up getting to give Eddie a pat on the chest when he ran through the crowd during Porch. All because we moved to the back of GA.
“Chest”
Why the quotes? lol
I felt bad because I hit him pretty hard. I had adrenaline and didn't realize how small he was until I did it lol
This is the way. There is no substitute. https://www.phishfirstentry.com/ Online lotto open 2 days prior to show, find out the day before if you won (around 200 winners), queue starts 2 hours before doors on show day, ID check, plus one (optional), also ID check for plus one - find out the day before. It would take PJ 2-3 employees to accomplish this per show. Camping for two nights is certifiable when the point (IMHO) of touring around with your friends is to see the world not hang out on a sidewalk. To a larger point it would also allow a lot of people up front who would not normally get that opportunity for a lot of (work/life) reason's that keep them from the queue.
Very familiar with this process as it's the same one DMB uses, also run by First Entry.
My main counter is that there are infuriating aspects of this system that you can't do anything about. If you win the lottery and have a pair of tickets you can bring a +1. Obviously many times groups of friends go to the show together, or families, so you've got large portions of the rail and the second row that are saved by lotto winners to keep groups together. Is it fair for a group to be split up? The answer is probably subjective but I'm sure it doesn't feel good for the other people who won and may never again. No one usually says anything because most people don't want to be confrontational, and when you didn't have to put in 12+ hours waiting in line there's less drive to ruffle feathers. And this isn't like a rail mafia controlling everything, although there is one that follows DMB around and they did figure out how to increase their chances of winning, it happens every show with different people either innocently (a family wants to get their kids on the rail for example) to those who feel like because they won, it extends to everyone they're there with.
Anyway, I love DMB and I would love to experience being center rail now that I'm in the part of my life where I could put in the time. I have come to the realization that I most likely won't, ever. You need to win the tickets in the fan club lottery, then you need to win the early entry lottery, and then you need to get assigned a very low number. There's no exception made because it's your hometown show, or it's your birthday, or 50th show, or whatever special occasion that some people who don't normally camp choose to for a particular show. The lottery created different problems and the DMB community has it's own group of angry/annoyed fans who don't like what it turned into. First come first serve is on paper "fair", but now it's polarizing because there's people who are willing to wait a lot longer than the vast majority of GA ticket holders can or want to. If someone's main argument is that official rules aren't being followed, I've gotten emails that said GA was "allowed" to line up at 4pm the day of the show and when noon rolls around there's already 50, and 100 by 4pm. How many hours before the email states does it become acceptable to line up and if the answer is more than 0 then why are we so offended by 10-20 people who do 24+?
Idk, the whole lottery thing, you might never win it and you'll still never be front and center. So it's like getting into the territory of wanting to personally give up the ability to participate if you want to just so those people can't have it anymore. If the band decided of their own volition to change the system fine I accept that, but if the 10c implemented a lottery because of this perception that the whole thing is fixed that would be devastating to me.
Let's be clear that the people mentioned in the original post don't comprise the entire rail. They're not taking away the ability to get it even if you don't want to sleep there overnight. The "big dude" referenced purposefully doesn't always do GA despite loving it because he's aware it's hard to see around him, and only took center this year when it was his 250th show.
Stopped reading at “I love DMB.”
But in all seriousness, that is a lot of time and effort spent to see a band past their prime up close where the sound is subpar. But I guess the music isn’t the driving force for the rail riders…
I don’t find the sound subpar up close.
Have you watched a show back by the soundboard? The sound difference is night and day compared to the first 10 rows or so.
"What can you expect when you're on top? You know? It's like Napoleon. When he was the king, you know, people were just constantly trying to conquer him, you know, in the Roman Empire. So, it's history repeating itself all over again."
Comments
I do not mind the prices. They are still below market prices, at least up here in the Northeast. Pearl Jam is still cheaper than a Broadway show and they give more. I guess cancellation is more of a risk as they get older. I never really gave it much thought. With less desirable 10C tix, ticketmaster BS, and more predictable sets, I am just not as inspired. As Jose said, I have had my fill and was lucky to see some of their best live shows. First world problems.
Band security can rest easy knowing Ed is safe.
"Me knowing the truth, I can not concur."
1996: Toronto - 1998: Chicago, Montreal, Barrie - 2000: Montreal, Toronto - 2002: Seattle X2 (Key Arena) - 2003: Cleveland, Buffalo, Toronto, Montreal, Seattle (Benaroya Hall) - 2004: Reading, Toledo, Grand Rapids - 2005: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City - 2006: Toronto X2, Albany, Hartford, Grand Rapids, Cleveland - 2007: Chicago (Vic Theatre) - 2008: NYC X2, Hartford, Mansfield X2 - 2009: Toronto, Chicago X2, Seattle X2, Philadelphia X4 - 2010: Columbus, Noblesville, Cleveland, Buffalo, Hartford - 2011: Montreal, Toronto X2, Ottawa, Hamilton - 2012: Missoula - 2013: London, Chicago, Buffalo, Hartford - 2014: Detroit, Moline - 2015: NYC (Global Citizen Festival) - 2016: Greenville, Toronto X2, Chicago 1 - 2017: Brooklyn (RRHOF Induction) - 2018: Chicago 1, Boston 1 - 2022: Fresno, Ottawa, Hamilton, Toronto, NYC, Camden - 2023: St. Paul X2, Austin X2 - 2024: Vancouver X2, Portland, Sacramento, Missoula, Noblesville, Philadelphia X2, Baltimore - 2025: Hollywood X2, Atlanta 2, Nashville X2, Pittsburgh X2
That said.
Shows are still fantastic, it's always great seeing folks I've known for 20 years, and traveling with my wife or friends is always a fun adventure.
Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
And the Raleigh show was the cancelation inflection point for me. If they cancel a local show for protest/illness/whatever I get my money back and wait for the next one. It's the travel outlays I'm not getting back that would sting.
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
2025: Pittsburgh 5/16+5/18
That is the best part and why I still go.
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
2025: Pittsburgh 5/16+5/18
I felt bad because I hit him pretty hard. I had adrenaline and didn't realize how small he was until I did it lol
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
2025: Pittsburgh 5/16+5/18
Fantastic, hahaha.