As we find ourselves well into the latter half of 2023, there’s a resounding and long-awaited note of excitement in the air for Pearl Jam fans.
On August 31st, the iconic band graced the stage at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, marking their very first concert of the year. The setlist, comprising a mighty 24 songs, was a tantalizing blend of classics from their extensive discography, with a special nod to the early days.
The evening began with an unexpected twist as the band, quite literally, took their seats. Pearl Jam’s electrifying performance commenced with “Indifference,” a timeless gem from their album ‘Vs.’ This was a momentous occasion as the song had not seen the stage in nearly three decades.
After this emotive start, they dispensed with the stools, launching into a dynamic series of 19 tracks. The playlist spanned the spectrum, featuring not only their signature hits like “Black” and “Yellow Ledbetter” but also captivating cover renditions of Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” and Victoria Williams’ “Crazy Mary.”
For fans, this gig was a long-awaited reunion with Pearl Jam, as the band had wrapped up their previous tour back in September 2022 with a memorable show in Denver, Colorado.
The excitement doesn’t stop there, though. Pearl Jam’s 2023 mini-tour is set to paint the musical landscape with more of their legendary performances.
After their initial stop in St. Paul, they’ll continue to captivate audiences in cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Ft. Worth, and Austin, totaling nine shows during this brief yet exhilarating trek.
But that’s not all. Behind the scenes, Pearl Jam has been hard at work in the studio, crafting the successor to their 2020 masterpiece, ‘Gigaton.’ This exciting news has been making waves in the international press, with guitarist Stone Gossard sharing some tantalizing tidbits.
#PearlJam in St. Paul!! This show was just what I needed! See everyone on Saturday! #StPaul #Minneapolis #Minnesota pic.twitter.com/IN9C90ejB1
— Samia Dillsi (@SamIamLax) September 1, 2023
He revealed that the forthcoming album is inching closer to completion, promising that it will be nothing short of spectacular. What’s more, the band’s collaboration with producer Andrew Watt is turning out to be a match made in musical heaven.
According to Gossard, Watt’s dedication and passion for Pearl Jam’s music shine through, making him not just a producer but a true aficionado of their sound, capable of playing their songs, and even those of Soundgarden, with unparalleled precision.
St. Paul Night 1 ✔️ pic.twitter.com/hREpBaJUGZ
— Pearl Jam 🇺🇦 (@PearlJam) September 1, 2023
For Pearl Jam devotees, 2023 is shaping up to be a year filled with unforgettable moments, both on stage and in the studio, as the band continues to enthrall the world with their timeless melodies and unwavering passion for their craft.
