pearl jam - live at ethihad stadium (20th november 2009)
December 03, 2009
Like a sixteen year old kid, I anticipated Pearl Jam’s 2009 Melbourne gig with the most pure strand of excitement. First it was the months I slowly checked off in my diary...then I began counting down the weeks out loud to all who would let me. Finally my own rock and roll planets clinked together in a toast of perfection, and I was left with just 24 hours to go.
My head was a mess...
Would they step up and meet my expectations? – I knew so.
Was I prepared to be disappointed? – this didn’t cross my mind.
Would they look old – probably..IT’S BEEN TWELVE YEARS.
Would they recognise me as one of they’re devoted fans? – definitely not, we have never met.
Pearl Jam provide a thrill that, to me, is what life is all about - passion, thrill and rife anticipation – the type that drives us, the type us busy adults pay good fortune to revel in.
The concert at Etihad Stadium, was opened by New Zealand youngster “Liam Finn” - son of Crowded House front man, and member of NZ band “Betchadupa”. To our detriment, an early dabble in a few pre-concert drinkies led to a delayed arrival – I was unlucky enough to miss most of this sharply scheduled set. However, we would have the pleasure of enjoying a cameo featuring Finn with Ed Vedder later on.
Ben Harper was next up. Soulfully, the skilled performer moved through his tracks – “Faded” was played to perfection. Managing his unique balance of amped rock with chillingly honest lyrics, and liquid vocals, the musician worked his magic to a hungry crowd. A guest appearance of Pearl Jam’s vocalist Eddie Vedder was made part way through Harper’s set, and the pair made a brilliant job of Queen’s “Under Pressure” - begging us all to “give love one more chance”. Pearl Jam were on the premises and 45,000 odd devotees let rip with roars of delight.
Vedder introduced the band, asking the crowd to “take care of each other out there tonight”, promising to start off with a few quiet ones. Launching into “Elderly woman behind the counter in a small town”, the crowd lit up – a flood of teenage memories hurtled in. The soundtrack to those years of impending freedom was replaying for many. The lead singer swigged red wine from an open bottle and humanised his presence by speaking to fans, shouting out to local Melbourne football hero – only to humbly correct himself songs later. At this point Vedder claimed he had never embarrassed himself in front of so many people before. With an impressive punch, the set continued with Yield’s hit “Given to Fly” - sending shivers down spines, the lights in full spectrum and faith in the remaining show grew thick in the air.
In the early throws of the concert, it was plain to see that Pearl Jam haven’t aged the way I had feared – they has simply refined their approach and confidence in sound. There was no lack of the raw grungy flavour that defines them, no compromise in the fever that drives them. Engaging and uninhibited, Vedder croaned down the microphone, clutching it with both hands and giving us a world class serving of his Baritone with signature conviction. ‘90’s classic. “Daughter” was introduced as one for “all of those Daughters out there..”, a commercial anthem I didn’t mind hearing for the hundredth time over. To our delight this track morfed with ease into Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” and sent the stadium into chaos once again. Almost the entire “Ten” catalogue was covered – including the atmospheric “Oceans” and my own personal favourite from angsty adolescent days gone by - “Porch”. A cover of Neil Young’s “Needle and the Damage Done”, was a fine reminder of the influences and affiliations the group have in the rock and roll world, along with a still prevalent message.. “every junkie's like a settin' sun”.
Not a moment dragged, with the passionate ensemble playing at full throttle through a fabulous collection of tracks, old and new - “Why Go”, “Lukin”, “Glorfied G”, “Breathe” and “I got ID”. Guitar solos from Stone Gossard and McCready bore testament to an incredibly well orchestrated affair. Ben Harper returned to the stage to collaborate with the group after the first encore, singing “Red Mosquito” and “Indifference – another personal favourite, with Vedder – an utterly haunting track.
Pearl Jam’s stage presence was something I won’t forget. For a man in his mid forties – it seems Vedder literally feeds from his crowds’ energy, taking any opportunity to throw himself around the stage, jump atop equipment and onto the ground with fans (however these days in a security enclosed channel). A strength and friendship between the members was evident – and Vedder even spoke of the brotherhood that is formed on the road during tours.
The long awaited lament “Black” was musical mecca for many. An arch of captivated faces shrouded the barrier I lent against, hands clasped, eyes wide and heads shaking in disbelief. Those same weak knees were tested as Vedder and guest Liam Finn “busked” for the crowd covering Hunters and Collector’s intimate “Throw your arms around me”. Vedder tweaked the lyrics as he sang “I will come to you at night time... and kiss you in se-ven hun-dred and fifty - five places”. A very Aussie song for a very proud group of fans – the band certainly knew how to appeal to they’re emotions.
On the conclusion of almost three hours of non stop rock, the stadium lights were turned on. It was almost over. Reminding us of reality, taking us back to the here and now. Wrapping up with an outrageous version of “Spin the Black Circle”, our heroes bought it all back down to the essence of things. Music is key. Buy records. Enjoy them – they will permeate your sensory memory for decades – and no matter how many times you play your favourite track – seeing it live is simply delicious. Just like the first time you played it. The group linked arms, faced the crowd, and bowed honorably before leaving the stage.
Expectations were over run, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face and my legs were buzzing. This was an evening I would never forget – and this was a band who were doing their thing the same way they always have. To perfection.
www.pearljam.com
