Live: Pearl Jam in Manchester
After my last live experience with the mighty Pearl Jam, I was terrified this would be another disaster. Not so. In fact, this was Arena Rock at its finest. The acoustics and energy were great, which meant that the size of the MEN Arena was an advantage — 20,000 people bouncing up and down singing along to Why Go was an epic spectacle.
Every article about Pearl Jam you read follows the same formula. First, wax nostalgic about 90′s grunge. Second, mention the Pearl Jam/Nirvana (faux) rivalry. Third, talk about the anti-Ticketmaster fight. Fourth, express admiration that Vedder and co. are still playing. Fifth, note how relaxed the band have become in their old age. I suppose it might reflect a failure on Pearl Jam’s part that their story is still so embedded in the grunge Zeitgeist. It’s partly their own fault for burning so hot then stepping back. Maybe it’s because they have never replicated Alive/Even Flow/Jeremy.
This may be a popular view of the band, but for 20,000 Brits in Manchester, songs like Present Tense and Do the Evolution invoked the same roars as anything from Ten. This was a concert showcasing the depth of the Pearl Jam catalog. The first three songs made for a wonderful introduction (Long Road, Last Exit, Why Go); Even Flow (see below; note Ed breaking the law) saw Mike McCready blowing minds with his ridiculous guitar chops; new Backspacer songs such as Got Some (also below) impressed. There was only one misfire, the downer which was Sleight of Hand in an otherwise high energy set.
Definitely the best rock band on the planet. As stadium as U2, but without half the wankery and with better songs.
(Gomez offered strong support.)
I watched most of the “Even Flow” clip. What did Mr. Vedder do that was illegal? Was it the drinking and smoking? Or did he rock too hard? Or is the guitarist’s name Ed and it’s illegal to perform behind-the-back solos in Great Britain?
Comment by BTD_Greg — August 21, 2009 @ 8:18 am
Smoking is illegal indoors in the UK.
‘Twas an AWESOME gig. Wanted to be able to attend the next night too!
Comment by Rebecca — August 21, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Or should I say inside a public building – your own home is of course fine
Comment by Rebecca — August 21, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Matt Cameron is still one of my favorite drummers. I saw him play with Wellwater Conspiracy at a small bar venue in Seattle a few years back, that was pretty dang awesome.
(But if you’re going to toss around phrases like best rock band on the planet, I have to mention the Hellacopters. And only partially because I had a dream about them last night.)
Comment by Susan M — August 21, 2009 @ 8:53 am
I LOVE Eddie Vedder. LOVE.
The last time I saw Paul Weller in L.A. he smoked through the entire set…
Comment by gabby — August 21, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Did he do any songs off of his Into the Wild solo album?
Comment by Clark — August 21, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
Sounds awesome. I’m guessing the location of your seats was better this time around. I have never seen Pearl Jam in concert, but it’s definitely on my list of things to do.
Comment by MCQ — August 21, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
Can’t wait to see these guys play in San Francisco next week. Truly one of the greatest rock bands around.
Comment by klear — August 21, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
Clark,
No Vedder solos, alas.
MCQ,
They’re coming to SLC, man.
Comment by The Brit — August 22, 2009 @ 2:32 am
I just found out! September 28, I will be there!
Comment by MCQ — August 22, 2009 @ 10:05 am
I think Eddie thinks he’s Bruce Springsteen or Pete Townsend. They aren’t the Who. Record a concept album or rock opera. But Perl Jelly isn’t that daring or creative. They’re out of ideas. Half the new album is Eddie Vedder Into the Wild solo outtakes.
Comment by Stone Bone — August 23, 2009 @ 9:55 am
I’ve been a Pearl Jam fan since Ten. Glad you enjoyed the show. I’d love to see them do The Long Road live, it’s probably my favorite song of theirs. I really enjoy Sleight of Hand as well. I haven’t heard anything from Backspacer yet, but it’ll be a day one purchase.
Years ago I saw them live and they played Baba O’ Reilly. That was one of my most memorable experiences.
Comment by Bryan — September 13, 2009 @ 8:29 am
The concert in SLC is coming up on Monday. I can’t wait! Anyone else going?
Comment by MCQ — September 24, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
I’ve been avoiding the radio that’s pushing it since we’re not going. Have fun! Can’t wait to hear the review…
Comment by gabby — September 25, 2009 @ 8:22 am
I’m not sure I dare to write another review after Ronan’s. He may have said all that needs to be said about this tour.
Comment by MCQ — September 25, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
Ok, just got back from the concert and it was aMAZing! Two solid hours of incredible show including two encores. It was a real love fest for PJ, as Vedder mentioned that they hadn’t been in SLC in 11 years, and the fans cheered every word he said and never sat down the whole concert. Two kids who were on the front row weren’t even born when they were here last, but Vedder told them to make sure to go to school tomorrow and dedicated the last song to their teacher. Awesome concert and the new album “Backspacer” sounds like it is a genuine hit.
Comment by MCQ — September 29, 2009 @ 12:22 am
It is awesome that Pearl Jam came to Salt Lake. Still the best live show around!
Comment by klear — September 29, 2009 @ 2:10 am
SO FUN!
Comment by gabby — September 29, 2009 @ 7:27 am
MCQ,
I am happy for you, mate.
Comment by The Brit — September 29, 2009 @ 10:50 am
Thanks, Ronan. Hearing all those songs live for the first time was a real treat. They played all my favorites, but saved “Alive” for the next to last. I thought for a minute they weren’t going to play it. It lasted almost ten minutes, and Vedder stood out on top of the speakers at the edge of the stage and really belted it out. Awesome.
Comment by MCQ — September 29, 2009 @ 11:56 am
Is it just me or has Eddie’s voice actually improved with age?
Comment by MCQ — September 29, 2009 @ 11:56 am
Eddie as a whole has improved with age…
Comment by gabby — September 29, 2009 @ 4:39 pm