Set List: Small Town, Hail Hail, Save You, Corduroy, Insignificance, Cropduster, Daughter, Even Flow, Faithfull, Whipping, Immortality, Blood, Down, Love Boat Captain, Wishlist/(Improv), Better Man, Go;
1st encore: Last Kiss, Breakerfall, Once, Alive, Footsteps, Rearviewmirror;
2nd encore: Hide Your Love Away (Ed solo), Know Your Rights, Do The Evolution, Porch, Yellow Ledbetter

This was my fourth PJ show and it is very well possible that this band never has an “off” night. Small Town started the night off beautifully; you could tell the crowd was excited to have this as an opener. Ed changed the lyrics of Hail, Hail at a few points (whether on purpose or not, I don’t know) “I kiss the earth thick and heavy, oh the past we carry…” (second verse) and “It’s egg rolling thick and heavy oh underestimate me” (third verse). Six songs into the show Ed addressed the cheering crowd with “Steel town, Saturday night,” before taking a swig of wine and rolling right into an awesome Daughter. Jeff was on the stand up, but not much of a tag tonight. Mike’s Even Flow solo included running to Ed smoking in the shadows, bending down in front of Ed, then Ed bent down and rested his head on Mike’s back. It was a very sweet moment and Mike never missed a beat. There was an awesome jam on Immortality and the stage was flooded with red lights for Blood. After Blood, Ed acknowledged Pittsburgh with a humorous nod to the “metal” industry. Down followed with Ed once again commenting that this song should have been on the album and not a B-side and I, for one, agree! It’s a great song live too. I was excited to hear Love Boat Captain live for the first time and (of course) was NOT disappointed. The tag on Wishlist about truth in the media made up for the lack of one on Daughter. The crowd sang a phenomenal beginning of Better Man and I had my fingers crossed for Nothingman to follow, but I guess your entire wish list doesn’t always come true. :)

The encore began with PJ singing Last Kiss to the crowd behind the stage, which was a kick ass thing to do. Then a different portion of my wish was fulfilled with the Mamasan trilogy. The whole trilogy, but especially Footsteps, was a treat. The jam that followed on RVM…wow.

The second encore started with Ed’s solo for Hide Your Love Away. He began with saying the song used to have a different meaning, but now it is freedom of speech. He also said how previous shows in Pitt had been outside, rainy, and cold, but playing in a melon (Mellon) was rewarding. The crowd found their voice for this one too. The rest of the band joined the stage for Know Your Rights. Jeff was sporting an “Even Flow Irrigation” tee shirt that was hilarious. Ed was very animated for this number and totally emphasized Number Three (free speech). It was a great cover. I was shocked the crowd was so unfamiliar with the Clash classic. Yellow Ledbetter with all the house lights on was the fantastic finale. For all of you who haven’t been to a show yet, don’t worry about your tickets from the Ten Club. Trust ‘em, don’t bug ‘em.

Finally, as an environmental scientist by trade and a human being by chance, I’d like to thank PJ for taking the opportunity to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of their tour. It rocks knowing my travel to Pittsburgh was cared for environmentally.

Heather Horne :)

What 2 say, What 2 say, - It was all I expected it to be and more. You know, you read all the fanviews from previous shows, and you think - WOW - That's a lot to live up to. Let me just say - Pearl Jam delivers!!! The night was magic. Somehow the boys make it quite an experience, even for the not-so-great seats. I'm not exactly an easily excited type, but this music conjures up emotions, I didn't know I had. I tend to be a little sub-dued. Not tonight, it wasn't a night for being sub-dued.

Okay, so 1st off - "Small Town" definitely a surprise, was not expecting that as an opener - Just a beautiful song! I won't go into the whole set list, I'm sure it's been done. "Wishlist" - WOW - Mirrorball effect, with Ed adding some wishes at the end. "Blood" What an intense tune, AMAZING! Ed lets us all sing the 1st verse of "Better Man" (Very loud, I might add) Ed says their not discriminating, and the whole band turns around for "Last Kiss" for all who are seated behind them. "Once," "Alive," and then "Footsteps" - What a treat. Always brings back memories of yesteryear. Ed does a solo "Hide Your Love Away" It was beautiful, and the into "Know Your Rights" - and if you don't know them, you certainly will after hearing this great tune. 1st time I heard this live - Great Great Song! And then there's "Porch," so glad it was included in tonight's set list. Couldn't have asked for anything more after this song. Then the lights come up for "Yellow Ledbetter" Everyone was on their feet. (Ed seemed to be egging everyone on to sing). I think we gave it a damn good go.

At one point in the show, Ed says "We played in Pittsburgh a couple times before, it was cold and raining, who knew it would be so rewarding playing inside a mellon?" (Don't quote me exactly). Well, the night was rewarding. The night was wonderful, love in the air. Thank you Pearl Jam for an unforgettable evening.

Laura Richard
Pittsburgh, PA