Set List: Sometimes, Breakerfall, Corduroy, Grievance, Brain of J., Animal, Dissident, Nothing As It Seems, Given To Fly, Insignificance, Daughter/(It's O.K.), Better Man, Mankind, Immortality, Even Flow, Black, Rearviewmirror;
1st encore: Sleight of Hand, Crazy Mary, Once, Do The Evolution, Wishlist, Leatherman, Baba O'Riley;
2nd encore: Indifference

"Is this place named after beer too?" Ed commented on the venue where the show took place, after October 5th, the building should be renamed "The Pearl Jam Centre."

My friend and I arrived at the ACC around 6:30pm, we sulked in the atmosphere outside where people started gathering by the hundreds. There was that great feeling in the air, and a lot of eagerness felt by everyone. After the gates opened, we scanned the area for PJ merchandise and purchased a couple of items before heading into the actual venue. We took our seats and were surprised how much closer we were to the stage than originally expected. Supergrass hit the stage around 7:30 and played an exceptional set, usually I don't get too thrilled about the opening acts, but enjoyed what these guys did for the few of us that already got our seats.

Then after about 15-20 minute break, the lights go down, everyone on their feet, the noise goes through the roof as we see Pearl Jam head on stage. Prior to the show, Daniel and I were trying to figure out what they'll open with, and came to the obvious: Release, Corduroy, or Sometimes. After fiddling around with the guitars, the band opens with Sometimes that got the crowd into it eventually. A nice soft quiet number to welcome us. Next they rip into Breakerfall that quickly got adrenaline soaring through everyone, but they stop there as continue the pace with fast tunes like Corduroy, Grievance, Brain of J, and Animal. Now Eddie tries addressing the crowd, but the crowd refuses to let him talk as he receives a gigantic ovation. When we finally allow him to speak, he mentions last they played here was on a hill (1998). He asks if this venue was also named after a beer.

After his monologue, he introduces Nothing As It Seems, a song that managed to bring hundreds of lighters lit up high in the air. One of the songs we wanted to hear was next: Given To Fly. This tune got me dancing, singing, and just having the time of my life. They continue with songs I wanted to hear and expected to hear such as Insignificance and Daughter. Daughter was one of the songs that really got the crowd into it and singing along all the way through. Better Man was another crowd pleaser that got everyone singing along with the band. After that, Ed introduces Stone. I wished he received a much better welcome by us though, I tried my best because the man really does deserve it. He ripped into Mankind, which is one of my favourites and didn't expect to hear that, so I was pleasantly surprised.

Following Stone's vocal talents, Ed got back and they began Immortality. As great as it was, the highlight had to be Matt's drumming at the end of the song. The man was on fire! The crowd totally was digging his skills and it got them pumped once again. The mood carried into an energetic version of Even Flow. This song belonged to Mike though as he showed us his amazing talents. Even Flow was followed by Black, a song that really upset my friend, Daniel. Prior to the show, he said he's leaving if they play it. I seriously believed the guy's joking and no one in their right mind can say such a thing. As they begin the first notes of Black, we immediately recognize it's Black and Daniel sits down! Don't get me wrong, he is a huge Pearl Jam fan, just happens to have some kinda peeve against Black. I'm thinking the same thing as you are to whoever is reading this: "What's wrong with him?". I really enjoyed hearing Black and was totally into it, despite Daniel's sarcastic comments all through. He eventually came around and starting singing along. I think it's just to make sure he doesn't get whipped by those around us for sitting during Black! They finishes a terrific set with Rearviewmirror that kept us in suspense with a lengthy yet superb bridge during the song. Definitely, one of the highlights of the night.

After a couple minutes, they came back for the encore and the first request was Sleight of Hand. A great song that sent the chills down my spine. They followed with one those infrequent songs: Crazy Mary. This was the first I've heard the song live, so it was a pleasing one for me. That's followed with a rocking version of Once that got our section of the venue totally into it. Another song that Daniel and I hoped to hear followed, Do The Evolution, yet another great moment during the evening. Ed speaks to the crowd once again saying he found out recently that Stephen Hawking says human life has a 1000 years left, which leaves Ed pondering whether we should go f'ing around for that time or be careful who we vote for. The band slows it down with "Wishlist" with the discoball mesmerizing the crowd. Wishlist also features the line "I wish I was as fortunate as Geddy Lee" and in the end there is a line about Hawking's discovery. Wishlist is followed by an energetic version of Leatherman, which always makes a great sing-a-long tune. By now, I know the encore is coming to an end soon, and I am debating with myself whether they'll do Ledbetter or Baba O'Riley. Ed says "Couple of nights we got see this band." I knew The Who were in the area, so I turn to Daniel and say "They're gonna do Baba!". He goes on saying they're doing this song for The Who tribute album, and the one they play in Chicago will make the record, but if Toronto crowd responds better, they'll use ours. We'll find out who was more into it. The crowd was totally behind the band on this though: the clapping, the singing, the dancing, everyone just giving what they got. For me personally, this was the highlight. The band leaves the stage, all the lights are on by now. As people begin departing for the exits, the great percentage stands cheering clapping for a good 3 minutes. Next thing we know the lights go down as the buildings roars with excitement. We get a beautiful version of Indifference that lit the building with lighters once again, but this time twice as many as on some of the previous songs. A great finish to a great night.

In all, we got over 2 hours of music, a great selection of songs, and everyone seemed to be having the time of their life, the two of us, and this one guy two rows ahead of us that just danced and sang his heart throughout the whole night. It was a night to remember, thanks Pearl Jam, see you soon.