Pearl Jam drop a “Gigaton” of grunge and greatness on United Center, another unpredictable show to go

Photos provided by United Center / Kena Krutsinger

Whenever Pearl Jam appears anywhere on earth, it’s nothing short of an epic event, starting with a scramble to score tickets, a mile-long line for customized merchandise and trying to predict a rolling set list that’s never quite the same, especially if an obscure request gets granted.

However, anywhere in Illinois takes all of those elements to the next level, thanks in part to front man Eddie Vedder being born in Evanston, loving Chicago sports and the city playing such an integral role in helping the Seattle group expand its audience during the earliest days of grunge.

Alongside Nirvana, there’s been no better act to carry the torch for thirty-plus years, which is exactly why Pearl Jam continues to fill stadiums such as Wrigley Field, though after a half-decade away from the area, opted for the United Center on Tuesday with another to show go on Thursday, September 7.

In between, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers delivered the socially-charged and consistently heavy-hitting “Gigaton” album, one of their boldest, arena-tailored works the Windy City finally got to hear, plus a treasure trove of deep tracks and many of the major scene shapers set to the simple but eye-catching view of bouncing light beams.

Given the venue’s relative intimacy compared to a ballpark or festival, Pearl Jam began seated for “Release,” “Low Light” and a few others emitting earthier tones, but soon the front man proclaimed, “Let’s start kicking with gas” and never looked back, outside of a few breaks when he poignantly acknowledged family members, former neighborhood friends and even Chris Chelios from the Chicago Blackhawks.

In fact, guitarist Mike McCready, bassist Jeff Ament, rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard, drummer Matt Cameron and some longtime supporting players pummeled their way around the classic “Corduroy,” took a rare roll of “God’s Dice” and tapped into environmental concerns come “Quick Escape.”

Additional anthems “Animal” and “Even Flow” were intermingled with the recent “Dance Of The Clairvoyants” and the rumbling “Rearview Mirror” capping two unrelenting hours, though no less than seven covers or originals were to come throughout the generous encore.

“Wishlist” likely fulfilled the hopes of many, especially those whom the guys faced in the overflow section behind the stage, followed by the ferocious “Not For You” and a communal version of the stripped back ballad “Better Man.”

Yet everyone turned it up exponentially when the house lights flipped on for “Alive,” and on another local note, Cheap Trick’s “Surrender,” all of which found Pearl Jam firing up with both the hunger of its garage band beginnings and the alternative rock greatness acquired along the way.

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

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

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Pearl Jam (Sept. 7); Eason Chan (Sept. 10); Aerosmith (Sept. 15); 50 Cent (Sept. 16); $uicideboy$ (Sept. 22); Peter Gabriel (Sept. 30); Mana (Oct. 1); Wu-Tang Clan and Nas (Oct. 8); SZA (Oct. 10); Phish (Oct. 13-15); John Mayer (Oct. 18); Joji (Oct. 20); Enhypen (Oct. 22); Ms. Lauryn Hall & The Fugees (Oct. 28); Queen + Adam Lambert (Oct. 30-31); Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin (Nov. 1-2); Depeche Mode (Nov. 13); Doja Cat (Dec. 13) and Travis Scott (Dec. 15). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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Pearl Jam drop a “Gigaton” of grunge and greatness on United Center, another unpredictable show to go

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