Can’t find a better band than Pearl Jam to always make Wrigley “Alive”

Photos by Ed Spinelli

Seattle may officially be Pearl Jam’s home, but given front man Eddie Veddar’s upbringing in Evanston and so many concerts around town since the early 1990s that the list even scored its own T-shirt, Chicago is closer than this mini-tour’s “The Away Shows” moniker would imply. On top of all that, Wrigley Field in particular was the site of the frequently talked about rain delay from four years ago and also where the group’s newest “Let’s Play Two” DVD and soundtrack CD was recorded.

“Porch,” “Do The Evolution,” “Rearviewmirror” and “Better Man” were a few of the several worth mentioning, though it was the scream-a-longs “Alive” and “Rockin’ In The Free World” (a Neil Young original now adopted as a Pearl Jam essential) that really rounded the bases prior to the guys resting up for the promise of an explosive second round.

For the sold opener of another double header at “The Friendly Confines” (continuing August 20), Pearl Jam kept a consistent feel with previous appearances, calling out its set list on the fly, while keeping both fervent followers from the Ten Club and generally-minded alternative rock radio listeners on their toes for right around three hours. Vedder, lead guitarist Mike McCready, rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament and drummer Matt Cameron with piano/organ player Boom Gaspar aren’t just the most enduring act from the era with more than 85 million albums sold and a 2017 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but are steadily being recognized amongst the all-time greats.

All anyone had to do was check into the stadium at any point between “Wash” and the repeatedly requested grand finale “Yellow Ledbetter” to hear exactly why, though never missing a beat (despite the allure of a never-ending merchandise line) is always recommended for a Pearl Jam performance of this statue. The guys didn’t disappoint for a second, blaring through “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town,” “Corduroy,” “Animal,” “Even Flow” and dozens more with grungy insistence and uninhibited aggression.

Outside of the Pearl Jam cannon, Chris Cornell was remembered with the touching “Missing,” Veddar played a guitar personally given to him from fellow Wrigley alum Tom Petty during “I Won’t Back Down,” and later, dug into the solo “Sleeping By Myself” with a ukulele brought out by former Chicago Bull Dennis Rodman. The Clash’s “Know Your Rights” was accompanied by an urge for all to vote, David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” got knocked out of the park in its inaugural appearance, while the charging “Can’t Deny Me” gave a glimpse of what’s coming around the corner on the long-awaited follow-up to 2013’s “Lightning Bolt.”

At least a little slice came from nearly every album with “Ten” and “Lost Dogs” tying for the largest quantity represented throughout the constant highlight reel. “Porch,” “Do The Evolution,” “Rearviewmirror” and “Better Man” were a few of the several worth mentioning, though it was the scream-a-longs “Alive” and “Rockin’ In The Free World” (a Neil Young original now adopted as a Pearl Jam essential) that really rounded the bases prior to the guys resting up for the promise of an explosive second round.

Click here for more photos of Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field.

For additional information on Pearl Jam, visit PearlJam.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Wrigley Field include Pearl Jam (Aug. 20); Luke Bryan (Sept. 1); Billy Joel (Sept. 7) and Fall Out Boy (Sept. 8). For additional details, visit MLB.com/Cubs/Tickets/Concerts.

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Can’t find a better band than Pearl Jam to always make Wrigley “Alive”

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