Paul Jam - Paul Andrews' Blog - Dunsborough, Western Australia

I just witnessed one of the most amazing concerts of my life. If this is not one of Pearl Jam’s finest shows ever, then this band is even more incredible than I can comprehend. The show I witnessed, from about 15 metres from the stage has left my ears ringing, my throat hoarse and my heat pounding.

A show of hits, album tracks, rarities and three incredible guest appearances including an extremely rare reformation of all the members of Temple Of The Dog, for probably the finest ever version of the pre-ten classic, Hunger Strike – featuring the one and only Chris Cornell. This one song will go down in Pearl Jam folklore – and I was there to see it. I’m totally awestruck baby!

Prior to that Ben Harper joined the band on stage to blast out and incendiary version of Red Mosquito that had the guitars of Mike McCready and Harper screaming and wailing in duel. And to top of the night, Jerry Cantrell suddenly appeared on stage and took Mike guitar from hit to shred the solo to Alive, the last song of the night.

The band we very much into it and were bouncing of each other and the crowd. I’ve never seen them so tight and the sound was awesome in the more intimate 6000 seat venue that was packed to the rafters.

Eddie’s voice was right on every single note and Stone Gossard was getting into it more than I’ve ever seen before. Jeff Ament must be one of the most underrated bass players out there, the foundation he and Matt Cameron (the human stallion) put down drives this band like a train. And then we have Mike McCreedy – if there is a better guitarist on earth at the moment, I’d like to see him – his solos were mindblowing and he zips around the stage like he has ADD.

This show alone has made my trip worthwhile. I can’t believe what I witnessed tonight – and I get to go back and do it all again tomorrow with a totally different set list and who knows that surprises they’ll have in store!

The details of the night:

October 6, 2009 Universal City, California, Gibson Amphitheater

Set List: Sometimes, Breakerfall, (Interstellar Overdrive)/Corduroy, Save You, Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town, Got Some, Unthought Known, Faithfull, Even Flow, Unemployable, Daughter, Johnny Guitar, Given To Fly, Off He Goes, Comatose, The Fixer, Do The Evolution

1st encore: Just Breathe w/string quartet, The End w/string quartet, Lukin w/string quartet, Red Mosquito w/Ben Harper, Jazz Odyssey, Rearviewmirror

2nd encore: Once, Footsteps, Hunger Strike w/Chris Cornell, Alive w/Jerry Cantrell

Here are my pics: