Ed solo before opening band: Dead Man
Set List: Oceans, Go, Hail Hail, Save You, Deep, Get Right, Dissident, I Am Mine, Even Flow, Help Help, Immortality, In My Tree, Light Years, Evacuation, Whipping, Grievance, Present Tense, Porch;
1st encore: Thumbing My Way, Small Town, Smile, State of Love and Trust, Leaving Here;
2nd encore: Soon Forget, Bu$hleaguer, Fuckin' Up

To understand this evening's concert you have to come to terms with the fact that the guys in Pearl Jam care and notice the small things. As the Buzzcocks played Eddie and Stone were by the side of the stage and noticed something in the stands that drew their concern. Eddie kept creeping closer to the fans and then pulled over a bouncer and whispered something in his ear. Then the bouncer jumped the fence and spoke directly with Tweeter Center security. At this point the security guy approaches a fan who is rocking out HARD to every word and chord that the Buzzcocks are playing. He then allows the guy in the fifth or sixth row to move up to the front with his girlfriend. Now, this guy was oblivious to anything but the music, he'll probably never know that Eddie Vedder was the one that got him front and center. That's an example of the small things we've all come to love about the band.

Now, for the show. The ripped it up big time. Pausing to explain that they're in town for 3 nights and they play approximately 70 songs that have grown to over 100 as the tour rolls on, Eddie explained that they didn't want to repeat any one song over the three days. Porch, Immortality, In My Tree, Whipping, Smile, State of L & T, it felt like a show from the mid-90's. As usual, the energy was positive and always on the brink of overflow. Even Flow may have been the culmination of a great evening with Mike's solo. We were told after a brief examination, that Ed's uke is a "female." Young boy sitting in front of me with Mom got moved to the front row, got a pick, drum sticks AND got to say "1,2,3,4" for Porch. Again, the little things. I always worry that as each tour passes that it'll be the last one. After tonight, it seems like they could go on and on. The chemistry is still there, the excitement is still prevalent. Leaving Here rocked and the brief solos were all so in synch and to end with Neil's Fin' Up put the exclamation point on another PJ show that somehow seems to top the previous ones. Those people going to the next two shows at Tweeter are in for anything goes in terms of a set list. Great way for my wife and I to spend the eve of our first anniversary.

Erik

To start, the Buzzcocks are RIPPIN! Ed came early to do a ‘Dead Man’ and introduce them, then it was flying limbs and big guitars. This is the first time I’ve experienced punk, real punk. It was a pocket of energy like I’ve never seen, heard, or felt. Awesome. Anyone going to the next few shows should see them. Consider it a history lesson about the roots from which a lot music, including Pearl Jam grows.

After about a half an hour and a much-needed chance to catch my breath, the band came out. Starting it off was a spacious sounding ‘Oceans’. Then it was an attack of ‘Go.’ A great start to what was obvious to be a special show. This was validated by some early banter about how they are going to try to play all their songs. Ed commented on how they figured out they have more songs than they thought and it would be tough to get through them all with the strict curfew. His diplomacy was to make friends with the neighbors to help the situation. If only the current administration would follow a similar approach!

The next few songs were incredibly played, I really liked hearing ‘Deep’ and ‘Get Right’ was absolutely inspiring. For some reason the live performance of that song hit you with the lyrics even more. “Swear if you must ... Keeping your boots on ... Float with the now.” They pulled out ‘Evenflow’ with an extended jam from Mike. It proved to be just a warm-up, as he tore it up all night. More talking from Ed about this and that and the other. He made it clear that the flag he dragged out represented the freedom of artists to come out on a stage and voice themselves. This prompted an explanation of Celin Deon. Not an easy thing to explain, but Ed did it justice. He then folded up the flag and set it aside as not to spit on it. The highlight of the night for me was ‘Help Help.’ Such a cool song, it made me move into convulsions at the chorus. I’ve pin pointed the cause to be Matt Cameron. Speaking of which, Matt ended ‘Immortality’ in visionary style. It was really a great night for everyone.

The remainder of the show was just as good. I was stoked for ‘Grievance’, the song just oozes freedom. ‘Present Tense’ was so well played. Mike’s guitar reverberating and swaying with the meaning and transcendence of the vocals. Everyone in the place was feeling it. Next was a rousing version of ‘Porch’ that included some climbing by Ed and absolute wailing by Mike. A short break and Ed returned telling us that they all just got a massage in the back. Then he played a tremendously tender and thoughtful ‘Thumbing my way.’ It was nice to take it down a notch for a short time. Jeff and Stone switched for ‘Smile,’ both did a great job. With, Ed on the harp and Matt providing the groove it was a great moment. Only to be immediately outdone by ‘State if Love and Trust’ ! So much fun. Then ‘Leaving Here’ blew me away ... there was no letting up.

Another short break and Ed returned with Luke the Uke to play ‘Soon forget.’ He mentioned how special the night was because of the great fan appreciation. He was right, you could feel the sentiment .... Now for the theatrics; the mask and jacket come out and the statement of ‘Bu$hleaguer’ rolls out to a supportive crowd. The onlookers watched while “one” stood and spoke for many. A couple changes to the lyrics, one being ... ”he’s just a boy he’s a Texas leaguer.” It was all very poignant and it gave you the sense that something historical was happening. I think the performance of that song is something to become legendary in many years to come. ‘F’in Up’ ended in it’s usual blazing manner.

This review is really just a jumble of letters. To describe the atmosphere and sensation of adrenaline and good will is not to accomplished. It can only be experienced. A grand night ... much fortunate to have bee involved.

Again, go see Buzzcocks!

I have to say, I have seen Pearl Jam several times before and this was the most amazing show I have ever witnessed. I am not sure if it was the songs that they played, Pearl Jam's presence on stage, or the mood of the audience but it was just incredible. The band seemed to be on an unbelievable high. That intensity not only resonated with the audience but also made the show an experience that I will not forget. The band made a conscience effort in playing some songs that I wasn't expecting to here (In My Tree, Deep, Help Help, Present Tense, Light Years). They also played some of my favorites too (Smile, State of Love and Trust, Leaving Here, Even Flow). I was hoping that they would play Bu$hleaguer and Pearl Jam came through in flying colors. Mike's solos were beyond belief and he really was in rare form. Matt drum work also equally intense too. Overall, it was a great show. Thanks Pearl Jam.

Stephen Pankowicz