Pearl Jam Return to Seattle with First Show at Climate Pledge Arena

It was a special day in Seattle as many people in the city got ready to celebrate the first of two sold-out Pearl Jam shows this week. The band was just returning to close out their tour at Climate Pledge Arena supporting their latest album, Dark Matter. The legendary band’s return home was to be marked today on May 28th, as the official Pearl Jam day declared by the city. This is just a little show of appreciation for what the band has meant throughout the last three decades to Seattle. It’s hard to remember the early 90s now and it all seems like a time very far away, but one thing remains unchanged. Our love for Pearl Jam and their capability to remain as authentic as they were when they started in 1990. The band consists of legendary musicians Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Matt Cameron.

As we walked to the Climate Pledge Arena for their first ever show at the new venue, we could feel the energy fans were bringing. It’s a show itself just watching people walk by wearing their favorite merch from the previous years and representing it proud. Then hearing people discuss how many shows they’ve been to, and which one was their favorite one. The memories they’ve created by being a part of this community. I believe this is one of the most important things people can gain from such a long-standing band. They can look back and relive so many things, to reignite something they hold dear from a different time.

The show started off with another Seattle band, Deep Sea Diver, who we absolutely love and have followed for years. Lead singer and shredder Jessica Dobson along with Peter Mansen, Elliot Jackson and Garrett Gue took the floor and handled the large stage in confidence as if they were headlining themselves. They’ve been opening for this tour so maybe they’ve gotten comfortable enough for the large rooms. We heard some of our favorite songs as well as a few new ones they shared with all of us. We were really thrilled to see their name as openers as they deserve it and belong there.

It was time for the grunge legends to take the stage and as the background screen turned white the band’s shadows appeared. Eddie Vedder wearing a signature hat raised a bottle of wine as he cheered to people in the room. They started with “Release,” “Thin Air,” and “Low Light,” as fans welcomed them home with a warm applause. Vedder casually looked out to the fans and chatted with them throughout the night creating a very intimate vibe even in such a large room. His charisma and talent move forward without any effort, and he humbly accepts all the warm stares from the adoring fans.

Vedder spoke about all the memories they have made around the city as most of the band calls it home and some more than 30 years. He said how nice it was to go around the city and be reminded of so many wonderful things, and even though the years have passed and so many things have changed some feel the same. “We hope we’ve represented Seattle right to the rest of the world for all of you.” Yes Eddie, we’re always proud to say that you’re our band. He introduced one of the best guitarists around, Mike McCready before going into “Even Flow,” where McCready went on to play an incredible solo, most of it behind his head, making it seem so easy.

They went on to play the title-track single off their new record, “Dark Matter,” before moving to classic “Daughter.” There was a highlight here were Vedder noticed a young girl on the shoulders of her father in the front row and he went to her to sing the chorus together. That was a very sweet concert moment that the little girl will probably cherish once she’s old enough to understand it.

The band also made sure to stop and add a little tribute to Bill Walton who was a fan and passed away the day before. Vedder spoke about meeting him and having him out at their shows and how nice of a human he was. He went on to dedicate “Man of the Hour” to his memory as a picture of him was displayed in the massive monitors. They finished their main set with “Satan’s Bed,” and “Rearviewmirror.”

Vedder returned to start the encore solo with his guitar sitting on a stool dedicating the next song to every wife, who has been by their side who happened to be at the show tonight. He thanked the crowd for being great and making them look good as they played tonight. He went on to an emotional “Just Breathe” as some people held their loved ones close by and others closed their eyes to take it all in.

The highlight for this part of the show was “Alive,” that made the whole arena come together creating massive noise waves. To be able to witness this moment is so incredible because this song has so many meanings to people, but perseverance is the essence of the tune. Probably every single person singing it has different emotions and experiences tied to the song, but survival is the main theme. Who can’t relate to that?

The band thanked Deep Sea Diver and brought them out to sing a cover of Bob Dylan‘s, “All Along the Watchtower,” which was incredible. To watch them all on stage doing their thing and Dobson absolutely shredding away was a top moment. They all look like they’re having a great time together doing what they love. They ended the show with “Yellow Ledbetter,” and “Setting Sun” after a 90-minute set but of course we still wanted more. You only realize how many songs you like of theirs once you see them live. I missed my favorite “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter” but I did hear it last time so not going to be sad about it. The night had so many moments to enjoy and to feel larger than the night. Watching them all perform with such passion and feeling is a treat and knowing that they don’t take any of it for granted is the real gift.