Pearl Jam Break Out Rarities, Ben Harper at Intimate Chicago Gig

8/3/07, 10:00 am EST

Photo: Pearl Jam

Last night, as a warm-up for their Lollapalooza gig this weekend, Pearl Jam played a house party for 1,300 fortunate fan club members at the quaint Vic Theatre in Chicago. Demand far exceeded supply as the streets surrounding the venue were overflowing with zealous fans holding signs that offered everything from sex to $3,000 for a single ticket. The crowd roared as Eddie Vedder strolled onstage, played a song by himself and declared, “I’m the opening act, I came cheap.” The highlight of Vedder’s five-song pre-set was a short cover of the old drinking tune “I Used to Work in Chicago,” which served as a precursor to a new track he penned about the Chicago Cubs that ignited the hometown crowd.

Thirty minutes later the full band emerged, looking fresh and relaxed before opening with a solid version of “All or None” followed by “Education” and “Sad,” both cuts from the rarities compilation Lost Dogs. Pearl Jam then induced a deafening three-minute sing-along on fan favorite “In Hiding” before continuing with tracks like the introspective “Off He Goes,” the recent hit single “World Wide Suicide” and the lone selection from Ten, “Why Go.” The band continued to sprinkle in B-sides from Lost Dogs with lead guitarist Mike McCready bounding about the stage and providing melodic guitar leads on tracks such as “Down,” “Undone” and “Hard to Imagine.” Photo: Pearl Jam
After the sixteen-song set ended, the first encore began with a solo Vedder introducing a brilliant new song titled “No More.” The rest of the band joined for three more tracks, culminating with a cover of The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me.” The band then surprised the veteran audience during the second encore with a virgin performance of the KISS tune “Black Diamond” that featured drummer Matt Cameron on vocals. The three-song second encore ended with a raucous cover of the Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer,” during which Vedder briefly teased the crowd with thoughts of stage diving by climbing atop an amplifier.

Photo: Pearl Jam

Moments later the band returned with friend Ben Harper in tow, turned the house lights on and played a flawless version of “Indifference.” The faithful quietly sang along and held cell phones aloft as Harper and Vedder traded lead vocals. It was a special collaboration that capped a uniquely intimate gig packed with rare and exciting material, and fans filed out of the theater convinced of Pearl Jam’s enduring commitment to their loyal fans — and that the group remains today’s preeminent live touring band.

Photos: Kevin Mazur / Wireimage


Comments

nsecqaw zuvxdc | 5/23/2008, 4:37 pm EST

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TullyHazy | 12/17/2007, 1:26 pm EST

I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:

MUFFIN | 12/1/2007, 2:17 am EST

Riding shotgun

HANNAH | 11/20/2007, 12:34 pm EST

Cordon bleu

Radioheadffan | 8/28/2007, 9:04 pm EST

PJ is a force to be reckon with.

Radioheadffan | 8/28/2007, 9:04 pm EST

PJ is a force to be reckon with.

Radioheadffan | 8/28/2007, 9:04 pm EST

PJ is a force to be reckon with.

Anonymous | 8/28/2007, 9:04 pm EST

PJ is a force to be reckon with.

Una | 8/28/2007, 5:25 pm EST

I never saw them live.I wish I could someday but who knows if they are ever going to come to my country, or to this part of Europe again.
Still, all that matters is their music,I can listen to that every day of my life!
Some fans ask for too much,
remember: it’s their music,they can do what ever they want, we are lucky and blessed that we can listen to it and enjoy it.
live and on albums.

jvewpgnk kqblpvw | 8/14/2007, 8:44 pm EST

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dubravka | 8/7/2007, 2:13 pm EST

great band and great setlist, you lucky people that attended. keep on rocking in the free world!

Ignacio | 8/6/2007, 7:14 pm EST

They played here in Chile in 2005, finally after 15 years waiting (2 nights in a row, 25 thousand people each). They’re fuckin awesome, we’re still waiting for them down here again.

P&E | 8/6/2007, 1:14 pm EST

What an awesome set list for their fan club members. I am one of them, but wasn’t able to get to Chicago for the shows. And to clarify, the tickets were $150 for a pair, which in this day and age, is a bargain compared to some other bands.

I’ve seen PJ live over 20 times and they never fail to come through brilliantly. I happen to agree with the statement that they are the premier touring band today.

Rock on!

Sammy | 8/6/2007, 9:50 am EST

I had the fortunate honor of meeting Mr. Vedder. He was smoking cock on the corner of Market and Indianola. Wait, that was a two dollar whore! Pearl Jam ain’t worth a food stamp.

the truth | 8/6/2007, 9:16 am EST

i could really care less whether or not you adore the band, the fact that they have a catalog of songs that would make mccartney take notice and a fervor on stage that is off the earth when it comes to any other act consisting of members over the age of 19 cannot be denied. truly one of the greatest bands of the last thrity years. simple as that.

norm | 8/6/2007, 9:15 am EST

TJ,
releasing all of the live shows is a great thing. I went 100’s (literally) of shows growing up in the 80’s and 90’s and never once came across a boot of a show I had been too. The closest thing I ever had was attending the show that was made into the video for AC/DC’s “Money Talks”. Yeah, exactly, who cares. So to be able to have a copy of every single PJ show that I have seen in the 7 or so years (10 or more shows if you are wondering) is the greatest thrill as a fan. It doesn’t sound like the show, it’s ridiculous to have that expectation, but it brings you back to all of those moments that you enjoyed.

tj | 8/6/2007, 6:39 am EST

Ok I have seen PJ twice. Turin 06 and London 07. I do enjoy them live but they are FAR from the best band in the world. I could name 10 bands that are much better. Radiohead, Mogwai, Yo La Tengo, just to name a few. I think PJ fans get a little too excited about them. To be honest - out of their last 3 records - they could have made one - just way too many bad tracks. Plus I really hate the fact that they sell EVERY one of their live shows. I mean it kinda takes away from the experience of it - if every person can get their mitts on a copy. I think they are really taking advantage of their niche market by doing this - exploiting it if you will. Plus a sound board quality bootleg doesn’t sound anything like a concert. The Turin show and the London show (not released as a boot yet) both sounded like death because PJ always (except on rare occasions) play crap sounding venues with 20,000+ seats. Don’t fret PJ fans - I still like the band - but they do have their flaws.

EYG | 8/5/2007, 11:56 pm EST

This article is making me cry because I’m so sad to have missed this show. I swear, the setlist was custom made for me. Waaaaaahhhhh.

Anyway, Alls I got to say is Thank God for Pearl Jam.

cota | 8/5/2007, 3:24 pm EST

,,,,,I love these guys,,,but,,,Iggy Pop could kick Eddie’s ass any day,,,,

2010 | 8/5/2007, 1:07 pm EST

Impressive Serena - Inside Job Bitches!

Serena | 8/4/2007, 1:49 pm EST

Their last album was their best one.

Mike | 8/4/2007, 11:21 am EST

greatest band ever!

Cheesecrop | 8/4/2007, 8:28 am EST

I’ve seen them twice, and they are a truly great band live. I know a lot of people knock them over the last 2 or 3 albums they released, but those albums have some great tracks on them as well. Even when the band does misfire here and there it’s not enough to make me lose interest, which is something many acts can’t claim.

Chris Mace | 8/4/2007, 6:49 am EST

To the comment on the cost. Wasn’t it $150 per pair not per ticket? I really don’t think that’s bad these days - look at what it costs to see other bands of a similar caliber. When PJ played London in June the fanclub tickets were $190 per pair. You can’t argue that they don’t give value for money either since they play for 50% longer than most other bands.

nothing_is_cheap | 8/4/2007, 5:00 am EST

RS dodnt mention that “lucky fan club members” had to pay 150 dollars a pop. What a shame for a band that fought Ticketmonster and wrote a song against greed called “green disease”.

Sure their music rocks (and they’re probably the greatest live band), but, boy, they are sick.

Joe | 8/3/2007, 9:26 pm EST

The greatest American band ever without peer opened for U2 back in October.

E.K | 8/3/2007, 8:40 pm EST

Pearl Jam are the best. I was lucky enough to see them twice in Sydney last year. How about some fan-club members only shows Down Under soon, guys? :-)

bangers-N-Mash | 8/3/2007, 8:27 pm EST

I’ve seen PJ three times, once at Nassau Coleseium, once at MSG, and another at Continental Airlines Arena. Every single time the set list varied… every single time they played for at least 2/1/2 hours… every single time the crowd was deafening (The Jersey show was deafening)… They are the best live act you can see today for the money

JG | 8/3/2007, 7:43 pm EST

Mattjm, I know this was a warm up show for Lollapalooza. Excuse me for not being crystal clear as I should have said they did not tour the South last year.

Marc | 8/3/2007, 7:24 pm EST

For $3,000! I dont care what band you are, my ticket would of been sold. Period!

RCJ | 8/3/2007, 7:11 pm EST

A dream setlist, fan club only show, the BEST BAND EVER!! Enough said.

Skydigger68 | 8/3/2007, 6:13 pm EST

Doh!

http://www.duesenbergusa .com/dmc.html

Tim Bierman | 8/3/2007, 6:12 pm EST

Kerensa Wight has a penis

Brad klausen has nothin’

Skydigger68 | 8/3/2007, 6:11 pm EST

Hey JOE PUMA!!!

Eddies Guitar is a Duesenberg Mike Campbell Model.

http://www.duesenbergu sa.com/dmc.html

Dear The Gorge Rocks | 8/3/2007, 5:49 pm EST

I’m with you there. Also saw them at Lolla ‘92 in Vancouver BC, and also at the Gorge and in Hawaii last year. In my opinion, one of the best live bands on the planet today.

Pope Benedict XVI | 8/3/2007, 4:56 pm EST

I believe Eddie Vedder is Jesus Christ incarnate - the second coming, my children. All hail and bow down to the almighty Pearl Jam. In the name of the Father, the Son and the holy Pearl Jam, amen.

JERESMONITE | 8/3/2007, 4:47 pm EST

YEAH WHATEVER - HOW ABOUT SOME EFFIN SILVERCHAIR REVIEWS…EH?

ace21 | 8/3/2007, 4:21 pm EST

the grateful dead of today??? WTF,
lets not get carried away mmmk?

YEEEAAAAHHHH | 8/3/2007, 4:20 pm EST

Pearl Jam is the best band in the universe.

Enough is said.

– “E-Dogg”
myspace.com/uponthesh elf

Joe Puma | 8/3/2007, 4:13 pm EST

“Black Diamond”by Pearl Jam must have been fantastic.Somebody educate this dumbass on Eddie’s blue guitar in the photo,what kind is it exactly?I love the looks of it.

MSG | 8/3/2007, 3:47 pm EST

If you don’t have their live @ MSG DVD, consider checking it out. It’s sweet.

Jimmy C from D-Hill | 8/3/2007, 3:41 pm EST

Fuckin Pearl Fuckin Jam !!!!

The Gorge Rocks | 8/3/2007, 3:34 pm EST

It was awesome seeing PJ ‘back in the day’ @ Lolla ‘92, in my hometown of Bremerton, WA. It was even better…seeing their Sat. night show at The Gorge last summer, which was epic. Yeah PJ!!

Diarrhea Soup | 8/3/2007, 3:33 pm EST

Fuck you RES - I was complimenting them, not putting them down. Leave it up to an asshole like you to turn a positive into a negative. Your comments about me were actually just a reflection of how you feel about yourself: an “unhappy loser”.

RES | 8/3/2007, 3:04 pm EST

Too bad about ‘diarrhea soup’…what a douchey, unhappy loser…a good show is a good show diarrhea boy…go fuck yourself.

Diarrhea Soup | 8/3/2007, 2:57 pm EST

I think out of all the Comments Posts for the many various stories I’ve read on this RS web-site, it is this particular post on Pearl Jam that takes top prize for the most ass kissing comments ever! Congrats goes to Pearl Jam to elicit such major ass kissing this site has ever seen!

doberdog | 8/3/2007, 2:37 pm EST

PJ the best band in the world. bar none

Johnny | 8/3/2007, 2:18 pm EST

We need more bands like this these days. Long Live Pearl Jam!!!!!!

Johnny | 8/3/2007, 2:18 pm EST

We need more bands like this these days. Long Live Pear Jam!!!!!!

k | 8/3/2007, 1:31 pm EST

Awesome live band! Simply awesome!
With the commitment they have to their fans and the quality of their live shows, they are the Grateful Dead of today.

Anonymous | 8/3/2007, 1:31 pm EST

Awesome live band! Simply awesome!
With the commitment they have to their fans and the quality of their live shows, they are the Grateful Dead of today.

Anonymous | 8/3/2007, 1:16 pm EST

There bread is buttered worldwide and just down in the usa.

One Fish Two Fish | 8/3/2007, 1:08 pm EST

THANK YOU ROLLING STONE!

This was such a good review, this is what the magazine should be all about, amazing live show reviews that can recount the incredible events of an intimate evening like that for those of us who are less fortunate and could not be there. Thank you so much, it was an excellent review and I wish I could have seen the show.

Pearl Jam is the greatest touring rock n roll band today, no doubt about it. And they are more loyal to their fans than any group I have ever known. Don’t worry friends of the South, they will reach you soon enough, just keep your fingers crossed.

“I know, its only rock n roll, but I like it, like it, YES I DO!!!”

Jason | 8/3/2007, 1:04 pm EST

As if man. Pearl Jam has the highest amount of money fundraised from benefits and free shows than any other band out there. And there are other places in the world besides America that people listen to them, so I think its awesome that the do a world tour pretty much every 2 years.

Harry | 8/3/2007, 1:04 pm EST

PJ is the best live band, but they don’t sell albums. Thus, they make money on bootlegs. I feel they have done us wrong by not touring the States this Summer when they have toured Europe twice since being here. They better learn where their bread is buttered!

TPG | 8/3/2007, 12:52 pm EST

I LOVE Pearl Jam. Saw them twice last year at the Bill Graham in San Francisco. One of the very few bands that juggle their setlist every night. Unlike some bands (The Police, anyone???) which play the same tunes in the same order, with PJ, you never quite know what’s coming next.

They’re the best.

Rockstar70 | 8/3/2007, 12:45 pm EST

Whatever Pearl Jam. If you are so loyal to your fans why do you do only 12 shows in America istead of a full tour?? And why do you turn around and sell all those live shows as CDs later. The only thing that Pearl Jam cares for is the fans money!!!

SNACKER | 8/3/2007, 12:37 pm EST

The best band of all time. Thats all you can say. The haters can hate all they want. There’s no denying the PJ still rocks it harder and tighter than anyone in the biz. Greatest American band…Greatest band of all time. When its all said and done, nobody will be able to argue and different.

Mattjm | 8/3/2007, 12:34 pm EST

JG - If you were a fan you would know that this isn’t even a tour at all but a warm up for Lollapalooza. 10c had a first come first serve basis and only 10c members could get in. Wow amateur hour.

Off-Topic | 8/3/2007, 12:28 pm EST

Amazing Amazing Amazing- We Love You PJ thanks for being so amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryan | 8/3/2007, 12:14 pm EST

Wow. That is quite the show.

JG | 8/3/2007, 11:41 am EST

I am as big a PJ fan as you will find, but it sucks that they did not bring the tour to Southern states. So much for their “enduring committment to loyal fans.”

halv | 8/3/2007, 11:31 am EST

I got chills reading the review. Congrats to all the lucky 10 Club members that got in!!!

King Wacker | 8/3/2007, 11:31 am EST

Good ol’ Pearl Jam… Come to Canada boys… Do a North Tour… Got to love these guys - still write great music, still put on great shows, still speak out against the ‘norm’ (esp. against Bush!!! Did any of the pop tarts of hip hop homies do that? Ummmm… not really… Listen to the last two Pearl Jam ablums… packed w/ great protest music… one thing many bands are scared of doing these days cause it may lead poor record sales… and then, the evil doers will win!)…. Wish I could have been there to see that show… But like I said, come to Canada Peal Jam… We will keep a poutine warm for ya!!!

Ryan | 8/3/2007, 11:18 am EST

By the setlist, I see this will be a show that will go down in history! Great setlist. Wish I was there!

Halv | 8/3/2007, 11:16 am EST

It kills me that I missed that show!! Pearl Jam….the greatest Amercian band ever.

The Real | 8/3/2007, 10:56 am EST

agreed, the best!

Big Nate | 8/3/2007, 10:50 am EST

Greatest live band in the world. Can’t wait till they tour again.

Ya know... | 8/3/2007, 10:45 am EST

I’m sure jaded fifteen-year-olds to twenty-somethings are gonna B!+@# and moan about PJ getting play… but these guys really hve been the best thing going for concert fans for almost twenty years.

I just hope they have a few more good albums in them (and please let’s not start the crap about them not doing anything good since Vitalogy… I’f I’m gonna rip on the youth for whining about Arcade Fire being King S#!+ then I’m gonna rip on my own generation for wanting bands to never change their sound… Cripes!).

Brian | 8/3/2007, 10:43 am EST

My ears are still ringing. Perfect selection of songs for a Ten Club show.

Phil | 8/3/2007, 10:40 am EST

Completely without peer, the best band in the business.

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