Live Review: Pearl Jam Shutters the Spectrum with Thundering Halloween Set
When the storied Philadelphia Spectrum wanted one last celebration before its walls came down, it called Pearl Jam.
The veteran band capped a four night run at the arena – the last before the wrecking ball – that culminated in a massive, 3.5 hour, 41 song, Halloween set that was legendary amongst fans before Pearl Jam had even left the stage.
Word of the concert spread quickly online and there was widespread speculation, including many rumors, about the Halloween treats that the band might bestow upon the overflowing, costumed crowd. Rumors of guest appearances by Bono or Bob Dylan ratcheted up the anticipation for this final performance, and expectations couldn’t have been higher. But in between songs Eddie Vedder asked the sold out crowd, “Who needs them when you have me?” Apparently no one in attendance.
Never before performed tracks, including “Bugs” and “Sweet Lew,” as well as rarities including "Out of My Mind" "Pilate," and “Crown of Thorns,” a song written by Andrew Wood and performed by Pearl Jam’s pre-cursor band, Mother Love Bone, were interspersed with towering renditions of what seemed like every one of the bands greatest hits. In between all of this, the band even took time to dress in full costume as Devo in order to perform a note for note perfect version of “Whip It,” complete with red, flower-pot hats, thick glasses and bull whips. One thing even a casual fan was reminded at this concert was how many great songs Pearl Jam has written over the last 20 years and how committed they are to being the hardest working band in rock and roll.
With an energy and abandon rarely seen on stage these days, Eddie Vedder has grown into the role of rock star that was thrust upon him after the band’s first album, Ten, was released in 1991. He is undeniably the rock and roll voice for a generation of fans around the world and he clearly takes his job seriously. Seemingly pouring every ounce of himself into each note of every song, Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam treated the Spectrum to a farewell performance that rivals any in its illustrious career.
SET LIST:
Wachovia Spectrum Arena - Oct 31, 2009
Set 1:
Why Go
Last Exit
Corduroy
Severed Hand
The Fixer
Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
You Are
Amongst The Waves
Even Flow
Pilate
Unthought Known/Daughter
Another Brick In The Wall
Johnny Guitar
Rats
Out of My Mind
I Got Id
Glorified G
Black
Set 1:
Insignificance
Life Wasted
Encore 1:
Just Breathe
The End
Low Light
Speed of Sound
Jeremy
Inside Job
Bugs
Spin The Black Circle
Porch
Encore 2:
Whip It
Got Some
Crown Of Thorns
Satan's Bed
Sweet Lew
Do The Evolution/Better Man
Save it for Later
Smile
Alive
Rockin' In The Free World
Yellow Ledbetter
