PEARL JAM, PIXIES
Wednesday, November 13
People First Stadium, Gold Coast
Photos: Chris Searles
Words: Ben Preece
Let’s not pull any punches and start this with the truth: it’s a nightmare getting to People First Stadium from Brisbane tonight. It’s difficult to believe how any major event is supposed to run smoothly here given the lack of transport and infrastructure. The trek, though, isn’t a reflection on what turns out to be a stellar evening of rock music.
After lightning and heavy rain significantly delay proceedings, fans cram together undercover after a field evacuation. Thankfully for many, they find themselves near the bars, leading to a fair amount of boozing and a growing crowd of folks being escorted out for bad behaviour. Despite the chaos, Pixies hit the stage with a concise set that is cut short due to the weather. They open with 'Cactus' and quickly slide into crowd favourites like 'Where Is My Mind' and 'Here Comes Your Man'. While the band’s performance is solid and rehearsed, frontman Black Francis feels like he’s on autopilot and is phoning it in—there’s no engagement with the audience, and the whole set feels a bit lacklustre, especially considering they’re the opening act for one of the most earnest bands on the planet. As a fan, this writer was most excited for Pixies, but left feeling a bit deflated.
Pearl Jam waste no time getting onto stage after Pixies, ripping straight into 'Corduroy'. The production is bigger, the energy higher, and from the first note, it’s clear they’re here to make up for lost time. With the Gold Coast’s 10pm curfew looming and delays eating into the set, they’ve got work to do to revive a crowd that’s a little weary and frustrated. And they do. Every song feels a little sped up, perhaps a tactic to squeeze more in, but it only adds to the intensity. Just two songs in, 'Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town' brings an emotional high, especially as the big screen shows drummer Matt Cameron in a Chris Cornell t-shirt—a sentimental moment that hits right in the feels, as the crowd sings every lyric in unison to a heartfelt tune about looking back with love and gratitude.
The weight of the past week is palpable, with the darkness of Donald Trump’s re-election casting a long shadow. It’s clear that this reality is on Eddie Vedder’s mind, shaping the mood of the night. As 1990's grunge’s last major voice, Vedder is still standing strong, balancing resistance with hope. It lends extra weight to the songs, particularly the ones from their latest album, Dark Matter. They slip in four tracks from the new release, with Wreckage standing out—a slow-burner that’s hauntingly beautiful. Vedder is the quintessential frontman, sincere and effortlessly charismatic, with the audience in the palm of his hand.
Pearl Jam’s remaining members—bassist Jeff Ament, lead guitarist Mike McCready, rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard, drummer Matt Cameron, and touring keyboardist Boom Gaspar—are a united force and are as vital as each other. They are seemingly close, feeling more like brothers on a road trip, a great adventure, working together to leave fans feeling more aspirational than they were upon arrival. Between songs Vedder pays tribute to surfer Mick Fanning and the Big Day Out. McCready, the ultimate rock star in aviators and an Angels shirt, never stands still, shredding his way through the night, even going for a solo behind-the-head for 'Even Flow'. Gossard lays down the foundations with iconic riffs, while Cameron, simply put, is one of the greatest drummers alive. He’s precise, powerful, and essential to the band’s sound. His t-shirt, paying tribute to his late Soundgarden bandmate Chris Cornell, is a touching reminder of the band’s history and connections.
The setlist is nothing short of spectacular. There are a couple of rare treats like 'I Got Id', obvious crowd-pleasers like 'Daughter', and classics lifted from their debut, Ten—'Why Go' and 'Black'. The encore kicks off after the main set ends with 'Porch', with Vedder taking a moment to shout out fans before diving into a solo rendition of 'Man Of The Hour'. From there, it’s a seamless line of jaw droppers: 'Do The Evolution' into the deep cut 'Breath' (from the Singles soundtrack), then into the night’s rowdiest sing-along, 'Better Man'. 'Alive' is next and despite this being their debut single, it isn't executed with any sign of exhaustion or irony. It is, quite simply, a gargantuan tune with one of the hugest riffs and deepest sentiments of all-time. They close with a triumphant 'Rockin' In The Free World,' a celebratory fitting end to a night that, despite its rocky start, delivers in every way that matters.
There's nothing dated or ironic about Pearl Jam's show tonight, the band remains as important and as deftly essential as ever. To reflect on their legacy as a band emerging from '90's grunge up alongside the likes of Nirvana and Soundgarden and managing to carve out perhaps the most loyal fanbase of any of their peers. To stand together almost 100% intact is impressive and their catalogue is impossible to whittle down to a setlist. Not many bands could've brought this crowd back from the brink of impatient insanity tonight, but the fact that Pearl Jam did it in a matter of minutes is a testament to their ability and importance.
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