Notes from a Stadium Show

We went to see Pearl Jam last night at Marvel Stadium. I got home at about 11.45 p.m. Hence no blog yesterday. 

But, here are some notes from what I found at Marvel Stadium. 

1. The Pixies are still God. And Emma Richardson the new bassist is excellent. 

2. Get a mob of Gen X people together in a stadium and they tend to look after each other. It was a really respectful crowd. 

3. You have to buy the t-shirt. If you don't buy the t-shirt, you weren't there. Okay, that's not really true, but in memory of my mate Andy, who had the best collection of band t-shirts ever, I'm trying to catch up a bit. 

4. Eddie Vedder appears to be a really nice man. At one stage somebody in the audience got into trouble. He stopped mid-song, made sure the person got help, then went on.  It was a really cool moment. 

5. Pearl Jam fans seem to be middle aged men. And a lot of rather fine middle aged me. Where do they hide normally? 

6. How is it a t-shirt can cost the same as a round of drinks? The drinks were a dollar more than the t-shirt. Oh well. 

7. There is a big difference between loving a band and LOVING a band. 

I LOVE The Pixies. 

I like Pearl Jam. 

I can see the appeal of the latter, but The Pixies will always be my band. 

8. Standing up and not moving much over four hours in a stadium is hard when you're in your 50s. The thought, I'm too old for this shit comes to mind, but it's still fun. 

9. Loop Engage earplugs make concerts all the better. I put mine in for Pearl Jam - got to hear everything, but 20 decibels quieter. No ringing ears the next day. I love that. 

10. Pearl Jam did a wonderful cover of Hunters and Collectors Throw Your Arms Around Me, and Neil Young's Rocking in the Free World. The latter I heard from outside the stadium as I was walking to the train. 

Thank the Universe for live music.

Today's song: