The official Pearl Jam topic

slight difference in sales

Gonna bump this thread now.

So, PJ have announced the European tour and I'm happy they're comming to Amsterdam in June 16, really looking forward to the show!

There's only one problem. I'm only starting my journey as the fan of this band and I have 6 months to become a real fan in order to fully prepare for a show, that I have very high expectations for. Right now for me PJ is at the level where Bruce Springsteen was 3-4 years ago, which means, I hear all the hype, and I'm aware how good they are and their live performances, setlists, energy, etc., but I'm yet to actually become a fan of most of their material. So I need your help to become a fan

I'm already listening and really liking the Lightning Bolt album, also have listened to Ten a few times, but what else? Sure, I'm gonna check all the hits of the compilations (like the Rearviewmirror compilation), but I need more advice. Which live concert shall I watch? Because it seems like they have released quite a few of them. Shall I watch any documentaries of them? I saw there's one called Twenty - is that good? Also, any YouTube videos of their best performances from a dedicated fan to someone like me (and my buddy) would be very appreciated.

Also, what about sign requests? Is there a point in making one of these before seeing them? Currently, my favorite songs of theirs are Yellow Ledbetter and Last Kiss. The former is played quite frequently, while the later is only performed on occasions, so I'm thinking of making a sign asking for that song. Is this likely to increase my chances or are they just not one of those bands that play songs of signs? It would make sense if they do, considering how much they change their sets on a regular basis.

Lastly, the Amsterdam show is the opening of the European leg. Is this a good sign or a bad one? Cause some artists/bands tend to make their first show special, whereas our beloved Jon usually treats them like a warm-ups. Or does PJ simply deliver every time and I should not worry about that?

I really hope this board has enough PJ diehards to help me out, thanks!

I am indescribably excited about Pearl Jam at my favourite ever venue, the Milton Keynes Bowl! I'll be getting tickets the second that they go onsale.

The Rearviewmirror compilation is as good a place as any to start - if you did want to listen to the actual studio albums, this is my personal ranking of them, from best to worst (although still good):

Ten
Vs.
Pearl Jam (aka The Avacado Album)
Vitalogy
Yield
No Code
Binaural
Backspacer
Riot Act

Haven't decided on an exact placement for Lightning Bolt yet, but it wouldn't be any higher than Binaural

I've never actually seen any of their DVDs, so I can't comment there, but I would guess that Immagine In Cornice or Live At The Garden are probably the best ones for seeing how the band are now. If you want to see them at their absolute peak though, search youtube for Pinkpop 1992 - the full show is on there and it is phenomenal. Pearl Jam Twenty is a good watch if you're interested in the band's history, but there's not a lot of performance footage so it may not be of much use to you.

I don't know regarding sign requests, they do vary their setlists a lot though. I don't think there is much chance of Last Kiss, but might be worth a try!

And finally, they pretty much always bring it for every show. As all bands should ... I really don't understand Jon's "warm up show" rubbish, if they are going to do that then they should offer cheaper tickets for those shows. I'm sure Pearl Jam will be fantastic in Amsterdam though ... let us know how it is to get me pumped for Milton Keynes the month after!

I'm gonna miss out on seeing these one day. I don't think I can go to MK or Leeds. I'm terrified this will be my last chance.

I've just discovered 'Sad' from 'Lost Dogs'. Great song!

Although not a hardcore fan by any means, I'm seriously considering going to the Milton Keynes show next year. For someone who's only ever owned (and loved) Ten and rearviewmirror, how much am I going to enjoy it?

Hopefully you'll really enjoy it. Only bad side is the site itself. It's so badly run I find it hard to see why it keeps going.

I'm sure you'll find it awesome!

Tickets bought for MK. I've been absolutely buzzing for it since buying them before Christmas. There's no other band that gets me this excited about nearly everything they do - kind of a One Direction/12 year old girl type of excitement.

I wasn't overly impressed by the price of the tickets mind you. I'm hoping for a half day festival type of event with some quality support for that money.

Slowly becoming obsessed. It's at that stage where every song I discover/give a proper listen to I am learning to love.

I enjoy it when this happens with a band!