PJ's Set List: Gimme Some Truth (by John Lennon), Grievance, Insignificance, Given To Fly, Light Years, Nothing As It Seems, I Am Mine (new song), Better Man, Do The Evolution, Long Road with Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Photo credit: Rita Moraskie

I wasn't at the show in person but I did watch the webcast here in New York...and what a show it was. They played a new song (must have been I Am Mine). Great show. And, as always, Better Man stole the show. The end of the show was a peak when out came Ali Khan to chant his way through the end of Long road. I found it funny how he mentioned the Rolling Stones during the set because I see Pearl Jam as the only band out right now that will ever stay together after 40 years and still produce the best songs and greatest rock concerts in history to come. Those who were there to see the show in person will surely never forget the beauty that is Pearl Jam.

Karen Wheeler (karenalive@hotmail.com):
Another Pearl Jam road trip. This one a logistical "worry-for-naught!" Thought the border from Canada to US would be a nightmare. It was certainly more intense, but not the 4-hour delay we had been warned about. So …drive from Vancouver to Seattle RTN in one day - no problem - right. ….The show starts at 6:30 - I should be on the road back home at, oh, 10:30 - 11:00 pm. HA! Should have learned after the Seattle II marathon! We left the arena at 12:00 pm!! -- home at 2:30 am. Whee.

What a great day in a great city and a great cause and a great show. That's a lot of Great's isn't it - but I'm saving the REALLY great for PJ and the PJ JAMILY.

Got to the show early, and, as usual, sans tickets. I have mentioned I hate TM - No? Well of course I do. No luck online on release day but but ALL KINDS of plans to meet this person, that person and the other person --- arranged via e-mail -- all on a promise to show & little else. NO SCALPERS - friends via AMPJ. (PJ Jamily ROCKS (zod, mariann, danielle, and you too New Jersey -- new friend with the bravery to wear his NY Yankies jersey in the Key's lounge during game time!!!!). He'd flown all the way from NYC to see PJ. Fellow FANatic. (& I forgive him his shirt!) Oh yea, he went to Bridge too. Lucky, slightly sunburned fellow … back to the ticket situation …EVERYONE showed who said they would and I'm feeling totally amazed at the generosity of these people. My bud and I bought 2 separate tickets, found another 2 together and we're totally amazed we were able to swap the 2 singles for 2 together --- AND -- the seats ---- were great - not front row centre - there's still hope for that one day! But a great view of the stage, a monitor in front of us --- AND NO SCALPING INVOLVED. NO RIDICULOUS PRICING …. just face value extra's from some very very very kewl folks. Anyway --- I mentioned them -- right? Right?! Good. Bear with me …. PJ Road Trips are a multi-layered event!!

And . . . the show. What a brilliant mix of musical talent - everyone donating time, energy and Pearl Jam! PEARL JAM -- what a great band - what a great front man. What energy after 2 days at Bridge! It's been said before (and yes, crisper and more to the point I'm sure) but …. Pearl Jam .. The stage, after Alanis finished was decorated with hanging rugs - and some men were sitting down. You know the show was to support the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. There were international acts. Music for a shared purpose - FOOD. Feed the Hungry. And this was a PJ Crowd and since they obviously weren't coming out yet many in the audience were heading back to the lounges or the loo or wherever, but my well-travelled friend was very excited with the stage. "Tableau?" she said. "Ohhhhh You'll like this - it's very very very interesting music! They have notes we haven't even dreamed of" So as she is yak yak yakking in my ear and I'm listening and looking at the stage and some guy in a jacket that I hope he didn't pay too much for walks on stage, and, OH!! It's Ed!!! (Wow! Is his hair short! And -- man - that coat?! Uh … sorry!) He got a roar from the crowd, and then our undivided attention and that's the very groovy part. He talks to thousands like he's talking to 1. Does he know that? Maybe? Anyway, he talked about the men on stage, their music, his history with them, and asked us to welcome them and listen to music that's "600 years old" or did he say 700? . Wow. It's hard for us to think of 700 years… what's that old saying … "In 100 Years, All New People" ………. He even mentioned Rock being a youthful 55 years old. Put's things in a difference light. Soooo …. share …. Music …. Song ….. Voice … So . . . OK ….. I'm ready, let's hear it. What an absolutely fantastic sound - what incredible dramatic voices. It was surreal and lovely, but sad as well. Hard to describe and needs to be experienced. & some might have missed it --- when Ed asked the crowd, those folks heading to the lounges, to listen I believe a Key Arena full of PJ fans --- including the 2 VERY young men beside me (late late teens) -- power rockers for sure --- sat back down -- and did just that. They gave the music a try. They wore a little different groove and so did I, what a sweet moment….

MUSIC…. the food of love … food … music ….. help … listen … GIVE.

Pearl Jam came on after Nusrat with a totally crisp, great set list. … lots of Binaural which we don't hear enough of!! Grievance, Insignificance, Given To Fly. More … check the set lists. John Lennon's … Gimme Some Truth … Awesome. The new SONG!!! Mike, yes, full of energy. Stone! Wow --- MOVEMENT --- and oh --- hair!! Kewl. Matt on as always ON. Each time I see them --- it's special, and this was another wonderful moment. And, yep can't wait for more.

Thanks PJ. Thanks to all the artists and the FAO. And yes, thanks Ed for introducing a new experience. "KEEP on ROCKIN' in the free WORLD."