Set List: Corduroy, Hail Hail, Brain of J., Even Flow, Given To Fly, Do The Evolution, Wishlist, Better Man/(Save It For Later) dedicated to Bill Clinton

Photo credit: Sher Menhart (pearllover@aol.com)

Won (lukin123@aol.com):
The second day of the Tibetan Freedom Concert was overshawdowed by the events of the previous day. The cancellation of the remaining acts due to the four people who were hit by lightning still were in people's minds coming to the show. But what better way to make everyone forget than joining together via music.

Three bands that were scheduled to perform on the first day but didn't, were slated to perform today. This would mean that Pearl Jam's planned 6:40 pm. performance would indeed be pushed back. At 7:40pm. the guys hit the stage and Ed told the crowd of over 65,000 strong, "thanks for having us". They proceeded into "Corduroy" and quickly I could see how much of an asset Matt was to the band. He just didn't make them sound better, but they played together as if they had for 20 years, they were tight, so tight. Matt added a whole new dimension. During "Hail Hail" Ed does some improv by saying, "I could only be as good, if you would fuckin' let me". Right before "Brain of J", Ed raises his cup to the crowd and remarks, "here's to all the intelligent people in the crowd; you know who you are." Then Mike apparently threw something at Ed, maybe a shoe or something and it hit him in the hand causing his drink to spill all over his shirt. They both laughed and Mike kicked into "Brain of J" and went crazy at the end, running towards his amp and smashing his axe into it. Ed saw this and said, "Mike this is supposed to be a peaceful show".

"Even Flow" followed and was a crowd favorite. There wasn't much moshing going on, it could of been because everyone was in awe and just wanted to watch or they were just too tired. "Given to Fly" got the crowd clapping along while Ed did his hands and arm gestures while singing the lyrics "fly' ...."high". "This song is about me, it's about you, it's about everyone" introduced "Do the Evolution" as it ripped along like a runaway train. Ed strapped on his guitar again and started "Wishlist" which sounded so similar to the Letterman gig. Matt's drumming stood out on this song, it almost overshawdowed Ed's voice.

Before "Better Man" Ed goes into a long speech about the Tibetan cause, "this next song is actually a good example, it's about a struggle between two people". He finished by urging President Clinton to do something about it, "can't find a better man, president Clinton, fucker". Ed probably was still thinking about Tibet because he messed up the opening verse by singing the second verse instead. He quickly realized it and made the smooth transition and by the time the rest of the band joined in it was amazing. The familiar "save it for later" tag was added and the set was soon over with Ed's final words to the crowd was "see you on the steps". I was hoping for a encore or at least a few more songs since they were the last band of the day. I thought my prayers were answered when someone came back onstage a few minutes later and strummed the all too famailar chords to "Black", but it was a trick because all of a sudden the Red Hot Chili Peppers ran on stage and blasted into "Give It Away". I left immediately. This performance was brilliant, the band sounded great, they seemed to be gelling at the right moment. I can't wait until the tour comes my way. Thanks guys, you are the truly the best!