Pearl Jam Concert - Columbia, SC - June 16, 2008

[Guest Review - Dentist]
In the pantheon of bands that musically defined the 90’s, the trifecta of Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam would pretty much be at the top of anyone’s list. The key differences between these bands of course, is that Nirvana self-imploded in the wake of its own achievements and Soundgarden gradually atrophied under the weight of their burgeoning success, which leaves us with Pearl Jam, a band that has managed to maintain its integrity and continually put out great music, all while keeping relevant to the times. Click below for more PJ:

One of the reasons I love Pearl Jam is that they are one of the few “big” bands that don’t need a reason to tour. Forgoing the usual pomp and circumstance of announcing a big tour in support of a new album, Pearl Jam often find themselves touring for what I must assume is a genuine love for either playing music together as a band, satiating their fans appetites for some good live music, or both.

The band played to an enthusiastic, if not raucous, crowd at the Colonial Center in Columbia, SC on June 16. I was anxious to hear openers Kings of Leon since I had heard some positive reviews of their live sets and they did not disappoint. In a bit of a teaser moment, Eddie Vedder came out and played with them on the last song in their set. Ten Club tickets put wife and I on the floor twenty rows from the stage so needless to say I was pleased with my lottery draw and after a quick stage change, Pearl Jam entered under cover of darkness. When the lights came up a bit they revealed a cool Japanese-looking water/wave backdrop and the band launched immediately into “Can’t Keep” and a really great version of “Why Go”. Highlights from the main set for me included: “Hail, Hail”, “Elderly Woman…”, “Army Reserve” and one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs “I Am Mine”. Ed was in rare form and the band seemed really into it, interacting frequently with the crowd. At one point, Ed mused “So, this is the home of the ‘Cocks? Well then I feel right at home!” (holds wine bottle he’s been guzzling from up to genitalia). It was a great moment that had everyone in the arena laughing hysterically. The band also did something I wish more groups did when they played someone’s request to hear “W.M.A.” during the first encore, which also included amazing versions of “Better Man” and “Porch”.

A Pearl Jam concert would not be complete without a political musing (read: Bush bashing) from Eddie and this one was no exception. Right before playing “No More”, Pearl Jam’s version of Pete Seeger’s 1966 offering “Bring Them Home”, he mainly talked about the price of oil and it’s increase that has correlated with President Bush’s time in office. “Gas has more than doubled in the last four years and the president just happens to be fast friends with big oil? Does he think that we’re f**king stupid?!” I don’t think of Eddie as having an extremely leftist POV, but he makes no bones about which side of the fence he sits on. The man certainly exercises his privilege to free speech and quite honestly, makes some valid points. Nevertheless, the music was what everyone was there for and the guys put together a ridiculous three closing songs: “Footsteps”, “Alive” and “Indifference”, the last of which was played with the house lights fully on since apparently no show at the Colonial Center is supposed to last beyond 11:30 p.m. (Pearl Jam played from about 8:50 to 11:40!).

I must admit I am not as much of an avid long-time fan like lawyer, but their songs will forever help to soundtrack my college years. My second time to see these guys live really solidified them in my mind as one of the greatest, most influential American bands of the last 20 years. If you get a chance to see them live, do it. They are still relevant, with something to say and they put on an absolutely amazing live show.

Grade: A

Setlist here.