Set List: Sometimes, Breakerfall, Corduroy, Hail Hail, Animal, Nothing As It Seems, Light Years, Given To Fly, Untitled, MFC, Habit, Even Flow, Wishlist, Better Man, Grievance, Present Tense, Black, Insignificance, Rearviewmirror;
1st encore: Go, Do The Evolution, Once, ?, I Got Shit, Last Kiss, Porch;
2nd encore: Yellow Ledbetter

Photo credit: Regena Spratling

From my perspective in the 8th row (Thanks Ten Club...) the band seemed to be enjoying themselves. The start was a little tenative but by the time they were through "Hail, Hail" they were hitting their stride in a big way. I happened to be sitting in front of a reporter from the Charlotte Observer at the show. I am not sure that she understood what she was seeing (or hearing !) and left about half way through the show but I am hoping that she went away with the knowledge that this is a band that is greatly loved and admired by it's fans. This was a night (as I am sure they all will be on this North American tour) where the fans wanted the band to know how much we appreciate the music and to support the band as they continue to cope with the Roskilde tragedy.

If you don't have a ticket to see PJ when they come to or near your town get one.

Just get one...

J Russell (jlrussell@alltel.net) :

I truly had the feeling that all was well and that the show would be great after hearing the beautiful opening notes of Present Tense floating down toward me from the arena during the warm-up. And I was right.

The word Greatness doesn't even do justice in this case, for this concert experience was utterly breathtaking. "Sometimes" nearly had me in tears as I watched and sang along. I suppose I could go through all of the setlist with comments, but let's just say that each and every song was performed or given every ounce of what Pearl Jam possesses--PURE PASSION and incredible energy. There is nothing like seeing performers so real and genuine--Ed's manner is so humble, gentle and strong--his presence on stage is mesmerizing. Then all at once that can switch off and you are captivated by his snarling lips and throaty screams during songs like "GO" and "Porch".........my god, the audience was going wild!!! We were Loving every minute of it all. A sea of sweat and hands....voices in unison...OHHHHHhh and at the end of "Better Man" Ed sings..."Can't find a Better....Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnn..." He holds that note at least 3 times longer than usual.....the audience had already given up on trying to hang.....He is unbelievable!!! What a vocal talent if ever there was one. The entire band has their craft honed to a razor sharp point...seeing Matt for the second time on tour was great!!!

Present Tense was played...such an amazing song, and to get to see Eds face as he sings it and feel the lyrics come to life....I am speechless...it seemed very profound at the moment...but the encores were--if I may say--DA BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, Ed comes back out and says as he smiles,"Don't Go!" WE all go mad when they hammer out "GO." Bodies were pogoing(is that a word? :) everywhere and the frenetic dancing and singing continues with DTE!!! Ed is the man as he dances! "Once" was so powerful...you know the part where Ed sings,"you think I got my eyes closed, but I've been watching you the whole fucking time..."? Well, during that part he is looking out at the audience with this look like "you know it"...and just humming....Totally awesome! Just when I think that it can't get any better, here comes (OH MY GOD...............!!!) "I Got Shit"!!!!!!!!!!! This girl (me) was nearly doing backflips in the arena seats over that since it is one of my all-time favorite songs. "Last Kiss" was a cool sing-along, and they tore up "Porch," set it on fire....don't put out the flames baby.....Mike is a God on the guitar.....then "Yellow Ledbetter" where Mike shines so brightly........one word comes to mind here, and that is EXQUISITE!

I ran the gauntlet of emotion that night....what a gift their music was to all of us that night! I could only hope that my screams of "Thank You" might have be heard...but I think they know how much they mean to all of us! :)

Thank you, Pearl Jam. Thank you for being so real.