Set List: Long Road, Grievance, Oklahoma improv, Corduroy, Save You, Given To Fly, Dissident, Even Flow, I Am Mine, Love Boat Captain, 1/2 Full, Not For You, Off He Goes, Small Town, Untitled/ MFC, Happy Birthday, Driftin', Get Right, Deep, Blood;
1st encore: Better Man, Daughter/(War by Edwin Starr), Do The Evolution, Rearviewmirror;
2nd encore: Alive, Yellow Ledbetter

I must admit, the combination of recent world events, news reports about the Denver show and being in the buckle of the conservative bible belt, made me a little anxious about PJ's first trip back to OKC in 10 years. All I could think all day was if they booed in Denver it was likely to cause a riot here when the Bush mask made an appearance and I didn't want the band to leave with a bad taste in their mouth. 10 years was far too long between visits.

The set began with Long Road which, other than Sometimes, is my favorite set opener. I love the way it sets the tone for the concert. After Grievance they erupted into a funny Oklahoma song which sounded like an adaptation of a number the U of Oklahoma band does.

Before Given to Fly, Eddie expressed his dismay with how the Denver show was reported in the press. Something to the fact that they reported 24 people leaving, but did not report 11,976 staying for the entire show. He again lauded free speech and ended with a sincere pledge of support for our troops by saying "How could we not love the troops with hair like this?" Aside from a few scant and singular boos I heard nothing but support from the crowd.

Soon thereafter was a Riot Act three-peat; I am Mine, LBC and 1/2 Full. Each sounded spectacular live for the first time, especially LBC. What is easily one of their most beautiful songs (If not the most beautiful) LBC was perfect, Boom's organ was haunting and the whole song meshed perfectly.

They then dedicated Elderly Woman to Chickasha, a small town in SW Oklahoma which both Stone and Eddie mispronouced but it was funny. Eddie then had us sing accompanied by electric uke, happy birthday to his brother and the lighting operator which was followed by one of the highlights for me of the night, Driftin. Which was absolutely great. First time I had heard it live.

The jewel of the first encore had to be Daughter. During the break between the song and the tag Eddie asked us if we were ready to exercise some free speech. He told us we didn't have to sing but this song had to be sung tonight. (I had called Edwin Starr, War before the show because I had heard he had died the day before). He told us Starr had died the previous day then broke into War. Then somehow the right-wing hand loosened its grip on Oklahoma for a few moments and the crowd all sang along. It was a really neat moment.

Alive and Yellow Ledbetter for the second encore are what most will remember about the show and they were fantastic, a great way to close a great show. But I will remember Daughter and War.

This might not be the best show to own a copy of because of the improvs and the happy birthdays, but for those of us there it was a special and fun show. Much thanks to Eddie, Stone, Matt, Jeff, Mike and Boom. Don't be strangers.

Matthew Smith
Norman, OK

OK...I just want to say...that I witnessed one of the best shows ever this evening. Pearl Jam WAS ON. Never have I seen a band play with so much power and emotion from the opening note of Long Road to the last few notes of Yellow Ledbetter...PURE ENERGY.. It was unbelievable... I was very happy to hear tunes from all of the albums especially those off of ten and vs. Eddie was talkative and playing to the crowd. Mike was unreal...solo after solo...absolutely unreal. He even blew out a speaker. While it was being repaired Eddie had us sing happy birthday to his brother ChristopherŠvery cool moment. The rest of the band was on like always, Stone and the duck walk, the ever determined Jeff and the thunderous beats from Matt. The highlight for me was the two encores... DTE, RVM, Alive and Yellow Ledbetter. Time seemed to have stopped... but then the show ended, and the crowd returned to reality...but very satisfied. To those of you waiting for the tour to hit your town I just have to say- luckyyou!
To the band and the Ten Club: Thank You!!
WALT