1991
Canada Mini-Tour - 1991
Mookie Blaylock's first shows outside the United States, opening for Alice in Chains. Mookie Blaylock is advertised as "formerly Mother Love Bone", which in hindsigt didn't help the band. Confronted with a disinterested, noisy crowd - people expected Mother Love Bone. Some fans even booed and thought Andy Wood would show up. Crew member Chay Wilkerson Moore: "Not many people knew about Andys' death, because we had no internet back then. So they were quite blown away to hear this band where they couldn't understand what Eddie was singing on stage. They just weren't very legible in the beginning".
January 10, 1991 - Harpo's - Victoria, BC, Canada (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
setlist: -
Mookie Blaylock is misspelled as "Mookie Blalock" on the ad. In midset, Eddie decide to challenge the jaded audience, to wake them up. Unscrewing the 12-pound steel base of the microphone stand, Eddie sent it flying over their heads, like a lethal Frisbee. The steel disk crashed into the wall of the back bar.
January 11, 1991 - The Town Pump - Vancouver, BC, Canada (Mookie Blaylock)
attendance: 160
supporting: Alice in Chains
setlist: Oceans, Even Flow, Once, Porch, Just A Girl, Alive, Alone, Why Go, Breath
Mookie Blaylock is misspelled as "Mookie Blalock" on the ad and ticket. First known perfomance of "Oceans". "Porch" is listed on the setlist as "This Could Be". During "Breath" Eddie notice that security is overly aggressive towards a guy, while taking him out of the mosh pit. Eddie, who up till that point had been quite shy, gets upset and suddenly his attitude and voice changes to being really intense. This moment, and the incident at Harpo's, is referenced to when Eddie came out of his shell and "found his voice".
January 12, 1991 - O.K. Hotel - Seattle, WA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
opening acts: Luv Co., Bam Bam
setlist: -
This show was originally a planned Temple of the Dog show that got canceled - and Mookie Blaylock replaced them! Mookie Blaylock is misspelled as "Mokie Blaklock" on the show schedule. Interestingly, the short-lived Seattle cover band Luv Co. featuring Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, Shawn Smith, Tim DiJulio, Tommy "Gunn" McMullin, Richard Stuverud & Chris Friel was one of the opening acts.
February 1, 1991 - The Off Ramp - Seattle, WA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
opening act: Sweet Water
setlist: -
West Coast Tour - 1991
Mookie Blaylock supports headliner Alice in Chains on a 10-date West Coast tour of US. Mookie Blaylock is again advertised as "formerly Mother Love Bone" and in at least one case as "Mother Lovebone".
February 7, 1991 - Florentine Gardens - Los Angeles, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
opening acts: Burning Hands, Dead White & Blue
setlist: Release, Once, Even Flow, Alone, Breath, Brother, Garden, Porch, Why Go
A rather rushed performance sporting a cool setlist. After "Once", Mike jams some riffs and Eddie talks about hanging out in L.A. "Alone" features scorching vocals by Eddie and awesome soloing by Mike. Eddie asks for a new mic after "Breath" and introduces live debut "Brother" as being about big brother. "Garden" also premieres, with Mike's solo shorter than later, polished versions; same for "Porch" although the bridge seems to get the crowd excited. "Why Go", is high energy and closes the show.
February 9, 1991 - God Save The Queen - Los Angeles, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Green Jellö (who later had to change its name to Green Jellÿ)
opening act: She Died
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alone, Alive, Deep, Porch
The band is introduced as "the band had played other places in California, and is now playing here, and has former Mother Love Bone members, and is now called Mookie Blaylock". First known performances of "Wash" and "Deep". After "Once" Eddie says: "We played this place called Florentine Gardens. It's a nice place, but security there sucked so bad you never, ever wanna go". "No shit, Eddie!" some guy in the crowd shouts. A very cool, short concert with lots of crowd interaction with the power and vibe of the band bursting out.
February 10, 1991 - The Bacchanal - San Diego, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
setlist: -
The Bacchanal is an old haunt where Eddie's old band Bad Radio played occasionally. There is brief video footage of Eddie on stage singing with Alice in Chains, sharing the microphone with Jerry Cantrell.
February 11, 1991 - Club With No Name - Los Angeles, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains, Electric Love Hogs, Dumpster
opening acts: Yesterday's Tear, Thick As Thieves
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Breath, Porch
Eddie discusses the band's name (Mookie Blaylock) and that they are expecting a call from basketball player Mookie Blaylock's lawyer demanding the band change their name "like tomorrow... probably the next time it's gonna be a different name... like... Nuclear Love Frogs".
February 12, 1991 - Cathouse - Los Angeles, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains (Canceled)
setlist: Oceans, Even Flow, Once, Alone, Alive, Brother, Jeremy, Porch, Why Go
Mookie Blaylock play "Brother" - which wasn't played live again until 2009 (that we know of). "Jeremy" is played live for the first documented time. Mark Reback: "There were only maybe 50 people there when they (Mookie Blaylock) went on, and we stood right in front of Eddie as he sweat, spit and spilled his heart and soul out on us. He climbed up the stack of PA speakers and jumped with that intense look in his eyes like he used to do, and we had to sort of bounce him back on stage when landed in front of us... AMAZING show. I was never the same. Afterwards, Eddie was standing on the floor in a bit of a post-show daze, trying to recover, and so I approached him. Me: 'Hey man. I just wanted to tell you that was the first time I've ever seen a band and not known any of their songs, but every one of them seriously MOVED me! You guys were amazing!'. Eddie: Brushing his hair out of his face... 'Hey, that's really cool. My name's Eddie'. Shakes my hand. 'Yeah, I saw you up front really getting into it. That means a lot man'. Me: 'You know you guys are gonna be huge, right?'. Eddie: 'Oh, I don't know... I just want to be able to sell tapes out of the trunk of my car and be able to have enough money to eat and all that'. Me: 'You are not going to have to worry about that. Trust me'. Eddie: 'Well, thanks man. We'll see'. Me: 'Let me buy you a drink'. We proceeded to do a shot together and then talked about music for a bit. Such a genuinely nice guy. One of my favorite memories ever. Then Jerry Cantrell and Riki Rachtman who was hosting the night, gets up on stage and says, 'Sorry everyone, but Alice in Chains won't be performing tonight because Sean (the drummer) had to go to the hospital'. We were super bummed, but I had an idea... I went up to Jerry Cantrell and was like, 'Dude. I'm a drummer. I know all the songs. I can do it!'. Jerry thought about it for a bit and then came back and was like 'Thanks man, but no, we can't do it'. So even though they canceled, it was still one of the best nights ever, meeting Eddie and really connecting with him and seeing Pearl Jam in their early early stages. So AWESOME. Pearl Jam rules forever!".
February 13, 1991 - Winter's - San Diego, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
setlist: -
The second show in San Diego was well attended by Eddie's friends, including former Bad Radio bandmates. Eddie and his then girlfriend Beth Liebling used to help promote a weekly gothic-rock gathering, called Red Tape, at this small club - which was a local San Diego State University hangout.
February 14, 1991 - Omni - Oakland, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
opening act: Colonel Flag
setlist: -
This show was originally scheduled at The Real Rock, but was changed to Omni. Omni booker, Dean Delray remembers: "Alice in Chains and Mookie Blaylock were supposed to play The Real Rock, because they outbidded me. And the whole reason that I wanted Mookie Blaylock was that, 'This is the old Mother Love Bone guys, I gotta get them!'. And Alice in Chains... I'd got a cassette from Concrete Convention (Foundations Forum 1990), including "Man in the Box". Thinking, 'This is gonna be great!'. But they (The Real Rock) beat us! However, on the day of the show The Real Rock got shut down, for a liquor license thing. And we got a call from the tour manager, asking if we could just put them on. My co-booker at Omni, Jimmy Arceneaux said, 'Fuck it, let's do it!'. And we called 50 of our friends... and they came to play!". Mookie Blaylock was billed as "Mother Lovebone" on The Real Rock ticket.
February 15, 1991 - I-Beam - San Francisco, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Screaming Trees, Alice in Chains
opening act: I Love You
setlist: -
This show was presented as the "Call of the Northwest" and was a showcase at the Gavin Seminar, an annual convention for radio industry members. It was run by the Gavin Report - a San Francisco-based radio industry magazine.
February 16, 1991 - The Cattle Club - Sacramento, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
attendance: Approx. 120
supporting: Alice in Chains
opening acts: Burn, Baby. Burn!, Left Field
setlist: -
This smallish crowd is clearly there for Alice in Chains and most attendees are drinking. Brian McKenna, co-founder of The Cattle Club: "I went to all these radio stations to get them involved in the show, but they were like, 'We don't hear any singles on this (Alice in Chains) record'. Mookie Blaylock was just growing, but you could tell they definitely had something". After local opening act Burn, baby. Burn!'s set Eddie scrawled their band name across his stomach. A lively Mookie Blaylock performance, with only about 30 people watching. Opening with a slow song and then launching into a rocker. Eddie's passion showing and the whole band all over the place with hungry energy in this tiny venue (a former desolate Chinese restaurant and off-again/on-again gay bar). After Mookie Blaylocks' set Eddie joined the crowd, drinking beer and watching Alice in Chains perform.
February 17, 1991 - W.O.W. Hall - Eugene, CA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
incomplete setlist: Even Flow, Alive
Scott Eshleman: "I remember Eddie saying: 'Eugene is a cool city, but I wouldn't want to be named that'. Just a cool, once in a lifetime show". At the end of the show a band called Sexecutioner, which consisted of Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam crew members - with Eddie on drums, play some joke songs!
February 20, 1991 - Melody Ballroom - Portland, OR, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
attendance: Approx. 200
supporting: Alice in Chains
opening act: Love on Ice
incomplete setlist: Release, Alive
Tickets is offered at the door only. Small crowd and a setlist opening with "Release". "Alive" is also played. Eddie is wearing an "Air Love Bone" shirt and Mike is sporting a Robert Johnson shirt.
February 25, 1991 - The Off Ramp - Seattle, WA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
supporting: Alice in Chains
opening acts: Best Kissers in the World, Blind Horse
setlist: -
Advertised as "Rocker's Jam". "Special guest" Alice in Chains headlines this benefit show for Pearl Jam's injured tour manager Eric Johnson (Gunny Junk). The injury in question was incurred at Temple of the Dog's show at The Off Ramp November 13, 1990. The band Sexecutioner performed some songs at the end of the night. The cast members of the movie, Singles, first meet at this show.
February 26, 1991 - The Vogue - Seattle, WA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
opening acts: Bathtub Gin, El Steiner
setlist: Release, Once, Even Flow, Alone, Breath, Garden, Porch, Why Go
Opening act El Steiner was formed by an outlandish guy named Larry Steiner who rounded up a shifting cast of characters, including Mike McCready's old bandmates Rick and Chris Friel from Shadow. Rick: "At that nigth we got Eddie to sing along on 'God Of Thunder' (by Kiss)". El Steiner was "sort of like a party on wheels, this crazy band with three or four songs that we just kept playing over and over again in different ways, making up covers on stage, making up silly songs".
March 1, 1991 - The Off Ramp - Seattle, WA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
opening acts: Inspector Luv and the Ride Me Babys, Yellow Dog
setlist: -
March 2, 1991 - O.K. Hotel - Seattle, WA, USA (Mookie Blaylock)
opening acts: Paisley Sin, Sweet Water, Cats & Dogs
setlist: -
Last show played with the name Mookie Blaylock. Paisley Sin's drummer Robert Miiddleton: "Mookie Blaylock definitely played last and headlined. I made these handbills and put my band at the top, which wasn't something I would normally do but it was a four band bill and I wanted to promote my band. Interestingly, our manager at the time - who will remain nameless - booked this show and asked Mookie Blaylock to headline. The vast majority of the crowd was there to see Mookie Blaylock, and the place sold out. Even though we were obviously not the headlining act our manager ended up shorting them when we split the door money. Not a particularly smart move, to say the least. 'Back again for money' was intended as a joke".
May 17, 1991 - The Off Ramp - Seattle, WA, USA
opening act: Luv Mule
setlist: Once, Even Flow, Alone, Porch, Alive, Deep, Jeremy, Why Go, Garden, Oceans
First show played with the new name Pearl Jam and also the bands first concert since completing recording of their debut album, Ten, at London Bridge Studio in Seattle.
May 25, 1991 - RKCNDY - Seattle, WA, USA
opening acts: The Lovemongers, Blind Horse
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Why Go, Porch
Dave Krusen's last show with Pearl Jam. Filming for Cameron Crowe's Singles is complete and Pearl Jam plays at this "wrap party" with many cast members in attendance. "State Of Love And Trust", from the Singles soundtrack, is played live for the first documented time. The Lovemongers (Heart's Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson's side project) and Blind Horse open the show.
July 4, 1991 - RKCNDY - Seattle, WA, USA
opening act: Bathtub Gin
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Garden, Breath, Alive, Porch, Jeremy
This show marks the band's return from mixing their debut album, Ten, at Ridge Farm Studio in Surrey, England and the first of Matt Chamberlain's few shows drumming with Pearl Jam. "Breath" is introduced as "Breath And A Scream".
U.S. Jam Tour - 1991
Pearl Jam embark on a 9-date summer tour of the East Coast and Midwest United States — it's first trek away from the West Coast — to further develop as a growing live act.
July 10, 1991 - Citi - Boston, MA, USA
supporting: The Lemonheads, Buffalo Tom, 7 League Boots, Stress, Venus Beads
setlist: Wash, Once, (Welcome To My Nightmare), Even Flow, Alone, Alive, Why Go, Porch, State Of Love And Trust
This show is part of a concert series promoting Priviet Vodka, from Russia. Pearl Jam open up the bill and the band is introduced before taking the stage: "You haven't seen this band... and I hear a great buzz on 'em... from Seattle on Epic Records... please welcome, Pearl Jam!". After "Once", Eddie sings two lines from Alice Cooper's "Welcome To My Nightmare". On the setlist but not played: "Breath" and "Jeremy".
July 12, 1991 - JC Dobbs - Philadelphia, PA, USA
opening acts: Mama Volume, Carnival of Shame
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Oceans, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch, Alone, Breath
Eddie thanks the opening bands and makes a reference to Mother Love Bone playing there in the past.
July 13, 1991 - The Marquee - New York City, NY, USA (New Music Seminar)
supporting: Beasts of Bourbon, Afghan Whigs
opening acts: Rev. Horton Heat, Codeine, Gorilla
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Garden, Deep, Why Go, Porch
This show was initially booked at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ but was changed to The Marquee in New York City, where Pearl Jam played before a music industry-heavy crowd in town for the New Music Seminar. This is a musically powerful show with Mike showcasing his guitar prowess. Eddie seems in a cocky mood, making pointed wisecracks between nearly every song. "Let me show you guys the industry handshake. Oh, hi. Nice to meet you. Oh, ah, yes it was a pleasure. Sorry... I see Slash". He jokes about "State Of Love And Trust", saying: "How many times we played this next song, four? Wait, there's industry people here. We don't wanna fuck up". After "Alive", he quips, "OK, let's start getting into it. All the industry guys left". This, being Pearl Jam's first New York City show, Eddie proclaims, "Hey, mama. I played New York City".
July 15, 1991 - Club Babyhead - Providence, RI, USA
attendance: Approx. 100
opening acts: Medicine Ball, Glazed Baby
setlist: Wash, Once, State Of Love And Trust, Even Flow, Garden, Breath, Porch, Why Go, Alive
Two local bands open up the show. "Jeremy" is on setlist but not played. Bill Keough, Club Babyhead promotor: "Pearl Jam's agent at the time was a young and upcoming industry guy, named John Branigan (Triad Artists), who had a knack for the next thing and a good ear for cool stuff. He knew I was a big supporter of Sub Pop and knew Mother Love Bone. I was always happy to help him out with his 'baby bands' (as was the term back during that era) and the day he called me about Pearl Jam it was an easy yes. The guarantee was $500. The night of the show Pearl Jam showed up early and got their soundcheck in earlier than usual. Their tour pass laminates were simply NBA Mookie Blaylock cards with their names written in sharpie on the back. After soundcheck, Eddie, Jeff and Stone Gossard asked if there was some outdoor courts nearby where we could shoot some hoops. I took them to some courts in Fox Point at the top of Wickenden St, where we played a friendly but competitive pick up game along with some of their road crew and a few of my friends from the club. The show itself had 60 people paid at the door ($5) and around 30-40 guests via radio and record company lists. Set was raw but greit. Post gig weeks later, their agent told me that they got more response (fan mail etc.) than any of the other cities of the short tour and asked to come back again when their debut album was released. Long story short, album was released, ["Alive"] video hit MTV and [eventually] they exploded way beyond playing a small club".
July 16, 1991 - The Moon - New Haven, CT, USA (Canceled)
opening act: Reverend Horton Heat
This show was canceled for unknown reasons. It was first rescheduled to October 18, 1991, and later to November 14, 1991 with I Love You as support, but that show was also canceled because of Pearl Jam's tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins.
July 17, 1991 - Wetlands Preserve - New York City, NY, USA (New Music Seminar)
opening act: The Bogeymen
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, State Of Love And Trust, Black, Why Go, Garden, Porch
encore: Alone, Breath
Second show of the New Music Seminar. Relaxed, fun performance. "State Of Love And Trust" is a bit different. Motörhead front man Lemmy Kilmister is among the audience members.
July 19, 1991 - Stache's - Columbus, OH, USA (Canceled)
opening act: Men of Leisure
Local cover band Men Of Leisure were booked to open this show, but it got canceled. Reportedly, Pearl Jam had a $500 guarantee and Stache's owner Dan Dugan turned them down as very few knew much about the band. Pearl Jam, with supporting act I Love You, were later rebooked at Stache's on October 29, 1991 but that show was also canceled because of Pearl Jam's commitments on the Blood Sugar Sex Magik tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins.
July 20, 1991 - Empire - Cleveland, OH, USA (Canceled)
This show was canceled for unknown reasons. Pearl Jam performed a makeup show on April 2, 1992 at Cleveland's Peabody's Down Under (which was originally booked at the Empire).
July 21, 1991 - Cabaret Metro - Chicago, IL, USA
supporting: Soul Asylum, The Jayhawks
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Why Go, Porch
This show is a part of the Cabaret Metro's 9th anniversary gala, the venue is packed and Pearl Jam is first on the bill. On the setlist but not played: "Deep" and "Jeremy".
July 22, 1991 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN, USA
supporting: Trip Shakespeare, Walt Mink
setlist: -
Paul Adams: A few of the employees and I were all there was on the floor of the club. Who shows up at a club when the doors open? Answer, not many. A few people trickled in during their brief set. It only took a song or two before a lot of the employees who were in various places in the building to make their way to the floor area. After a couple of songs on the stage, Eddie jumped down to the floor and was singing to each of us who were there. I can remember about a twenty or so people on the floor and more than half of them worked at the club. We were all into it their energetic set as if they were playing in front of a ten thousand people. Stone even jumped down to the floor and finished the set in the crowd with Eddie. By the time their quick 30 minute set was done, we were all blown away and wanted more.
August 3, 1991 - RKCNDY - Seattle, WA, USA
opening act: Sweet Water
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, State Of Love And Trust, Black, Deep, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
encore: Alive, Breath
"Alive" was performed twice at this show. Most of the "Alive" video footage was taken from this show (directed by Josh Taft), and this version is also included on the Ten Japanese import. Temple of the Dog mini reunion at the end, performing "Hunger Strike", "Pushin Forward Back" and "Reach Down".
August 19, 1991 - RKCNDY - Seattle, WA, USA
setlist: -
Pearl Jam celebrates the impending release of it's debut album, Ten, with another RKCNDY show, Matt Chamberlain's last with Pearl Jam.
August 23, 1991 - Mural Amphitheatre - Seattle, WA, USA
attendance: 4 000
opening act: Blind Horse
setlist: Once, State Of Love And Trust, Even Flow, (Outshined), Garden, Alive, Black, Deep, Why Go, Porch, Breath
Pearl Jam play their first outdoor show. This is also Dave Abbruzzese's first concert drumming with Pearl Jam and the last show of the free "'91 Sounds of Seattle" concert series (later called "Pain in the Grass"). As an intro to "Porch", Eddie says, "This song is about if you love someone, tell him". Eddie climbs the speaker stacks during "Porch" and glances over his shoulder at the Space Needle. Eddie takes Jeff's basketball from behind the speakers and throws it playfully into the crowd. The ball makes its way back to the stage during "Breath", which is played wonderfully. "Jeremy" is on the setlist but not played. After the show the band held an "exclusive first-listen preview party" for Ten at the Phantom nightclub, across Fifth Avenue North from where the Museum of Pop Culture stands now.
August 27, 1991 - Ten
tracklist: Once, Even Flow, Alive, Why Go, Black, Jeremy, Oceans, Porch, Garden, Deep, Release
Pearl Jam release their debut studio album, Ten, through Epic Records. Produced by Pearl Jam & Rick Parashar. Mixed by Tim Palmer.
August 29, 1991 - RKCNDY - Seattle, WA, USA
supporting: Molasses
opening acts: The Odds, Best Kissers in the World, Ramadillo, Hungry Crocodiles, Bathtub Gin
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch, Breath
This ASCAP showcase is Pearl Jam's first show after Ten is released. Mike plays the end of "Alive" atop Eddie's shoulders. Eddie swings from the rafters for "Porch" high above the crowd. He swings back and forth and finally lets go, falling into the crowd. He's back on stage in a flash to bash the cymbals with his microphone. All this for a $5 cover!
September 18, 1991 - The Met - Spokane, WA, USA (Canceled)
supporting: Alice in Chains
This sold out show was canceled because the members of Alice in Chains were exhausted after touring. The concert was later rescheduled to November 16, 1991, but then with My Sister's Machine as the opening act.
Fall Tour - 1991
Pearl Jam begins on their first headlining tour of US (and four shows in Canada) in support of Ten, for the most part with opening act I Love You. However, after only nine shows the tour got canceled, when Red Hot Chili Peppers gave the opportunity to Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam to open up for them on a two-month North American tour.
September 25, 1991 - Harpo's - Victoria, BC, Canada
opening act: The Colour out of Space
setlist: -
September 26, 1991 - The Town Pump - Vancouver, BC, Canada
attendance: 307
opening act: Dead Surf Kiss, Mushroom Trail
incomplete setlist: Once, Even Flow, Alive, I've Got A Feeling
Pearl Jam debuts The Beatles "I've Got A Feeling". The bands studio version appears on the Japanese release of Ten and an early promo release of "Alive".
September 28, 1991 - Satyricon - Portland, OR, USA
opening act: Beauty Stab, Dirt Clod Fight, Eau de Nitro
setlist: Release, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Porch, Alive, Improv, Oceans, (Smells Like Teen Spirit), Deep, Garden, Jeremy, Why Go
encore 1: Black, Breath
encore 2: I've Got A Feeling
An intense show, as a fight spilled out of the nearby Roseland and someone was shot just prior to the start of Pearl Jam's show, seeming to affect Eddie quite a bit. Portland Oregonian: "The whole house was going berserk, with a couple people stage-diving near the end. Humidity was 100 percent, and the temperature seemed to hit triple digits, but much of the mania was helped along by the wild antics and herky-jerky movements of everyone in the band, especially Vedder, who at various times swung from the lights above the drummer, or climbed atop a nearby speaker column, or toppled flat on his face". Check out the setlist scan with "prompts" written to the left of the song list (eg: b-ball), apparently there to remind Eddie of the between song "impromptu" banter. He spoke of the Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Sonics and more.
September 30, 1991 - I-Beam - San Francisco, CA, USA
opening acts: I Love You, Law and Order
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, (Suggestion), State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Garden, Deep, Black, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
encore: I've Got A Feeling
Bad day for the band it seems. Equipment problems are apparent and fights break out in the crowd a lot. During "Even Flow", Eddie gets disgusted and flings the mic to the floor, choosing to bellow out the lyrics unaided. He can tell people in the back can't hear him though, so he quickly picks it back up. A capella version of Fugazi's "Suggestion". Eddie stands on a monitor and then tumbles into the audience during "Alive". "Garden" starts, and after the first verse Eddie sees a fight in the first row and breaks it up, then sings the second verse from down on the floor, which seems to calm people down. Then he says, "All right I'll trust you guys to be friends", and climbs back up on stage. Eddie suddenly jumps into the crowd again during "Jeremy", probably to break up another fight, since three crew members pile in after him. After "Why Go", Eddie quips, "I'm out of breath and Mike's out of clothes". Someone in the front hands Eddie a home-made stickman T-shirt. Eddie says, "This thing, gentlemen, is illegal", and then laughs. "Who did this? We love it". Eddie is holding it up for the audience to see and Jeff comes over to get a better look at it. Eddie says, "Pretty good job!" and Jeff is smiling and seems to agree. "I think he's gettin' better than you, Jeff". Eddie reads the tag, "100% cotton", shrugs and smiles. The mood lightens up a bit, and Eddie climbs like a maniac during "Porch". The end of the song is sung from the rafters. "I've Got a Feeling" is a long, jammy version, with Mike adding Hendrix bits and Eddie improvising lyrics.
October 1, 1991 - Cathouse - Los Angeles, CA, USA
opening act: I Love You
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Garden, Deep, Black, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch, Release
encore: I've Got A Feeling
October 2, 1991 - Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA, USA
attendance: 500 (sold out)
opening act: I Love You, Law and Order
setlist: Release, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Garden, Deep, Black, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
The venue was crawling with buzz killers - suits were everywhere, and Epic's publicity stuff had thoughtfully festooned the Troub's balcony railings with huge Pearl Jam posters before the show - but the stilted Industry Event vibe dissipated as soon as the lights went down, and Pearl Jam won over yet another jaded L.A. crowd. Among them, a Hollywood Reporter scribe who was wowed by Eddie's high-wire act, but apparently not enough to note the proper spelling of his name ("And when Vender climbed the lightning columns and sang from the ceiling, the crowd nearly erupted", read the review), and Guns N' Roses bassist and transplanted Seattleite Duff McKagan, who turned up backstage after the set.
October 3, 1991 - Airport Marriott Hotel - Los Angeles, CA, USA (Foundations Forum '91) (Canceled)
Epic had arranged for the band to perform at the Foundations Forum '91, a convention organized by the hard rock-heavy metal P.R. firm Concrete Marketing. Pearl Jam was slated to play after the Concrete Foundation Awards Ceremony but due to delays the band deciced (after some deliberation) to cancel their set. It would have put Pearl Jam on stage at around 2 A.M. and they had already promised photographer Chris Cuffaro to be available at 7 A.M. for his first attempt to direct a video ("Jeremy"). Although Stone, Jeff, Eddie and Mike joined Chris Cornell and Matt Cameron during the ceremony for a brief Temple of the Dog reunion on "Hunger Strike".
October 5, 1991 - Winter's - San Diego, CA, USA
attendance: Approx. 125 (sold out)
opening act: I Love You, Burning Hands
incomplete setlist: (Smells Like Teen Spirit), Jeremy
With Ten catching on, the club sells out and the crowd outside grows, with people insisting they are on the guest list. During a break between songs, Mike strums a few "Smells Like Teen Spirit" chords and Eddie, plus the entire crowd, begin singing along. A fan gets onstage and taps Eddie on the side of his face during the "hit me with a surprise left" lyric during "Jeremy".
October 6, 1991 - Hollywood Palladium - Los Angeles, CA, USA (RIP Magazine 5th Anniversary)
attendance: 4 000 (sold out)
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
Eddie comments that it was "a year ago tomorrow" since he met the band. This showcase show also featured Spinal Tap, Alice in Chains, Screaming Jets, Soundgarden and Thunder. A "special surprise guest" (rumored to be Metallica) was supposed to play, but it was announced that there was a mix up but the night wasn't over and, "... so the Seattle theme continues... ladies and gentlemen, Temple of the Dog!". Now the crowd has dwindled to only 500 people, but three songs are performed: "Hunger Strike", "Reach Down" and "Pushin Forward Back", together with Jerry Cantrell.
October 7, 1991 - Mason Jar - Phoenix, AZ, USA
attendance: Approx. 100
opening act: I Love You
setlist: -
Dave Schwartz: I worked for Tower Records at the time before the show the band minus Eddie (who was sick) came to Clicks Billiards (40th St and Thomas) and shot pool with a bunch of retail. Video of this whole event does exist, the old Sony rep was filming the whole time, but God only knows where she is now.
October 9, 1991 - Back Room - Austin, TX, USA
attendance: Approx. 100
opening act: I Love You
setlist: -
Pearl Jam brings grunge to the Back Room stage for less than 100 people after a Sound Exchange in-store. While doing a legendary rafter climb, Eddie Vedder's locks catch in the fire sprinkler head; the hair remained there until the stage was switched around years later.
October 10, 1991 - Trees - Dallas, TX, USA
attendance: Approx. 100
opening act: I Love You
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, (Bad Mouth), Alive, Garden, Deep, Black, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
encore: Breath, I've Got A Feeling
It takes a while for Eddie to warm up to the crowd but then he gets chatty, how they stole Dave from Dr. Tongue ("tough shit") and asks if Tom Landry is there. He tells about the Singles movie and how the next song is from the movie ("State Of Love And Trust"). Before "Alive" Eddie sings some lyrics from "Bad Mouth" by Fugazi. During "Alive" he climbs up a speaker stack and jumps off, later pulling off a shoe and looking at it saying, "I'm not getting enough air out of my Air Jordan's". A cool version of "Garden" features full harmonies by Jeff and Stone and Mike's sweet guitar solo. Then Eddie asks if Tom Landry is "... here tonight? He was on our guest list, huh? This is for Cowboy fans", leading to "Deep". "Jeremy" has a nice jam and Eddie explains the Jeremy story, asking the crowd if they know where Richardson, Texas is and how Jeremy shot himself in front of his English class. "Maybe he should have just ran away... why go home?" He says, "Almost all our titles are one word", leading to "Black". He counts off the "1,2,3,4" lead-in to "Porch" while Mike is still untangling his guitar cord and trying to plug it in.
October 11, 1991 - The Vatican - Houston, TX, USA
opening act: I Love You
incomplete setlist: I've Got A Feeling
Someone in the crowd shouts, "Where's Andy?", the band seems upset and Eddie replies, "He's in a good place now". Jeff sits with Doug Pinnick from King's X, watching support act I Love You's show from the back. No one seems to recognize Jeff. The place is half-full but Pearl Jam puts on a great show, blowing the audience away. The setlist is a mix of Ten songs with "I've Got A Feeling" near the end. The band mingled with fans after the show.
October 13, 1991 - The Point - Atlanta, GA, USA
opening act: I Love You
setlist: -
According to a regional Sony Music representative, attendance is well under capacity due to it being on a Sunday night and coinciding with an Atlanta Braves playoff game.
October 14, 1991 - Cat's Cradle - Carrboro, NC, USA
opening act: I Love You
soundcheck: Black (many times)
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Garden, Deep, Black, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
encore: I've Got A Feeling
"Black" is played repeated times during soundcheck while Eddie works out vocals. Attendance is below capacity but the band plays hard for the crowd. Opening act I Love You join Pearl Jam for the encore "I've Got A Feeling". The van the band has been travelling in during this tour is driven back to Seattle after this show. The replacement for the next few months of the Red Hot Chili Peppers tour is a bus, with a driver named Frank.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Tour - 1991 (Leg 1)
Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam supports Red Hot Chili Peppers on their Blood Sugar Sex Magik two-month tour of North America.
October 16, 1991 - Oscar Mayer Theater - Maddison, WI, USA
attendance: 2 300 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Why Go, Deep, Alive, (Suggestion), Porch
Before "Even Flow" Eddie mentions: "Do you guys feel lucky tonight? I mean is your blood pumping? This is our first show with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. You should feel lucky, and I feel lucky to be playing". During "Porch" Eddie climbed the amps to the side balcony, then to the outside of the balcony, then around to the other side, and then dropped into the pit.
October 17, 1991 - Duke Ellington Ballroom - DeKalb, IL, USA
attendance: Approx. 900
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Once, Porch
At this general admission show, all chairs were removed to accommodate the crowd. Eddie did his upside down swing from the bars onstage and dove into the crowd.
October 19, 1991 - C.Y. Stephens Auditorium - Ames, IA, USA
attendance: 2 309
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Garden, Alive, Why Go, Porch
Eddie makes some comments about playing basketball with Ames people at the dorm courts before the show and also explaining how Jeff's nickname is also "Ames".
October 20, 1991 - Royal Terrace Ballroom @ Peony Park - Omaha, NE, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Deep, Release
Brian Kiel: "My older brother had an extra ticket and invited me along, (and we) arrived shortly after Pearl Jam had started. Between songs, Eddie Vedder took a moment to ask everyone to back up a little bit and give people at the front a little space, made some mention of how it's good to be alive, or how we don't want anyone getting crushed, and then they launched into "Alive". Vedder jumped into the crowd during one song and crowdsurfed across. I distinctly remember passing him along, as he had a Red Hot Chili Peppers logo sticker affixed to the back of his shorts. After Pearl Jam finished, I — sadly in retrospect — spent much of the Smashing Pumpkins set at the very back, outside of the ballroom. While I was still able to hear the music, I was overheated from the Pearl Jam set and really needed to cool down".
October 22, 1991 - Central Park Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, (Suggestion), Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
While Pearl Jam hit the stage Master/Slave plays on the PA Sound system. Ed: "Hello, so you guys are all in here? You've been searched, you're safe now". After "Once", Eddie says "Just let me tell ya that is going to be a long night, everybody will get along in the front as one". "Alive" is dedicated to "... everyone who came out from Chicago, with love". Eddie is given a flower and comments, "This is the first flower I ever got. I think I'm gonna eat it!".
October 23, 1991 - MSU Auditorium - East Lansing, MI, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
October 25, 1991 - A.J. Palumbo Center - Pittsburgh, PA, USA
attendance: 3269
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
The crowd threw all the chairs to the back of the venue so they could mosh and stage-dive up front, just like in the videos. The Peppers' high-energy set climaxed with Flea smashing his bass and Smith overturning his drums and diving into the crowd on the Stooges' "Search and Destroy." There was less enthusiasm for the openers. The Pumpkins' "Gish" had been out for a few months and was a minor success. Pearl Jam's "Ten" came out in late August but really didn't kick in for people until 1992. The Pumpkins' frontman scolded the crowd, according to The Pittsburgh Press, saying, "Hey, you know Pittsburgh's got a really bad rap [expletives deleted]. You guys are supposed to be really lame. You sure didn't do a very good job during Pearl Jam".
October 26, 1991 - Cleveland Music Hall - Cleveland, OH, USA
attendance: 3 000 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
Entering to the opening music of "Master/Slave", Eddie greets a sparse crowd before starting "Wash": "Hello. Where is everybody? Smokin' beer? Drinkin' pot? For you guys who've come early, we'll make it worth your while". Still not awake, Eddie chides the crowd a second time: "It's the weirdest thing, I'm looking out at you. I feel like... it's just like a big movie, and I'm looking out at all you guys and it just looks like a big theater. It looks really boring. So if you feel like standing up and moving around or something, do it up". "Once" is powerful and energetic, getting a few on their feet ("Feels good!" Eddie yells during the first verse). To those who may be uninformed, Eddie says "So tonight we're the representative band from Seattle. You got Chicago (Smashing Pumpkins), you got Hollywood (Red Hot Chili Peppers). It's a beautiful night, this is Seattle" leading into "Even Flow". On the finale, "Porch," Eddie jumps down into the audience, bringing eight fans up on stage for a wild, dancing climax.
October 27, 1991 - Rochester Auditorium Center - Rochester, NY, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
Eddie jumps off a speaker stack and hurts his ankle.
October 29, 1991 - Concert Hall - Toronto, ON, Canada
attendance: 1 200 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
Manolis Zontanos: "I couldn't believe how raw and real they (Pearl Jam) were so I stopped this random dude, that was at the show, and said 'Hey dude, who is this band?' and the guy goes 'Pearl Jam', and I remember going on I am not gonna forget that fucking name! At the end of their set, Eddie Vedder took off his Red Hot Chili Peppers boxer shorts, that he was wearing through the show, and threw it out at the audience as he was completely naked... said goodbye and left! I definitely couldn't believe how strong they were for an opening act".
October 30, 1991 - Concert Hall - Toronto, ON, Canada
attendance: 450
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Oceans, Even Flow, Why Go, Jeremy, Alive, Once, Porch
Before "Oceans" Eddie says: "Last night everybody got crazy a little early, we're gonna start it off kinda slow tonight". Eddie dedicates "Alive" to his Butthole Surfers t-shirt, saying: "So tonight I break out my favorite Butthole Surfers t-shirt. The last time I wore it was in Chicago and I jumped in the crowd and they tore it to pieces, really pissed me off. But I got it back and tonight it lives!".
November 1, 1991 - Walter Brown Arena - Boston, MA, USA
attendance: 3 806 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
Eddie dives into the audience and surfs out to the soundboard and back.
November 2, 1991 - Memorial Auditorium - Burlington, VT, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, (Suggestion), Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
After "Why Go", Eddie says, "I have a gift for you. I know you guys get hungry up in front. No band's ever paid any attention to this. Don't ever tell 'em that Pearl Jam forgot about you. Some grapes for all my good friends and a banana for (unintelligible)".
November 3, 1991 - Springfield Civic Center - Springfield, MA, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Even Flow, (Suggestion), Why Go, Alive, Porch, I've Got A Feeling
Eddie greets the crowd: "Hello Springfield. I always knew if we played a room this big it would be half empty, but you know, to me, it just looks like a small club that's full. You guys are there. You're standing on an ice rink. We're gonna warm it up real slow. By the end of the night, it'll be melted away." Prior to "Alive", Eddie says, "We made some new friends right before the show... actually, I hope you're all friends. I hope you're all friends with each other." During "Porch", Eddie changes the words to, "What the fuck is this world coming to, can't even jump into the crowd without you takin the fuckin shirt on my back" He announces, "Enjoy the Pumpkins. After this, we've got the Red Hot fuckin' Chili Peppers," before "I've Got a Feeling". Great show; the band is really on.
November 4, 1991 - The Haunt - Ithaca, NY, USA
attendance: Approx. 100
opening act: Carnival Art
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, (Smells Like Teen Spirit)/(Suggestion), Jeremy, Why Go, State Of Love And Trust, Porch
encore: I've Got A Feeling
The back room wall is inscribed with Stone and Eddie's signatures. Eddie began swinging on some of the beams running the length of the ceiling during this show.
November 5, 1991 - Houston Field House - Troy, NY, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
Eddie asks if the crowd would hurt him if he came out there and proceeds to crowd surf to everyone's amazement.
November 7, 1991 - Landmark Theatre - Syracuse, NY, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Why Go, Alive, Garden, Black, Alone, Even Flow, Porch
In a quick 30-40 minute set, Pearl Jam is full of energy and Anthony Keidis jumps into the crowd following Eddie's stage dive. The theater is only half full and there are problems with the seats up front as people try to mosh but can't because of the permanent seats.
November 8, 1991 - CBGB - New York City, NY, USA
setlist: Black, Even Flow, Why Go, Jeremy, Alive, Once, Porch, I've Got A Feeling
This show was unannounced and the audience consisted primarily of fan club members and press. Before the unusual opener "Black" (by request) Eddie says: "Ever since I was 14 I wanted to come to this place, and now we're playing, so it's pretty cool". After ending the show with "I've Got A Feeling" Eddie says: "I had a feeling, we got a feeling, we gave it to you, and now we're leaving".
November 9, 1991 - Tower Records - Rockville, MD, USA (Acoustic)
attendance: Approx. 50
setlist: Wash, Black, Alive, (Suggestion)/(Smells Like Teen Spirit), Porch
Small, in-store promo for their first album, Ten, with Pearl Jam in a festive, friendly state. Before the set begins, Eddie is thumbing through a magazine trying to pick out his first tattoo and later modifies some of the "Alive" lyrics, a reference to selecting his tattoo on his arm, making the band laugh. ("Son, she said, why'd you pick that tattoo?" and later, "Is something wrong? she said. Of course there is, yeah. You're unplugged, she said. It's driving me crazy".) Eddie looks around during "Porch" for something to climb and, finding nothing, stands on Dave's kick drum. Excellent acoustic set. Signing and pictures follow the set.
November 9, 1991 - Bender Arena - Washington, DC, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, State Of Love And Trust, Even Flow, Garden, Alive, Black, Deep, Why Go, Porch, Leash
"Leash" is played for the first time and seems to be used frequently in later shows when the band runs out of songs.
November 11, 1991 - Roseland Ballroom - New York City, NY, USA
attendance: 3 200 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
Eddie apologizes for his hoarse voice. Half-way through the show Eddie takes off his shirt and underneath he's wearing a Mookie Blaylock #10 New Jersey Nets shirt and the crowd starts booing him. Eddie laughs a bit and says something to the effect of "You New Yorkers are tough".
November 12, 1991 - Roseland Ballroom - New York City, NY, USA
attendance: 3 200 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Even Flow, (Window Paine), Once, Alive, (Suggestion), Jeremy, Porch
A small riff from "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is played during the short version of "Window Paine", leading into "Once". During "Once", Eddie sings, "I've got nothin' to say... but I hope the Knicks win tonight". Eddie jokes about "George" (Bush) being in town and how the streets were blocked off. He goes on to say that "George called up, he wanted backstage passes for the Peppers. And I'm just happy to tell you that Flea told him to fuck off!", which leads into "Alive". Before "Porch", Eddie asks to see the biggest Knicks fan in the crowd and offers to take the fan to see the Knicks and the Nets play at MSG after the show. He dedicates the song to Earvin "Magic" Johnson. "The record company paid for us to go see a Knicks game in New York," Eddie said to Daily Collegian. "Mookie Blaylock (a player for the New Jersey Nets basketball team) is our cult hero... we named our album (1991's Ten) after his number."
November 13, 1991 - Rocky Point Palladium - Warwick, RI, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Even Flow, (Window Paine), Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
Eddie sings some lyrics from "Window Paine" by Smashing Pumpkins before "Alive".
November 14, 1991 - Tower Records - Yonkers, NY, USA (Acoustic)
setlist: Wash, Black, Alive, Oceans, Porch
Similar to the Tower Records appearance in Rockville. A small stage is set up in the record store and Pearl Jam performs a short, informal, excellent acoustic set. Eddie sings with no mic for half the show. He is hoarse after seven shows in seven days and he ad libs a line in "Alive" that garners a laugh from the crowd: "Is something wrong she said... of course there is yeah... I have no voice he said...". Someone in the crowd comments on Eddie's bandaged hand and he tells them he hurt it Tuesday (two nights before in New York at the Roseland) bashing Dave's cymbals. The small audience calls out requests so the band does "Oceans". They strum a bit of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" before "Porch". Eddie is wearing his white Doc Martens (the same ones in the photo on the cover of the Australian "Even Flow" CD single that got a lot of attention at the time.) Signing and pictures follow the set.
November 14, 1991 - Compact Disc World @ Menlo Park Mall - Edison, NJ, USA (Acoustic)
setlist: Black, Porch
This in-store appearance occurs at about 8pm, a few hours after an appearance at Tower Records in Yonkers, NY. The band plays acoustic without a P.A. system. Eddie thus sings without a mic and Dave's drums are left in New York City, so he keeps the beat on his legs. Signing and pictures follow the set.
November 15, 1991 - Roseland Ballroom - New York City, NY, USA
attendance: 3 200 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Black, Once, Even Flow, (Funky Crime)/(Window Paine), Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
After "Even Flow", Eddie sings a couple of lines from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Funky Crime", from Uplift Mofo Party Plan. (The line "I do what I wanna do!" is repeated throughout that song.) Before "Porch", Eddie jokes about his hand injury: "... if you're wondering about the cast, I saw the Michael Jackson video and I just wanted to be like him", a reference to Michael Jackson's gloved hand.
November 16, 1991 - Roseland Ballroom - New York City, NY, USA
attendance: 3 200 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
incomplete setlist: Release, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go
Setlist is incomplete. Eddie leads into "Alive" with: "So your parents can't give you no fucking shit for coming here and going crazy tonight 'cuz this is where they all lost their virginity. This building, this room might be the very reason you're alive".
November 17, 1991 - Rec Hall - State College, PA, USA
attendance: Approx. 3 000
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Even Flow, Why Go, Jeremy, Alive, Once, Porch
Daily Collegian: Unlike Smashing Pumpkins, warm-up act Pearl Jam, a grunge band from Seattle featuring musicians who were initially signed by Sub Pop records, was well received by the crowd. Eddie Vedder, lead singer for Pearl Jam, said his band has received much support from the crowds during the tour. "We were at the Roseland Ballroom in New York for four dates, and one night the crowd passed me all the way to the end of the hall. I was swimming along on top of them and they stole my Air Jordans... I had to finish the set barefoot", he said. His right hand was bandaged. He said he "smashed a cymbal" at a show and required 13 stiches, but that it didn't affect his performance. The crowd at Rec began to mosh as soon as Pearl Jam launched into its set. The band tries to let out as much energy as possible in its 30-minute show, Vedder said. "It may not look like we're there for long, but we work up quite a sweat", he said.
November 19, 1991 - Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Columbus, OH, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Even Flow, Once, Alive, Deep, Why Go, Porch
When Pearl Jam takes the stage, only a few hundred are present in the audience. This seems to bother Eddie, and he points to a small group near the front and says, "I'll play for these seven people right over here". Against the wishes of security, Pearl Jam brings about 25 people onstage for a mosh with the band, during "Porch".
November 20, 1991 - Kalamazoo State Theatre - Kalamazoo, MI, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
incomplete setlist: Black, Even Flow, Once, Alive, Deep
Originally scheduled for Wings Stadium.
November 21, 1991 - Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI, USA
attendance: 400
opening act: Zoo Gods
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Black, Deep, Jeremy, Why Go, (Funky Crime)/(Window Paine), Porch
encore: I've Got A Feeling
Eddie remarks, "There's nothing better in the whole world than a sea of people... it's just the tide has to go out a bit... take a step back... give a little breath and don't fuckin' get up here and jump unless you know what you're doing. Let's just enjoy the experience". Jeff asks Stone if Skully gets "paid double" with Stone responding, "I dunno... can we?" Eddie responds, "We're not doing this for us... it's for them". He then thanks the Chili Peppers for giving them the night off so they can "... be a real band" and introduces "State Of Love And Trust" as from the movie they are going to be in. The "Deep" lyrics are modified to "... on the edge of an Ann Arbor town". Eddie asks the crowd to pass him to the back during "Porch". "Outshined" and "Oceans" are intermingled in the jam during "I've Got A Feeling".
November 22, 1991 - State Theatre - Detroit, MI, USA
attendance: 2 900 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Even Flow, Once, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
A very chatty show. Eddie greets the crowd with "Good evening. A really nice place you have here. I don't know if you've been waiting for this but we have so...". "Release" leads in with "heys" instead of "whoas" and lyrics are changed to "We're in Detroit, like you somehow". Then, "OK, let's get this distortion here. The rest of the night's fuckin balls to the wall". After "Even Flow", Eddie notes, "I like the way this is set up: you got the hardcore fans right up front, the cool people are right after them... they're happy to go nuts with just their arms folded. And then in the back we got all these PEOPLE playing with themselves". During "Once", he sings, "I got nothing to say, except throw those guys out a window". Later: "I don't suppose any of you guys are Pistons fans, huh? Just... while no one's around... I just wanna tell ya: I feel really bad that the Bulls beat em. I'm... fuckem. I hate those fuckin Bulls, man. Those fuckin bastards. What an ego that Jordan guy's got, huh? I should tell you though: Michael Jordan is my illegitimate father. And Jeff, right after, (to Jeff: you ready to go?) Jeff and I are gonna go watch the Pistons play the Knicks as soon as we walk off stage. So, who should we root for? (crowd yells "Pistons"). This is for the Pistons... 1-2-3-4".
November 23, 1991 - State Theatre - Detroit, MI, USA
attendance: 2 900 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Black, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Deep, Why Go, Porch
November 24, 1991 - Indiana Convention Center - Indianapolis, IN, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
November 26, 1991 - Braden Auditorium - Normal, IL, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
incomplete setlist: Why Go, Deep, Alive
November 27, 1991 - Cincinnati Gardens - Cincinnati, OH, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Even Flow, Why Go, Alive, Jeremy, Once, Porch
From the start, Eddie addresses the high amount of security yet there are floor seats in place: "Good evening, hey you guys... hey hey, look... everybody's wearing blue (security). OK guys get ready, the pit's gonna get started any minute (sarcasm). We're just gonna play something slow so everbody's who's outside still drinking beer won't miss too much", leading to "Release". Before raising the energy level, Eddie continues "Alright, I just want to tell you something, we'd like to have you all up front up here but they talked to everybody before all the bands and we're not allowed to let you do anything but stand in your seats, so it's up to us to transmit. So we wanna fuckin' rock out, we want to fuckin' create chaos, but it's gonna have to be controlled, so have fun tonight anyways, we all fuckin' love you", leading into "Even Flow". Later, Eddie asks "So I guess we are the warmup band, are you guys warmin' up? Just wanna make sure you're still alive", leading to "Alive". The spoken line of "Once" is: "I got nothing to say, but the Cincinnati fire marshall can suck my d**k". To close, Eddie thanks the crowd "Alright, we're gonna play one more, then it's the Smashing Pumpkins, then the Red Hot Fuckin' Chili Peppers. And there might be a really good chance that I'm gonna join you (in the crowd), "cause it's no fun being so far away from you". He starts the verse of "Porch" with "1,2,3,4... What the fuck is this world / Coming to, you can't even / go to a concert and fuckin' / Be up here motherfucker". After starting the set with little to no reaction, the crowd gives the band a strong ovation to close their set.
November 29, 1991 - Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL, USA
attendance: 5 000 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Release, Even Flow, (Smells Like Teen Spirit), Once, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
Eddie is wearing a Detroit Lions hat and explains it's because he lost a bet with Anthony Kiedis about the Lions-Bears football game on Thanksgiving the day before. He then says to the crowd: "Everybody in the front row get your saliva working, spit on me, spit on this hat!". Before "Why Go" Eddie says: "I just want to tell you that the next song is called Why Go Home, and it was written for a girl named Heather and for the first time she's here tonight. She's out, she's here, so this is for you Heather". Eddie also talks about how he took the train to get to the show, and he also says he once had a dream about playing at the Aragon Ballroom.
November 30, 1991 - Roy Wilkins Auditorium - St. Paul, MN, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
December 2, 1991 - American Theatre - St. Louis, MO, USA
attendance: 1 500 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
December 3, 1991 - American Theatre - St. Louis, MO, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
December 4, 1991 - Memorial Hall - Kansas City, KS, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Once, Why Go, Even Flow, Deep, Jeremy, Alive, Porch
December 6, 1991 - Municipal Auditorium - New Orleans, LA, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
incomplete setlist: Porch
December 7, 1991 - The Unicorn - Houston, TX, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
incomplete setlist: Wash, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch, Leash
December 8, 1991 - City Coliseum - Austin, TX, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
incomplete setlist: Wash, Even Flow, Leash
During "Even Flow", Eddie climbs the wall adjacent to the stage, scales the rafter back to the middle of the stage (hanging above the crowd) and climbs down a rope back to the stage. Security tries to grab him as we went up the wall to no avail.
December 11, 1991 - Bronco Bowl - Dallas, TX, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: -
December 11, 1991 - Trees - Dallas, TX, USA
setlist: -
After the Bronco Bowl show Pearl Jam played this "last minute booking" concert in front of a small crowd, including friends of Dave Abbruzzese.
December 14, 1991 - Denver Coliseum - Denver, CO, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
setlist: Even Flow, Why Go, Once, Alive, Jeremy, Leash, Porch
Last show of the Red Hot Chili Peppers/Smashing Pumpkins/Pearl Jam tour. Both Mike and Stone smash guitars at the end of the set. Everyone in the band except Dave surfed briefly.
December 15, 1991 - Club DV8 - Salt Lake City, UT, USA
setlist: Once, Even Flow, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Black, Deep, Garden, Jeremy, Leash, Why Go, Porch
encore: Suggestion (Eddie solo)
After "Garden", Eddie notes, "We didn't put Jeremy on the list!" and asks the crowd if they want to hear "Jeremy" or another song, leading to a quick, little "hey ho, let's go" (Ramones "Blitzkrieg Bop"). Then they go into a few "Smell Like Teen Spirit" riffs, with Eddie following up by singing, "I feel stupid" to the "Teen Spirit" tune. Eddie sings two lines from "Outshined" as a lead-in to "Leash". At the end of "Porch", Jeff breaks his ankle so they cut the show short. Eddie comes out and sings "Suggestion" solo as a brief encore.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Tour - 1991/1992 (Leg 2)
The shows in Seattle and Vancouver was rescheduled to the beginning of February of 1992 by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam were originally booked to open but because of their first European tour they asked 7 Year Bitch to take their place "shortly after the ink was dry".
Red Hot Chili Peppers' singer Anthony Kiedis: "The longer we toured, the larger the crowds got. By the time we were scheduled to play the West Coast, we had jumped from theaters to full-fledged arenas, so the promoters felt we needed to add another band that was bigger than Pearl Jam. Nirvana's second album, Nevermind, had just exploded, and I was crazy about that record, so I suggested we get Nirvana to take Pearl Jam's place. Eddie and the guys were understanding about it, so Lindy (Goetz, Red Hot Chili Peppers' manager) called Nirvana, but their managers told him that they were unavailable. I picked up the phone and called Nirvana's drummer, Dave Grohl, myself. "Anthony Kiedis! Wow, we love you guys. We grew up listening to you in Seattle", Dave said. He told me they had just come off a huge tour, and Kurt Cobain was pretty worn out, but he'd try to talk him into doing the West Coast shows. And he did. Nirvana joined the bill, but then Billy Corgan pulled the Smashing Pumpkins off the bill. Apparently, he used to go out with Courtney Love, who was then Kurt's girlfriend, so he refused to be on the same bill with Nirvana, let alone open for them. So Pearl Jam was back aboard".
December 27, 1991 - Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena - Los Angeles, CA, USA
attendance: 16 000 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Why Go, Leash, Porch
Eddie jumps into the audience and runs the way to the back of the arena, then back to the stage. On his way back, he eats it big time on a row of seats that he didn't see. Full on, down on his face, in the middle of the crowd. Gets right up and keeps moving.
December 28, 1991 - O'Brien Pavilion - Del Mar, CA, USA
attendance: 8 000 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana
setlist: Once, Even Flow, Why Go, Jeremy, Alive, Leash, Porch
Eddie's daredevil stunts made this era of Pearl Jam live performances feel special, and while they must have become like one big blur after a while to the other band members, several have been well documented either in print or with video footage. Nirvana's drummer Dave Grohl talked to Spin Magazine in 2001 about the first time he saw Pearl Jam live: "I didn't sit and watch them play until the show in San Diego, where Eddie climbed the fuckin' lighting rig. I swear to God, he was like 250 feet up in the air. It was one of the scaries things I've ever seen live in my entire life. I've seen people cut themselves, I've seen people shit, I've seen people get beat up onstage, and I've seen people break bones, break their backs, and get concussions. Honestly, I was horrified. I was really scared that he was gonna die".
December 29, 1991 - ASU Activity Center - Tempe, AZ, USA
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana
setlist: Wash, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy, Why Go, Porch
Many fans missed Pearl Jam's performance because of the long wait at a security checkpoint. During "Porch", Eddie climbs the scaffolding and hangs upside down by his knees, singing the outtro chorus. The place is electrified as he jumps down, the crowd fearful someone might die. Lots of chat from Eddie and during Nirvana's set, he repeatedly comes from the wings of the stage, running top speed and diving far out into the crowd. He is carefully returned to the stage each time.
December 31, 1991 - Cow Palace - Daly City (San Francisco), CA, USA
attendance: 16 000 (sold out)
supporting: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana
setlist: Once, (Waiting Room), Even Flow, (Suggestion), Why Go, Jeremy, Alive, Leash, (Smells Like Teen Spirit), Porch
New Year's Eve and three great bands! Eddie comments, "If I wasn't in this band, I would still make sure I was here tonight". Eddie sings part of Fugazi's "Waiting Room" as an intro to "Even Flow". A driven performance, with a particularly intense version of "Alive". Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers assists with vocals during "Leash". The "Teen Spirit" teaser (actually the longest teaser I've heard) is followed by Stone's quip, "Just remember, we played it first". Eddie performs one of his finest stage dives, repeating it later during the "Yurtle The Turtle" encore with Red Hot Chili Peppers.
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