Ed's set: Soon Forget, Happy Birthday, Can't Keep, new song, Broken Heart, Satellite, Thumbing My Way, I Am Mine, You're True, new song, Parting Ways, No Fun (Ed during Mike Watt's set at Ackerman Ballroom)

Photo credit: Pam Abramowicz

Any Pearl Jam related performance for me is more than just a mere concert... it is an event. The All Tomorrow's Parties show Friday night was no exception. Upon my arrival, I met up with some of my Pearl Jammer friends from the Synergy board. This is one of the things I really look forward to. Some came from as far away as Phoenix and North Carolina. We stood in line from about 1:30... some of the faithful had met Ed out back a couple of hours prior and we were all admiring their stories and autographed items.

We ended up getting on or about the fourth row. This is amazing... to see Ed perform from such a close proximity. As the light in the house dimmed, Ed took the stage to a standing ovation. He took a seat, hatless and looking very relaxed and comfortable. Someone in the front row tossed up a big fat joint. Ed caught a whiff of it, held it up and said, "This'll get me stopped at the border going back to Seattle." He picked up his ukulele and began his set with 'Soon Forget.'

Photo credit: Pam Abramowicz

After that, someone shouted that it was his cousin's birthday... Ed sang 'Happy Birthday' to him, truly a memorable moment for us all, especially cousin Milo. He continued the set on the uke, at one point stating that since it was an experimental music faire, he had come up with a very narrow genre... speed thrash ukulele. He also commented on how he would keep his political views alone, since Lydia Lunch had said it all the night before. He told us he was going to sing nothing but love songs. Some of the songs I had heard a couple of weeks before at the R.A.C. show at the Wiltern Theater. Others were all new to my ears. He explained how 'Satellite' began as a personal song but ended up being about the love between an Arkansas inmate and his girlfriend. He switched to his guitar about halfway through his set. During the intro to 'I Am Mine', he had apparently forgotten the lead in... someone shouted "The selfish!!!" and he nodded and began. This is a beautiful song that I am hoping will make the new album.

Photo credit: Pam Abramowicz

For the last two songs, he introduced James, a 15 year old kid that he had met 30 yards off the coast while surfing. James also played a 4 stringed instrument... the violin. The final song was 'Parting Ways.' ...a fitting ending to an amazing performance. Ed ended the song with a well-rehearsed Townshendesque jump (in sync with James) and smashed the little uke under foot. The remains of the tiny instrument were handed to someone in the front row. He thanked us for coming and exited the stage with James.

After the show, a handful of us braved the cold air and waited to see if Ed was coming out. During that time, I was able to talk briefly with James... how cool is it to be a young kid that plays the violin to meet Ed out in the waves, invited to his home to rehearse and perform with him? He told me he was extremely nervous, but I assured him that he looked like a concert professional.

Ed came out of the stage door to get the words to the Stooges song, 'No Fun' down. Apparently, and luckily for us, the only CD player was in the car. On the way towards the car, I was able to let Ed know how much his music had helped me get through some pretty tough times in my life. He looked me right in the eyes as I spoke, for me, the true sign of a sincere human being. I shook his hand and thanked him. I am glad I had this rare opportunity to personally tell him how I felt... it means a lot to me.

As he sat in the car, we could all see him singing to the CD player. This was a wonderful experience... we were all witnessing him rehearse. All of us kept our distance, letting him work out of sheer respect for the man as an artist and a human being. No pounding on the windows, no screaming "I love you, Ed!!!" no camera flashes... just quiet appreciation for what we were privy to.

As he returned to the venue, he told us he had a little free time and if we had anything we wanted signed, he'd sign them. Everyone had something, anything to sign... from ATP programs to jackets to a dollar bill. He was very gracious and kind. He posed for a few photos with us fans. We saw the words to 'No Fun' written on his notepad and he told us that he was headed for the Ackerman Ballroom for a midnight performance. Ed re-entered the venue as we all said, "Good-bye" and "Take care." Some of us went to the Ackerman while the rest of us HAD to get something to eat since we were starving... we didn't have the strength to wade through the security lines at the other venue.

The night ended with a group of us grabbing a late night meal and great conversation about one unforgettable shared experience. It was a night none of us will soon forget... for me personally, it will live within me forever.

peace... love... surf...
CosmoPuke