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Live Review: Pearl Jam brings something extraordinary to Sydney – Engie Stadium (21.11.24)

Posted on by Goldteelic
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22
Nov
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Pearl Jam Rocks Sydney with Unforgettable Performance at ENGIE Stadium – A Review of Their November 2024 Show

If you were one of the early arrivals at Sydney Olympic Park’s showground, you would have witnessed a memorable moment before the main event even began. At around 6 pm, Eddie Vedder took to the stage to introduce the Cosmic Psychos, one of his all-time favorite bands, to the audience. The legendary Melbourne punk group, known for their raw and unapologetic sound, didn’t need much fanfare. With just a small stage and a microphone, the Cosmic Psychos delivered an electrifying performance that set the tone for an unforgettable night.

Bassist and frontman Ross Knight kicked things off by saying, “It’s nice to be in Sydney… Anyway, this is Fuckwit City.” The band’s ferocious energy filled the stadium, with Knight’s powerful vocals standing out as the heart of their performance. Their punk rock anthem “David Lee Roth” had the crowd laughing and singing along to the cheeky lyrics: “I want long, golden locks. I want a great big 20-inch cock. Never change!” It was clear that the Cosmic Psychos were here to bring the house down with their signature rebellious style.

The Pixies’ Set: A Nostalgic Journey with Classic Hits

The contrast between the bands on the lineup was striking, and the Pixies’ set was notably subdued compared to the high-octane energy of the Cosmic Psychos. The iconic alternative band from Boston has continued to release music throughout the past decade, but it was their classic 80s and 90s hits that resonated most with the crowd. Opening with tracks from their early albums, including the instantly recognizable “Here Comes Your Man,” the Pixies captured the audience’s attention with their signature mix of catchy melodies and introspective, atmospheric sounds.

One of the highlights of their relatively short set was “Motorway to Roswell” from their 1991 album Trompe le Monde. The band faced a few technical hiccups during their performance, including a false start during “Hey,” but the issue was quickly resolved, and bassist Emma Richardson, who joined the band after the departure of Kim Deal, proved to be a valuable addition. Despite these challenges, the setlist mainly drew from the Pixies’ earlier catalog, much to the delight of long-time fans.

Pearl Jam: An Unforgettable Performance at ENGIE Stadium

Ten years after their last performance at Sydney’s Big Day Out in 2014, Pearl Jam returned to the very same stage at ENGIE Stadium, bringing their iconic sound and boundless energy to a packed crowd. As the lights dimmed and the stadium buzzed with excitement, Eddie Vedder greeted the audience with a warm smile, saying, “Good evening, Sydney, this is a special one. We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. I can’t believe we’ve made it to Sydney.”

The night began with the emotional and powerful “Release,” which immediately had the crowd singing along with Vedder. The connection between the band and the audience was palpable, and the outdoor venue allowed Vedder’s distinctive voice to soar above the music. The energy only intensified during “Even Flow,” where Mike McCready delivered a stunning guitar solo, playing behind his head with ease, showcasing that Pearl Jam is still in their prime after more than three decades together.

A Perfect Blend of Classic Hits and New Material

With a back catalog spanning 34 years, Pearl Jam has an extensive range of songs to choose from, and the band made sure to deliver something for everyone. While tracks from their early albums like Ten, Vs., and Vitalogy were naturally a hit with the crowd, the band also gave plenty of love to their 2024 album Dark Matter, performing tracks like the title song and “Waiting for Stevie.” The crowd responded enthusiastically, embracing both the classics and the new material.

A standout moment of the night came during an extended version of “Corduroy,” where the band showcased their remarkable musical chemistry, building to a crescendo of blistering guitar work from McCready and Stone Gossard. This powerful performance was just one example of the magic that was on display throughout the evening.

Eddie Vedder’s Heartfelt Connection with the Audience

Vedder’s connection with the audience was a major highlight of the evening. Throughout the show, he took the time to interact with fans, share personal stories, and reflect on the “adventurous spirit” of the Australian people. One particularly emotional moment came when Vedder dedicated “Come Back” to a young woman still fighting to survive after a drink-spiking incident in Laos. The crowd shared in the moment, visibly moved by Vedder’s heartfelt tribute.

The energetic performance continued with “State of Love and Trust,” a favorite among long-time fans, before transitioning into a high-energy version of their new track “Running.” When the opening bass line of “Jeremy” rang out through the stadium, the crowd erupted in excitement, and Vedder encouraged them to sing along, leading to one of the most goosebump-inducing moments of the night.

Pearl Jam Honors Their Legacy and the Venue’s Significance

At one point, Vedder took a moment to acknowledge the significance of the venue, mentioning the AFL team GWS Giants and their recent support of the EB Research Partnership, a charity close to Vedder and his wife Jill’s hearts. The crowd was visibly moved by this touching tribute, and the band followed it up with a sensational rendition of “Faithful,” a rare gem from their 1998 album Yield. The crowd’s energy never wavered, and the final track of the main set, “Porch,” was a powerful conclusion, with the audience singing along to the iconic “Yeahs” as Vedder and the band wrapped up their performance.

A Show-Stopping Encore: The Ultimate Pearl Jam Experience

The encore of the night was nothing short of spectacular. It began with Vedder’s solo rendition of Wayne Cochran’s “Last Kiss,” which brought tears to the crowd before seamlessly transitioning into the fiery opening of “Animal.” The contrast between the two songs was perfect, showcasing Pearl Jam’s ability to move from tender moments to high-energy rock in an instant.

As the encore continued, the band delivered an emotionally charged version of “Black,” a track that was not originally on the setlist but was enthusiastically embraced by the crowd. The performance of “Black” featured one of McCready’s most blistering guitar solos, leaving the audience in awe. And when the familiar opening riff of “Alive” rang out, the stadium erupted into pure euphoria, with fans singing every word and celebrating together.

The night ended on a high note with Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” inspiring some lighthearted dancing and singing before the final track, “Indifference,” wrapped up the night. As Vedder sang, “I will scream my lungs out till it fills this room,” the crowd responded in kind, creating an unforgettable moment of unity.

Pearl Jam’s Enduring Legacy and Connection with Fans

Pearl Jam’s Sydney concert proved once again why they are one of the biggest and most beloved rock bands in the world. Their performance was a testament to their longevity, musicianship, and ability to connect with their fans. Even after performing many of these songs hundreds of times, there was no sense of complacency. Instead, the band brought a fresh energy to every note, showcasing their commitment to delivering a remarkable live experience.

“We’ll be back, and it won’t be ten years,” Vedder promised as the show wrapped up. Fans can only hope that this promise holds true, as Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter World Tour draws to a close with their final show at Sydney’s ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024. If you have the chance to see them live, don’t miss out on what is sure to be another unforgettable performance.

Goldteelic

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