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Pearl Jam Revisited: A Fan’s Faith Is Renewed

By Cristina Daglas Published Monday, June 23, 2008

Sixteen years ago, Pearl Jam released Ten. They shot to stardom, fell out of music’s good graces a few albums later, and then climbed back to the top with their self-titled 2006 release. The way Rolling Stone praised it, you could have assumed Jann Wenner had a financial stake in the matter. But that wasn’t the case. Pearl Jam had allegedly reclaimed their place in rock ’n’ roll.

In 2000, Pearl Jam performed at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin. I was there and thrilled for the show. But it was October in Wisconsin, and whoever thought it wise to book that outdoor concert had obviously never lived in that part of the country. The show was stellar despite the frigid temps, but I had had my fill of Pearl Jam fandom.

Fast forward eight years. I met someone who is in for the Pearl Jam long haul. When tickets went on sale for the band’s DC gig at the Verizon Center Sunday night, an $82 gem was purchased in my name, and I was on my way to seeing Pearl Jam live for the first time in nearly a decade

One set, two encores, and some political jumble later, my 1990s faith in Eddie and the gang has been somewhat restored. But not without a few observations:

1. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are a decent band. But this opener was the classic case of a misplaced act in a giant arena with bad sound and few fans. But don’t give up on them yet. Download a few tracks and check them out in a hole-in-the-wall bar or basement venue.

2. The PJ crowd has changed. I didn’t get the beach-attire memo, but the rest of the middle-aged attendees did. And out came the Hawaiian shirts. Vedder was similarly clad in flowing white pants while standing in front of a wave background on the very minimalist set. Questionable fashion decisions aside, the crowd has aged with the band members as well. Carding was unnecessary at the beer stand. Where were the high-energy teeny boppers? Despite the annoyance, they have their place.

3. The political speak is unnecessary. Eddie, we know you dislike Bush, lean to the left, and love to vocalize your opinions to the thousands who’ve paid to see you. But that absurdly overpriced ticket purchased in my name was to hear music, not your views on oil prices. However, playing “Green Disease” after the rant complete with blindingly bright green lights was well placed.

4. You lost me with “All Along the Watchtower.” Leave the bad covers for Dave Matthews and pick something more original.

5. Overall, Pearl Jam still rocks. I know the ’90s have passed and grunge is dead, but the band played 31 songs, stayed onstage for more than two hours, and packed that venue. How they still play “Daughter” with a smile is beyond me, but I give them credit for recognizing the songs that made them and playing them for the masses. Just throw in a few B sides or lesser-heard tracks for the devoted fans. But please, keep touring. Word is that this was a pre-recording-studio tour, so perhaps some new tunes are in the works.

They may have made a rejuvenated fan out of me. It’s time to dust off those old CDs.

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Comments

I’m with the rest of you that fans got what they paid for---PJ played quite a lengthy set. We paid much more than $82 a piece.

HOWEVER...I was disappointed with the general setup. No video boards in the Verizon Center sorta killed it for me. The show didn’t turn me off from PJ (although I sorta did want to hear more of the old hits), but it did turn me off from seeing shows @ the Verizon Center.

Posted by: Megan, Jun 27, 2008 08:11:23 AM

Some of you get it. This reviewer doesn’t, but we knew that right off the bat - his faith is "renewed"? Where’s he been?

I didn’t catch this show, but I caught Columbia and it was mind-blowing. The first night at MSG last night was epic. There is no band still touring that has released as consistently high quality material as PJ. Even if you didn’t like Binaural (which I do), you’re talking one mistep in 15 years and 8 albums. What other band is willing "warts and all" to release virtually every show as a soundboard for 10 bucks each?

I don’t agree with Ed politically all of the time - I do MOST of the time though. In my opinion, it would be socially irresponsible to NOT use the podium the world has given you to stand up for what you believe in.

I’m a PJ hack - I have virtually every single recorded show they have performed in their 17 years....I don’t think there is a single show where Ed doesn’t attempt some sort of political "rant". It should be an expectation not a surprise.

If you don’t want to hear it, and you think $69 is too much to pay for 2 1/2 to 3 hours of magic - take John’s advice and listen to Ten and save your "show money" for Green Day.

Posted by: raszputini, Jun 25, 2008 06:27:50 PM

Let Eddie Rant. Oil was $26 a barrel the day the Iraq war started. Today, its $139. Whats the difference? The world supply is down 2 million barrels a day. Iraq is pumping 2 million barrels less a day then the day when the war started. So you can blame the ticket price on Bush too. And AATW is an excellent cover by both PJ and DMB. Who’s this reviewer like? Blink 182?

Posted by: Greendiease, Jun 24, 2008 11:25:46 AM

Ditto on the ticket price being "absurdly over priced". Pearl Jam had the entire arena priced at $69...I don’t think many artists or bands ever do that anymore. Quit reasonable if you ask me...for an awesome show!

Posted by: , Jun 24, 2008 06:50:24 AM

This was my first time seeing Pearl Jam.. In my opinion I the sound blew!! I couldn’t hear anything he was saying... The whole concert was a blurred echo if you were sitting in seats!! ALOT of people at the show agreed with me.. Guess I’ll just have to see them again so I can see a good show. Verizon Center SUCKS!!!!!!!

Posted by: choncho, Jun 24, 2008 06:48:47 AM

It’s a shame that so few journalists have the capacity to understand the relationship between this band and their dedicated fans.

As a 43 y/o who has used Pearl Jam as a vehicle akin to the Grateful Dead, the fact that this band’s fans have aged gracefully is a true testament to the MUSIC.

For those of you who ’get it’, and witnessed the Verizon Center literally SHAKING during the epic Given to Fly, you’ll surely agree that a politico comment or two from Ed Ved us worth enduring, whether or not you share the same view.

As as far as your $82 ticket, a real fan would view that as a BARGAIN !!

Posted by: Joe, Jun 24, 2008 06:08:34 AM

I think Ed has the right to voice his opinions just as we have the right to agree or disagree. He really didn’t talk that long...it’s ok to hear other people’s thoughts. If you go to a Pearl Jam concert, you should expect it. They have my respect for the way they treat their fans. Did you see the young fan they pulled on stage? That was amazing! Also, in relation to other big names, their prices are reasonable. I paid $69., had a great time, and enjoyed the show.

Posted by: CT, Jun 23, 2008 09:05:29 PM

FYI...Pearl Jam has performed All Along The Watchtower long before Dave has...a great song and a great cover....

Next stop MSG, New York for 2 nights...write a report on these shows I promise they will blow the roof off THE GARDEN!!!!

Posted by: John, Jun 23, 2008 05:12:37 PM

As far as I’m concerned, Ed can say whatever he wants onstage. He’s earned my respect as a musician so I’ll listen to his views. Moreover, most of the time he’s right and if he educates one person in the audience, good for him. A perfect example... during the Bonaroo show, he pointed out that gas was $1.46 when Bush took office. Personally, I love his political rants. If you don’t, then don’’t go see PJ live, stay home and listen to TEN...

Hey, Reviewer, try and be a little less self-indulgent in your writing too.

Posted by: Drew, Jun 23, 2008 04:54:05 PM

$82 for a nearly 3 hour show is "absurdly over priced?"

Quick Ticketmaster search:
Jimmy Buffet - up to $200
Kenney Chesney - up to $100
Janet Jackson - up to $125
And this is before ticketmaster tacks on its fees. Are you telling me these people perform for 2.5+ hours for those prices?

Posted by: really?, Jun 23, 2008 02:05:51 PM

Pearl Jam Revisited: A Fan’s Faith Is Renewed

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