Seattle legends and grunge survivors Pearl Jam brought its signature blend of classic rock infused with punk energy to the Moody Center in Austin on Monday night, September 18, for a show long on deep cuts, bangers, and crowd energy.
If there’s one thing Pearl Jam is good at, it’s pacing and bringing the drama. Over three decades, the band has gradually expanded what might be called the first quarter of its set, and this night was no different.
This opening five-seven-song segment of a Pearl Jam show is typically ballad-focused and acoustic, reminiscent of the Unplugged set that began the band’s legend early on. The band dropped the contemplative “Nothingman” and “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” back-to-back, right out of the gate, prompting the rapturous sing-along the band’s dedicated fanbase excels at.
Charismatic frontman Eddie Vedder greeted the crowd, noting that while this is the band’s 10th gig in Austin through the years, many have come to the annual outdoor mega ACL fest, and observed that the relatively intimate setting had prompted the band to try some rarities.
He added that—in an unusual coincidence—all the band member’s wives were present save his own, doubly sad in that the Vedders were celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary on this evening. With that, the band launched into “Thumbing My Way,” one of its most anthemic ballads, last played September 4, 2018.
It’s hard to imagine these days that keyboardist Boom Gaspar was ever not in the band, as his organ was an essential part of the number. He’s been in action for over two decades at this point, so why try to remember the days before?
Following this was the early cut “Footsteps,” greeted by the crowd with the kind of enthusiasm one might imagine for a leftover from the legendary Ten era.
Up next was No Code’s “Present Tense” and the first stirrings of a real rock number as drummer Matt Cameron’s toms cut through the room as they entered thunderously, midway through the song. The band had been gradually transitioning onto electric instruments, only hinting at the power to be unleashed.
That drama that Pearl Jam is so good at producing? It was in full supply at this point, pure tension, reminding audience members that even in that legendary Unplugged performance, they plugged in at the end.
Every audience member was ready and feeling it.
And then it was on.
The crowd roared its approval as the first full-on rock number cut through the room: “Who Ever Said” from Gigaton, released in 2020, just as the pandemic struck. Some bands might lose some crowd members placing a new song in an important spot, but not Pearl Jam and its devoted legions. This was followed in quick succession by Riot Act’s “Save You.”
Vedder was all energy, jumping on monitors and twirling the mic stand like the classic frontman that he is, even 3+ decades into his career. At one point, he appeared to take a minor tumble but recovered quickly.
Vitalogy’s “Corduroy” was up next, again greeted with the kind of approval that anything from the band’s first three records generates. This song featured the first big solo of the evening from lead guitarist Mike McCready, who ran circles around the stage all evening, seemingly enraptured by the rock voodoo he conjured up on his guitar.
Vedder took a moment to introduce auxiliary musician Josh Klinghoffer, noting that he had grown up with Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers as his favorite band and “now got to contribute meaningfully to both.”
Then back to the rock. “Quick Escape” lay on a snaky bass bed and another McCready burner.
“Even Flow” was next. Another classic from the Ten era that generated the expected audience response.
Then it was time for the other big rarity of the evening, which according to Vedder has only been played “five times.” This was “Out of My Mind,” last played September 2, 2018.
It’s a safe bet that most in the room had never heard it live. The infectious number had a riff reminiscent of the Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll.”
A fan request unleashed “In My Tree” with Klinghoffer on percussion, scaring up a tribal groove with Cameron. This led into yet another classic, “Animal” with Vedder delivering a particularly intense performance. This was followed by another anthem, “Given to Fly” and the obscurity “I Got Id.”
The main set ended with “Porch,” a closing salvo going all the way back. In fact, when the band closed with this one at its Austin City Coliseum debut on December 8, 1991, Vedder hung from the rafters during the middle build, his most legendary early stage move.
By the end of the regular set, there was no question the band would be returning for an extensive encore, but the crowd didn’t take any chances, screaming and clapping to make sure the band knew.
And the band delivered in spades.
Vedder donned the same sparkly coat and mirror ball hat he wore earlier in the tour for a run through “Wishlist.” It was followed by “Smile,” for which the band took its traditional moment to play to those seated behind the stage.
Vedder took a moment to give an impassioned pro-choice speech before leading the band through a ferocious “Whipping.” Just when you thought they couldn’t dial it up anymore came back-to-back readings of “Do the Evolution” and “Spin the Black Circle,” the show’s high point for intensity.
After that, it was a spirited run-through of “Alive,” with the chorus reminding all of us that we’re happy to be here with the band 30 years on and that tomorrow is never a guarantee.
The show closed with a smashing take on the Who classic “Baba O’ Reilly,” with the band thrashing around energetically in tribute to its forebears.
By the time they left the stage, it was hard to believe that only two hours and 10 minutes had passed. Maybe it was because they played so many songs. Or maybe it was because they left it all on stage and had nothing left to give.
Whatever the case, no Pearl Jam fan left Moody Center disappointed. The band gave its all. Can they do it again for its second night at Moody Center, tonight, Tuesday, September 19?
The smart bet is on yes.
