Ed solo before opening bands: Last Kiss
Set list: Love Boat Captain, Last Exit, Animal, Save You, The American in Me by The Avengers, Corduroy, Immortality, Alone, Jeremy, In My Tree, Wishlist, Rearviewmirror;
1st encore (acoustic): I Am A Patriot (Ed solo), Man of the Hour, Small Town, Off He Goes, All Or None, Black;
2nd encore: The Seeker by The Who, Do The Evolution, State of Love and Trust, Better Man/(Save It For Later), The New World (by X) with Tim Robbins, Fortunate Son by CCR;
3rd encore: Yellow Ledbetter/(The Star-Spangled Banner)

With front row ticket (1st ever) in hand, I arrived at the Fox Theatre at around 3:30. Just in time to "Meet Ed" either by running into him while he surveys the parking lot or by one of the many crazy scenarios I had drummed up in my mind. My attempts to meet Ed failed miserably. But I did meet a new friend that had better luck than me. He told me that Ed did make a brief appearance to talk to a few friends and sign a couple of autographs. John was fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to get a signature. Flying solo, John was nice enough to let me tag along with him and his friends for a couple of beers. Pearl Jam fans are the best!

Once in the theatre and after giving the old lady who sat me a big ass hug, I took a moment to appreciate what I was preparing to witness from just a few feet away. As the shirt my wife made me said, "Man it’s been a Long Road, but I finally made it to Front Row." When I first arrived in St. Louis, the selfish side of me wanted to meet the band but my soul just wanted a kick ass Pearl Jam show. Which do you think won?

Eddie graced us with his presence for a preset performance of "Last Kiss." Naturally, that left us craving for more and then we got Bob Robertson. Which remarkably left us craving for Death Cab for Cutie, who played a great set in Toledo. Once again they delivered a great opening act performance. After a few songs and being nice enough to update us from time to time as to how many more songs they would be playing, Death Cab for Cutie finishes their set. Soon after I met Ben who finally showed up to take his place in the seat next to me. It was clear he was a veteran of the pit and no stranger to the front. But interesting enough he appreciated everything he has seen over the years with great pride and joy. Then off went the lights and in strolled our boys…

Finally, the wait was over as a special tune began with a "Boom" and Ed steering us toward the clear with a great opening "Love Boat Captain." There’s something about 4,000 friends chatting "Love" over and over that let’s you know everything is going to be all right tonight. Ed seemed to agree when he called for a second round of "Love" which the crowd happily served. But just as we thought we were easing into things. The band kicks into a powerful three song blast of "Last Exit," "Animal" and "Save You." Followed by "The American in Me" "Corduroy" and "Immortality." Then a fav from the Lost Dogs CDs "Alone." At that point I kinda knew something was going to be special about this show. Could we finally get another live version of "Bugs?" Not sure but "Jeremy" followed by "In My Tree" sure were a welcome treat. The band looked like they were on a mission. Matt was busy laying down the foundation for the night... You could tell he was the ring leader behind the long versions. He was relentless and the band began to feed off his energy. "Wishlist" was up next (o.k. yes he said Camaro, a big deal to someone that drove a piece of crap Camaro in high school). A classic version of Rearviewmirror closed out the first set. A little angry PJ is always refreshing…

Then came the second set which included a great "I am a Patriot" with Eddie really settling into the medley using a higher tone than usual. I think it really highlights the lyrics and the overall strength of the tune. In Toledo, Ed sang a little ditty about his love for Johnny Ramone prior to "I Believe in Miracles" and this time he opted to dedicate "Man of the Hour" to his fallen friend. "Man of the Hour" and "LBC" in the same night…are you kidding me? A great remaining acoustic set included "Small Town," "Off He Goes" "All or None" and "Black"

The 2nd Encore, started big with the Who classic "The Seeker." Then strike up the band 'cause its Eeevvvooollluuution Baby." Sitting right in front of Stone as he effortlessly played the riff we all love was unbelievable. As if we haven‘t had enough, after some discussion they kick into a hard version of "State of Love and Trust" as Ed leans forward to the second row to return a pick to a fan that offered it up to him just prior to the doors opening. (how many lead singers do that?) Then came..."Better Man." My new friend Ben takes advantage of a low time to call for "Save it for Later" to carry it through. As if eager to delight, Ed finishes it off with "Save it for Later" and completes one of the finest versions of "Better Man" ever. Certainly not to be outdone by "The New World." Eddie and Tim Robbins rolling around on the floor. I‘ll let you paint the picture yourself but I was a little frightened. The encore closed out with a powerful "Fortunate Son" and the great calm after the storm "Yellow Ledbetter." Contrary to my grand illusions, I came away with a handshake and a smile from Ed which I realized quickly was I all I needed after all.

With that all said…I would like to take a moment to thank Pearl Jam for their commitment to the environment, to their country, and especially to their fans. From set lists, to fan club tickets/privileges, to bootlegs…you guys never disappoint us. We applaud your efforts. Also, feel free to stop apologizing for what you say or do on or off the stage. What you stand for and speak is the truth and is expressed out of love for others. Besides, how could an act be wrong if done out of love? So, leave the booers and other defectors in the crowd to us. We’ll set them straight. Keep up the great work…we’re proud of you!

Thanks for a great night!
Goodbye for now,
Allen George

"Yeah I am a Love Boat Captain, but the question is…why aren’t you?"

My excitement for this show was unbelievable to say the least. I couldn't get the tickets when they went on sale and didn't think I would get to go, but fortunately my boss had some and he generously gave them to me.

I actually live ion the city of St. Louis so I thought it was pretty cool to be one of the few who drove the least distance to the show. I met so many people from out of town and out of state, I just couldn't believe it. Anyway, after seeing Wilco at the Fox Theatre just about 3 weeks prior I had already got a grip on what to expect from the Pearl Jam show.

I recorded most of the show on my mini-disc recorder and it mostly turned out OK but I missed a few of the really good songs like off he goes and the beginning of L.B.C., hopefully they'll release these Vote for Change shows on cd later and I won't have to worry about it. The show started with Ed playing an acoustic version of Last Kiss, which is probably my least favorite song they do, but it was cool anyway. Then he introduced to everyone the republican form Pennsylvania, Bob Roberts, to play something for us. "Bob" came on in a wheelchair and an American flag draped over his lap and started calling the audience names and also complaining about Ed's hair-length. As he started a song that was very racial and terrible, sparks arose off the mic stand and things started to explode and he fell over. Little did I know, this was not really Bob Roberts, but Tim Robbins acting like him, before his band, "Gob Roberts" played. It was very funny and I was actually hoping it was really Bob, oh well.

Pearl Jam started their set with L.B.C. and it was all of the sudden an amazing show. The Fox in St. Louis is such a beautiful place for things like this, but I thought the sound quality was definitely lacking, at least on the floor. They continued to play many odd songs that I've never heard live like Alone, Jeremy, Corduroy, Immortality, and Off He Goes. The cover songs were really a treat, especially Fortunate Son, Ed went crazy on that one, rushing from one side of the stage to another with his tambourines smashing together, it was very energizing. Stone also mentioned during the show how beautiful this area of St. Louis was and how they enjoyed it, and as one of the few actual citizens of the city, I felt overjoyed by those remarks.

After the show I went around the side of the Fox to maybe get a glimpse of Pearl Jam when they left. I waited with my wife for about 45 min. and then they all came out to hop in their van. I saw Matt and yelled to him that he was great and that I was in a band in St. Louis drumming myself. Ed actually came over to the crowd outside and waved generously but didn't speak or stay, he just came up to thank us.

I really love Pearl Jam, and always have since before the TEN album. Not just their music, but their relationship with one another, their work ethic and their world views. They all inspire me to become a more model citizen and a more well-rounded musician. It was a real treat for them to play in St. Louis, especially at the Fox Theatre, it was one of my favorite shows ever. And by the way, EVERYONE MUST VOTE!!