Set List: Small Town, Given To Fly, Save You, Insignificance, Cropduster, Immortality, Blood, Breakerfall, Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon, Corduroy, Off He Goes, Even Flow, Daughter, Better Man, Spin The Black Circle, Rearviewmirror;
1st encore: I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty, Love Boat Captain, Black, Glorified G, Do The Evolution;
2nd encore: I Believe In Miracles by The Ramones, Indifference, Baba O'Riley

Photo credit: Steve Civerolo

Pearl Jam’s show in Phoenix marked the 20th time I have the seen the band. The first time I saw them was around 10 years ago at the same venue for the Lollapalooza fest. I was talking about that show on the drive to the venue (PJ ended their set with Baba O’Riley that night). We got to the venue a little late and I was wondering what kind of tickets I would get. When I got the Ten Club ticket line I was happy to see that they had been broken up into 4 blocks so I knew I would have great tickets (I was a early member and fortunate enough to always be in block one).

We got our seats and I saw that I was in row CCC. What a treat, the third row. Little did I know that the seats would be much better than I thought. We were on Mike’s side of the stage and were basically in the front row. Then a security guard came over to me and my friend and gave us wristbands that allowed us to watch the stage from right in front of the barricade. My mind was blown.

PJ started around 9:15 with a beautiful version of Elderly Woman. I was right in front of Mike at the barricade. It was amazing to be that close. I had sat in the first three rows the past few shows but never this close. Thanks a bunch Ten Club and Pearl Jam!!!!

Eddie’s voice sounded great even though he remarked how singing tonight was like singing while sucking on a blow dryer (Eddie also thanked the crew for working all day in the heat). I had seen the set list from the Vegas show was somewhat hopeful that I would hear “I Believe in Miracles.” I was shocked when they played it. It has always been one of my favorite Ramones tunes and I love the version of it on the tribute album and seeing the band play it was amazing. The other highlights of the evening were I Won’t Back Down, Immortality, Insignificance, Blood, Glorified G and Evolution (I never get tired of hearing/seeing them play this song). Black was beautiful as usual and the crowd was really into the Daughter tags and helped Eddie and his voice out on Better Man.

The absolute highlight of my evening was catching two picks from Mike. He really is something else to watch during the shows. Eddie also gave out a bunch of tambourines but the best gesture of the evening is when he gave a tambourine to a handicapped individual who was sitting on Mike’s side of the stage.

I’ve been enjoying listening to the mp3’s all day. The bootlegs of these shows are amazing and such a treat for fans.

Thanks again for the great show and see you next time.
David Jackson

It was 102 degrees, Ed's voice was raw, and he forgot two entire verses to "Small Town." It all added up to a charmingly intense and unforgettable night in the desert. It started off a little rocky (no pun), but the crowd chimed in to carry the vocals until Ed got back in the game on "Small Town." Ed's trademark humility drew the crowd in and it was a rock & roll lovefest from there until the final encore.

The crowd played a large part in carrying the evening. At times the screaming was louder than the amps and it seemed every note, every verse invoked a response from the venue that was focused back to the stage. One of the evenings highlights was the audience singing the harmony at the end of "Black" as Ed flashed a grin and held the mic over the crowd to give us a minute in the sun.

It was definitely a "fan club" type of night with the set weighing heavily of favorites off of "Ten," "Vs," and "Vitalogy." The band threw in covers by Lennon, Petty, and of course, The Ramones to give both PJ die-hards and 80's rockers a special treat.

Honorable mention should go to Mike McCready for an inspired performance. His showmanship and skill have vaulted Mike into legitimate "rockgod" status.

While not the bands' best show from a technical standpoint, it was at least this fans most enjoyable PJ experience to date.

Eric J
6/9/03

I really enjoyed the show and the great set list. I appreciated Eddie's performance while he was battling the dry heat and it's effects on his voice. What a trouper! All of us Pearl Jam fans loved when he turned the mike around and let us sing along. Brilliant thought to save his voice and get us involved in the show. I'm sorry for his voice. It did however make the show more memorable and fun.

Jeff

Thank you Thank you Thank you Pearl Jam and Ten Club!!! I'm not sure how they did it but they sure managed to pull it off!! This was a great show! They kicked ass! After playing San Diego Thursday night, Vegas Friday Night, Pearl Jam rocked the house in Phoenix Saturday Night! Highlights (besides coming out to play in 105 degree weather, that is) were Opening with Small Town--very thoughtful gift! "I JUST WANNA SCREAM HELLLLOOOO" Blood was another highlight! Whoa--where did that raw energy come from?? Save You was also very high energy! Rearviewmirror...Ed started that one very slowly--the intro ---uh oh --uh oh --here it is! YESSSS!

Love Boat Captain was very touching, always great to hear it anytime, but in an encore, it is even more touching. The Ramones Cover "I Believe in Miracles" roared too. Just when you thought it was time to chill---Indifference was a beautiful gift, also, a treasured memory. All in all, an excellent show. Mike was great -- looked like he was having a blast, Stone was great too, treated us to a fine solo, Matt, Jeff, Boom, you guys hit it too. Thanks to you again Pearl Jam--we owe ya! (PS) Good job on the fanclub seats, Ten Club, although the chatter while waiting in line was contrary to my opinion, your hard work is acknowledged and truly appreciated!

Peace Out,
BGirl59