Pete Townshend with Ed
Set List: Pete solo: Won't Get Fooled Again, Behind Blue Eyes, Drowned, Cut My Hair, (partial song due to technical problems), Let My Love Open the Door
Pete and Ed: Heart To Hang Onto, Let's See Action, Better Man, Sheraton Gibson, Magic Bus, I'm One

Photo credit: BeeGirl29 at aol.com

Here is my fanview for one of the most exciting nights of my life!

When my friend Bob and I showed up at the House of Blues Thursday, we thought that we had maybe a one and a million chance of getting in, but I guess that wasn't all too accurate. The security at the door gave us a hard time, but that was probably because I was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts and Bob had on a tie-die shirt and EVERYONE else was decked out in a shirt and tie or a dress. Finally we did convince them to let us in. So after a while waiting in line, it was our turn to get up to the desk and take our "reservations" but of course neither my name nor Bob's didn't just happen to be on it the list. So we just hung around and just kept telling the guys that we had no idea WHY our names weren't on the list...and then at about 7:30 when we thought all hope was gone a guy came by and gave us two passes to get in!!!!! Not only were we going to get in but these were VIP passes which put us on the floor and three feet from the stage!!

As I looked around waiting for the show to start I notice that we are the only people under thirty and not wearing suits in the entire VIP section. So after an hour and a half of standing and waiting Pete came out and opened with an amazing Won't Get Fooled Again on electric. Then he went into Behind Blue Eyes, Drowned and Cut My Hair. Pete proceeded to sit down behind the piano but it was experiencing technical problems so he scratched that and went into a great Let My Love Open the Door. Then he introduced his not so surprise guest Mr. Ed Vedder.

Ed joined Pete on stage and commented that the people talking between songs was driving him nuts! The dynamic duo performed the best Heart To Hang Onto I have heard to date. Then Pete started talking about an article in his local newspaper on him and the Lifehouse album. Pete said that Ed had convinced him to play the next song of the night from that album: Let's See Action. Next up was one of the big highlights of the night: Ed on acoustic and Pete on electric for Better Man! It was great, with Pete screaming the "She Loved Him" and the "Can't Find a Better Man" lines. It was amazing. Next it was EV solo vocals for Sheraton Gibson. Pete picked up his electric and jammed into an unbelievable Magic Bus. Full Townshend windmills and all. Then Pete and Ed converse and it seemed that Pete talks Ed into singing I'm One, which they closed this amazing show with. I truly believe the only person who was loving this show more than me was Mr. Vedder and it showed. This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never ever forget.

Javier Cervantes (javier.cervantes at ac.com):
I got to HOB at around 5:45 there weren't too many people around but I saw a group of PJ fans there so I asked them what the scoop was. They said it was invite-only and there were a few scant tix out there. Well one of the guys had an extra ticket so he flipped a coin for me and someone else to get in. I called tails in the air and thanked god. We walked in got our wristbands which I am still wearing and then proceeded to go upstairs. We waited for three hours to see Ed and Pete although we were fed nicely for Free! ...and given two drinks on the house.

Well I know it has been said on 5h but let me reiterate that the crowd there did suck! Not everyone but most of the suits and dresses were pretty disrespectful. But who knows, maybe it's just part of being a sellout. I know they probably donated a lot of money to the Maryville Academy but nonetheless I was glad when Ed told the crowd that the talking between songs was "driving him fucking nuts!" Anyways, one thing I definitely wanted to point out is the presence Ed brings to the stage I am sure everyone knows what I am talking about. Like at TFC when during the first 3 sets no one was paying attention and then all of a sudden our favorite blonde boy walks on stage and the place is all ears and every seat was packed. Well same thing last night. While Pete played his first few songs solo many folks were talking away, but when Ed came out the place stopped. Its a real cool feeling. Well they went on to play more songs. Ed sounded really good on some country style tune, it was truly beautiful. I wish I would have brought a recorder with me because security was cool they didn't pat you down or anything. Anyway no encore kind of sucked, but the lame crowd deserved it, I wasnt complaining though, my birthday was last Sunday, and last night was the greatest gift I could have ever gotten.

More random thoughts Pete told this realy cool story about seeing himself on the cover of some newspaper and the story was about his new rock opera. He sounded genuinely happy to tell everyone that his piece of work was finished and long overdue. Also he was very animated when playing the guitar and during some jams he would creep over next to Ed, seemingly trying to get Ed to bop around with the guitar, but you can see it in Ed's face ....he was not going to be at Pete's level he was going to let Pete be the MAN for the night. It was a total sign of respect and admiration. Ed also commented on spending the last couple days with Pete and learning a "lot about being a human being" something like that, and some people were screaming, "We love you Eddie!" which made him stop his speech and just say "I guess you know it all...already."

All in all it was an amazing night I want to say that during Magic Bus, Pete did his windnmill thing and he had a couple of really great jams. I dont know that much about guitars nor do I appreciate them as much as I maybe should but he was doing some cool things that made me say "wow." Some person couldn't put the piano mic stand up right so that cost us a song..I know these sound like random thoughts but my mind is cracking a bit. Ed was really getting into the songs...holding the mic like only he does and looking graciously to the sky/ceiling. It was really a wonderful night that I will never forget. Finally I would like to say thanks once again to Mark and John for letting me in the show with them, and sorry to Chach and MWC who didnt get to see the show. Life has a way of working itself out though....and Ed will be back again.

I wish more of you could have experienced this with me,
Javier