Those who think grunge is dead definitely missed the Pearl Jam concert last week at the Pepsi Center.
Hordes of hard-core Pearl Jam fans packed the arena to hear one of rock’s most pristine bands. They were not disappointed.
Denver was privileged to be the first stop on the North American leg of their current world tour. The band, which was a staple of the grunge scene during the late 90s, just released their seventh album Riot Act. A large portion of the show was dedicated to these new songs such as “Love Boat Capitan” and “Bush Leaguer.”
The show was a two-hour and 20-minute spectacle. Eddie Vedder, lead singer and guitarist, came onstage minus his trademark long hair that he recently cut. He wore black jeans and a T-shirt with a white-collar shirt unbuttoned.
Vedder immediately did what he does best and groaned out his unique vocals to the earsplitting music. Mike McCready was a madman on the guitar playing blazing solos that left the crowd crying for more. Stone Gossard also laid out lighting quick guitar riffs that were lapped up by thousands of cheering fans.
Jeff Amet played the bass. And drummer Matt Cameron raged on the drums. When the five came together on such trademark songs as “Daughter,” “Wishlist” and “Corduroy,” it was a truly surreal experience. The show was a snapshot of one of the few bands left that can play great music.
Vedder also spoke out against the war with Iraq as he took swigs from a wine bottle. “I recently talked to a helicopter pilot who flew in Vietnam,” Vedder said. “And he doesn’t think we changed at all after all these years.”
If his words weren’t enough, Vedder later in the show put on a shiny sliver jacket, donned a George W. Bush mask and danced around the stage. He then placed the mask on the mike stand and raised in the air as if to place the presidents head on a stake. After a few minutes of waving the head around in the air he smashed it down on the stage as the crowd erupted in cheers.
It was the same Pearl Jam fans fell in love with in 1991 when they released their first album Ten. But they have definitely evolved over the years.
It is rare to find a band with the intensity and passion that Pearl Jam has after 12 years. An astounding version of “Rocking In The Free World” ended the show.
