Monday, September 20, 2004
my first blog
Here I am blogging at work. I'm too worked up because my Pearl Jam vacation starts Thursday.
My road trip itinerary:
Noon, Thursday, SEP 23rd. Leave for Seattle. I plan on driving to Portland, getting some rest, then driving the rest of the way to Seattle. Should be in town by 10am on the 24th. Showbox this night baby! VIP tix, wooohooooo!
After spending the day partying with PJammin', AmentsChick, ontheflipside, AllNiteThing, and others...it'll be time to hangout at the Showbox with my Ramones shirt (provided by SENROCK) with at least 60 other jammers that I know of to this point, and rock out to Pearl Jam for show 1. My plan is to be at the stage in front of Mikey (the energizer guitar bunny). Straight to bed after the show.
Hop in the car and on the road to Boston. What a drive this will be, I've done round trip from Nashville to San Jose 6 times, twice via San Antonio, so I'm used to the distance. Hopefully my new jetta is broken in enough and ready (currently 7000 miles on it). I'm trying to make it 1100 miles the first day, 1100 the second day, and that'll leave me 850 for the last day. A little partying that night, the 27th after I pick up PJammin' at the airport and hook up with AllNiteThing and others. The 28th will be unbelieveable. I'll name some of who I'll be seeing, but I know I'll forget some, and will meet many others: Scarlett, brainofjb, whoyouare, el_kabong, abookamongstthemany, SENROCK, dreamncolor, and I'll name more after that day. Must remember to bring my digital camera. The concert tonight, almost exclusively 10 clubbers and their guest should be the best of the tour (just a guess). After the show should provide for much fun also.
Waking up sometime late the 29th, I must drink water, much much water lol. I'll be ready to do it again, the socializing, but not the drinking. I have to remember I have to drive to Chicago in the morning (what a good friend I am). So much more socializing with jammers in downtown Boston before night two, then another Pearl Jam experience.
On the road to Chicago the morning of the 30th to pick up my friend Neva. Get some sleep after some beers at her local irish pub.
here I go again, Oct 1st, an early start to Harrisburg, check into the hotel and then off to the Sovereign Center 60 miles away. The first VFC PJ show. What will we get? How much different will it be from Boston?
Oct 2nd, the drive to Toledo, I'm glad the hotel is 7 miles from the venue. get there and chill a bit before heading out to a jammer pre show get together. After the show it's back for some rest.
Oct 3rd, wow, it's a quick drive to Grand Rapids, oops, actually we'll be staying in Holland, about 27 miles away I think. Get checked in after a short drive, comparatively to the previous legs, and then head out to Grand Rapids for some fun before the show.
My day off, Oct 4th, take Neva back to Chi-town and relax. I'll head out to St Louis in the morning.
Oct 5th, my last show today on this tour, off to St Louis, I'm glad my hotel is a 1mile from from the Fox Theater, I'm so looking forward to this show. It's the scene of my first PJ show back in 94. 94 a great start to PJ concerts, had the chance to see them in St Louis, Murfeesburo, and Memphis.
Oct 6th, on the way back home, I think I'll stop in Reno if I have any money left, lol.
Not sure all that will actually happen on this trip, but hopefully it'll be major trouble free.
the tiki bartender
My road trip itinerary:
Noon, Thursday, SEP 23rd. Leave for Seattle. I plan on driving to Portland, getting some rest, then driving the rest of the way to Seattle. Should be in town by 10am on the 24th. Showbox this night baby! VIP tix, wooohooooo!
After spending the day partying with PJammin', AmentsChick, ontheflipside, AllNiteThing, and others...it'll be time to hangout at the Showbox with my Ramones shirt (provided by SENROCK) with at least 60 other jammers that I know of to this point, and rock out to Pearl Jam for show 1. My plan is to be at the stage in front of Mikey (the energizer guitar bunny). Straight to bed after the show.
Hop in the car and on the road to Boston. What a drive this will be, I've done round trip from Nashville to San Jose 6 times, twice via San Antonio, so I'm used to the distance. Hopefully my new jetta is broken in enough and ready (currently 7000 miles on it). I'm trying to make it 1100 miles the first day, 1100 the second day, and that'll leave me 850 for the last day. A little partying that night, the 27th after I pick up PJammin' at the airport and hook up with AllNiteThing and others. The 28th will be unbelieveable. I'll name some of who I'll be seeing, but I know I'll forget some, and will meet many others: Scarlett, brainofjb, whoyouare, el_kabong, abookamongstthemany, SENROCK, dreamncolor, and I'll name more after that day. Must remember to bring my digital camera. The concert tonight, almost exclusively 10 clubbers and their guest should be the best of the tour (just a guess). After the show should provide for much fun also.
Waking up sometime late the 29th, I must drink water, much much water lol. I'll be ready to do it again, the socializing, but not the drinking. I have to remember I have to drive to Chicago in the morning (what a good friend I am). So much more socializing with jammers in downtown Boston before night two, then another Pearl Jam experience.
On the road to Chicago the morning of the 30th to pick up my friend Neva. Get some sleep after some beers at her local irish pub.
here I go again, Oct 1st, an early start to Harrisburg, check into the hotel and then off to the Sovereign Center 60 miles away. The first VFC PJ show. What will we get? How much different will it be from Boston?
Oct 2nd, the drive to Toledo, I'm glad the hotel is 7 miles from the venue. get there and chill a bit before heading out to a jammer pre show get together. After the show it's back for some rest.
Oct 3rd, wow, it's a quick drive to Grand Rapids, oops, actually we'll be staying in Holland, about 27 miles away I think. Get checked in after a short drive, comparatively to the previous legs, and then head out to Grand Rapids for some fun before the show.
My day off, Oct 4th, take Neva back to Chi-town and relax. I'll head out to St Louis in the morning.
Oct 5th, my last show today on this tour, off to St Louis, I'm glad my hotel is a 1mile from from the Fox Theater, I'm so looking forward to this show. It's the scene of my first PJ show back in 94. 94 a great start to PJ concerts, had the chance to see them in St Louis, Murfeesburo, and Memphis.
Oct 6th, on the way back home, I think I'll stop in Reno if I have any money left, lol.
Not sure all that will actually happen on this trip, but hopefully it'll be major trouble free.
the tiki bartender
# posted by The Tiki Bartender @ 3:20 PM 
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The Benaroya tshirt.
So at the Benaroya Hall YouthCare Benefit last year, after the show, I was hanging out with some fellow jammers in the lobby when a young lady, mid to late teens, pulled me aside and started giving me the third degree on whether I was a big PJ fan.
Once satisfied, she pulled out a YouthCare tshirt signed by the band. She just gave it to me. I asked her if she was sure, and she told me that the YouthCare organization helped get her off the streets 2 months before, and during that time while they were helping her get on her feet, she saw Stone come by, and a few of the counselors commented on what a great supportor of YouthCare that Pearl Jam has been. Later she found out she was getting a free ticket to go to the Benefit show PJ was putting on. She got to meet the band members, and get their autographs, and said they were really very nice, normal, and yet very cool people. She said she didn't know where she got the idea, but it just felt good once she thought of finding a PJ fan and giving the signed shirt to them (me). She said that she'd never forget what YouthCare has done for her, and PJ's support of them was so important and appreciated.
If was a very surreal moment for me. Thinking about what she came from and how the kindness of others has helped her stand on her own two feet, and be so generous to another.
So since that night I've been looking for an opportunity to get this shirt to the band. I think I'll have no problem doing to friday night, Sept 24th. I have the memory, the shirt, I think would mean more to them, and they can pass along the story to the YouthCare people.
wish me luck.
So at the Benaroya Hall YouthCare Benefit last year, after the show, I was hanging out with some fellow jammers in the lobby when a young lady, mid to late teens, pulled me aside and started giving me the third degree on whether I was a big PJ fan.
Once satisfied, she pulled out a YouthCare tshirt signed by the band. She just gave it to me. I asked her if she was sure, and she told me that the YouthCare organization helped get her off the streets 2 months before, and during that time while they were helping her get on her feet, she saw Stone come by, and a few of the counselors commented on what a great supportor of YouthCare that Pearl Jam has been. Later she found out she was getting a free ticket to go to the Benefit show PJ was putting on. She got to meet the band members, and get their autographs, and said they were really very nice, normal, and yet very cool people. She said she didn't know where she got the idea, but it just felt good once she thought of finding a PJ fan and giving the signed shirt to them (me). She said that she'd never forget what YouthCare has done for her, and PJ's support of them was so important and appreciated.
If was a very surreal moment for me. Thinking about what she came from and how the kindness of others has helped her stand on her own two feet, and be so generous to another.
So since that night I've been looking for an opportunity to get this shirt to the band. I think I'll have no problem doing to friday night, Sept 24th. I have the memory, the shirt, I think would mean more to them, and they can pass along the story to the YouthCare people.
wish me luck.
Wow, what a week +
I only now have a moment to post a comment. I left last Thursday, SEP 23rd for Seattle from San Jose, CA. Not a bad drive. Met up with fellow jammer Chuck (PJammin') and then with Mike, Jill, Meredith, Kelly, and her sister (name forgotten already, sorry). the donation I made for my VIP ticket was well worth it.
Mike and I both had VIP passes, and we got let it during the soundcheck, though before turning the corner in the Showbox to see the band we were kicked out by the Showbox owner, the band didn't want anyone in for the soundcheck.
Later, we finally got in, and I planted myself right between Mike and Jeff, and the were almost on top of each other with the small stage.
Ed came out and gave us "Don't Be Shy" by Cat Stevens as a preset. I think it was an appropriate song and quite protest on his part after the treatment of Yusuf Islam the week before. What's up with the diversion from DC to Maine? What it's ok for Maine to be blown up?
Smoosh rocked for 10 and 12 year old girls. I'm curious to see if they will be around in 7 or 8 years in music. It was cool seeing the band sneek out and watch Smoosh from the side.
Finally the wait was over, let the tour begin....it was a great show. I fought the audience behind me off the whole night, I was as tired and beat up as I've ever been after a rancid mosh pit. At the end of the show, I through my hands up and yelled, "I Won" in defiance off all those behind me that I held at bay, lol.
What can I say, the first set ROCKED...with hail, hail and 1/2 full, American in me (avengers cover), and finishing with Go all highlights for me.
The acoustic set with small town, footsteps, and a reworked Masters of War were brilliant. I'm really loving the acoustic sets, anytime Mike breaks out the 12 string is a good time.
The entire final set was kick ass, Even Flow, The Seeker (who cover full band), Down, and New World (X cover with John Doe from X) were all highlights.
All I could think going to bed is what's next???
I only now have a moment to post a comment. I left last Thursday, SEP 23rd for Seattle from San Jose, CA. Not a bad drive. Met up with fellow jammer Chuck (PJammin') and then with Mike, Jill, Meredith, Kelly, and her sister (name forgotten already, sorry). the donation I made for my VIP ticket was well worth it.
Mike and I both had VIP passes, and we got let it during the soundcheck, though before turning the corner in the Showbox to see the band we were kicked out by the Showbox owner, the band didn't want anyone in for the soundcheck.
Later, we finally got in, and I planted myself right between Mike and Jeff, and the were almost on top of each other with the small stage.
Ed came out and gave us "Don't Be Shy" by Cat Stevens as a preset. I think it was an appropriate song and quite protest on his part after the treatment of Yusuf Islam the week before. What's up with the diversion from DC to Maine? What it's ok for Maine to be blown up?
Smoosh rocked for 10 and 12 year old girls. I'm curious to see if they will be around in 7 or 8 years in music. It was cool seeing the band sneek out and watch Smoosh from the side.
Finally the wait was over, let the tour begin....it was a great show. I fought the audience behind me off the whole night, I was as tired and beat up as I've ever been after a rancid mosh pit. At the end of the show, I through my hands up and yelled, "I Won" in defiance off all those behind me that I held at bay, lol.
What can I say, the first set ROCKED...with hail, hail and 1/2 full, American in me (avengers cover), and finishing with Go all highlights for me.
The acoustic set with small town, footsteps, and a reworked Masters of War were brilliant. I'm really loving the acoustic sets, anytime Mike breaks out the 12 string is a good time.
The entire final set was kick ass, Even Flow, The Seeker (who cover full band), Down, and New World (X cover with John Doe from X) were all highlights.
All I could think going to bed is what's next???
Well I made it to Boston...60 hours from Seattle to Boston. 10 hours were sleeping. I was pretty exausted and happy to see a bed when I got to my hotel, since I slept in the car at rest stops twice on the way.
I hung out with PJammin' some that day, then met up with jammers that afternoon at The Harp. I can't remember everyone, but some were: BlueSaffron, AllNiteThing, Jamaniac, Dreamncolor, Scarlett, brainofjb, purplechick, and you know what right now I can't remember, the boards been down to long, and I'm forgetting names, but at least 25 other board members I had the privelege to meet that day.
Off to the show, bought a shirt and hat, only going to get the Fox Theater poster on the 5th.
Ed came out and did a preset: Don't be shy and hide your love away, I didn't stick around for Gob Roberts this night, DCFC was alright, I like them, but they are so mellow for a PJ opening band.
Fucking "Release" still my absolute favorite opener. I was Mikes side 18th row overall, not too bad. they kicked it into gear after Release, and Untitled/MFC were great to hear again.
acoustic set gave us: LOW LIGHT....what else can be said, what a song Jeff.
yes, the 2nd encore gave me what I wanted, it was left off the showbox show, though it made the setlist...Bleed For Me (dead kennedy's cover) followed by Blood, holy fuck this rocked, Ed's destroying these songs, he's on fire.
Ed talked to us about the West Memphis Three and then they ripped through Alive to leave us until tomorrow.
I love this band, and dam...again, what will tomorrow bring???
I hung out with PJammin' some that day, then met up with jammers that afternoon at The Harp. I can't remember everyone, but some were: BlueSaffron, AllNiteThing, Jamaniac, Dreamncolor, Scarlett, brainofjb, purplechick, and you know what right now I can't remember, the boards been down to long, and I'm forgetting names, but at least 25 other board members I had the privelege to meet that day.
Off to the show, bought a shirt and hat, only going to get the Fox Theater poster on the 5th.
Ed came out and did a preset: Don't be shy and hide your love away, I didn't stick around for Gob Roberts this night, DCFC was alright, I like them, but they are so mellow for a PJ opening band.
Fucking "Release" still my absolute favorite opener. I was Mikes side 18th row overall, not too bad. they kicked it into gear after Release, and Untitled/MFC were great to hear again.
acoustic set gave us: LOW LIGHT....what else can be said, what a song Jeff.
yes, the 2nd encore gave me what I wanted, it was left off the showbox show, though it made the setlist...Bleed For Me (dead kennedy's cover) followed by Blood, holy fuck this rocked, Ed's destroying these songs, he's on fire.
Ed talked to us about the West Memphis Three and then they ripped through Alive to leave us until tomorrow.
I love this band, and dam...again, what will tomorrow bring???
before I start about B2...I have to say that this being my 31st PJ show, and I've seen a few of the special fan memorable ones, that Boston 2 is at this time to greatest Pearl Jam show I've seen, heard, or been told about. The setlist blew me away, and I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
off I go...tonight I'm 6th row on Stone's side. Forgot to mention that at the Showbox, we, the up front dudes decided that the PJ drumtech that looks like a young Stone, is not to be called Stone Jr anymore, he is now "Pebble"...get it Stone, Pebble :) Moving on, I'm so ready, I know there will be a preset, and sneak up to third row center for it, and Ed accomodates me with "I Am A Patriot" flawlessly.
I like Gob Roberts, great protest music. I'm over DCFC at this time, just to mellow, so I walk about.
Here comes PJ...
setlist: Go, Animal, Do the Evolution, Save You, The American in Me (The Avengers), Immortality, Wishlist, Grievance, Alone, Present Tense, Corduroy, I Believe in Miracles, Once
encore 1 (acoustic): Lukin, Off He Goes, Man of the Hour, Parting Ways, Black
encore 2: The Seeker (The Who), Daughter/(War), Glorified G, Lion's Share (Germs), The New World (X) (with Tim Robbins)
encore 3: I've Got a Feeling, Rockin' in the Free World
Ed ripped through the entire night. I loved Corduroy (Johnny Ramones favorite PJ song, we miss you Johnny), what can be said other than they went through these songs with such intensity, Ed sung with such vocal authority, especially the punk covers, Jeff was bouncing all night, and Mike is definitely the energizer bunny on his off days, Stone was great, he is fun to watch, though not as fun as Mike. Matt's drumming is really powerful, more so than I usually feel. BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM is such a great addition.
I still can't realistically and properly express how I feel about this experience, but I'll never forget it.
off I go...tonight I'm 6th row on Stone's side. Forgot to mention that at the Showbox, we, the up front dudes decided that the PJ drumtech that looks like a young Stone, is not to be called Stone Jr anymore, he is now "Pebble"...get it Stone, Pebble :) Moving on, I'm so ready, I know there will be a preset, and sneak up to third row center for it, and Ed accomodates me with "I Am A Patriot" flawlessly.
I like Gob Roberts, great protest music. I'm over DCFC at this time, just to mellow, so I walk about.
Here comes PJ...
setlist: Go, Animal, Do the Evolution, Save You, The American in Me (The Avengers), Immortality, Wishlist, Grievance, Alone, Present Tense, Corduroy, I Believe in Miracles, Once
encore 1 (acoustic): Lukin, Off He Goes, Man of the Hour, Parting Ways, Black
encore 2: The Seeker (The Who), Daughter/(War), Glorified G, Lion's Share (Germs), The New World (X) (with Tim Robbins)
encore 3: I've Got a Feeling, Rockin' in the Free World
Ed ripped through the entire night. I loved Corduroy (Johnny Ramones favorite PJ song, we miss you Johnny), what can be said other than they went through these songs with such intensity, Ed sung with such vocal authority, especially the punk covers, Jeff was bouncing all night, and Mike is definitely the energizer bunny on his off days, Stone was great, he is fun to watch, though not as fun as Mike. Matt's drumming is really powerful, more so than I usually feel. BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM is such a great addition.
I still can't realistically and properly express how I feel about this experience, but I'll never forget it.
The Sovereign Center, so tiny compared to the Fleet. I'm ready, missed everything before PJ came on, only arrived after leaving Boston on the off day for Chicago to pick up a friend, then the day of the concert drove to the Sovereign Center.
I knew this show would be fun, the crowd was so energenic and the sing alongs were great, which was the majority of the show. SAD, finally...it was everything I thought it would be. I'm so happy to have gotton this live.
I love how much the setlist differed from Boston, but still with the punk covers.
Ed's talk with us, using his relationship with Johnny as an example was brilliant, moving, and really something that everyone in the country should hear. I'll remember his words for a longtime if not forever.
Thanks Ed.
They finished the night with Alive at the end of the 2nd encore, then the last encore brought Baba O'Riley and YellowLedbetter...wow, what love we are getting.
I knew this show would be fun, the crowd was so energenic and the sing alongs were great, which was the majority of the show. SAD, finally...it was everything I thought it would be. I'm so happy to have gotton this live.
I love how much the setlist differed from Boston, but still with the punk covers.
Ed's talk with us, using his relationship with Johnny as an example was brilliant, moving, and really something that everyone in the country should hear. I'll remember his words for a longtime if not forever.
Thanks Ed.
They finished the night with Alive at the end of the 2nd encore, then the last encore brought Baba O'Riley and YellowLedbetter...wow, what love we are getting.
I love you Neil, you are a fucking rock God.
When I get a hold of this show on boot, and I will if it exists, I'm ensuring it's widely distributed to all. What a show.
We got I am a Patriot and hide your love away with Ed's preset then:
setlist: Long Road, Corduroy, Hail Hail, Save You, The American in Me (The Avengers), Cropduster, I am Mine, Wishlist, Better Man, I Believe in Miracles, Even Flow, Bleed for Me (The Dead Kennedys), Alive
encore 1 (acoustic): Thumbing My Way, Elderly Woman, Black
encore 2 (acoustic): Harvest Moon (Neil Young, Ed, & Pegi Young)
encore 3 (Neil Young w/ Pearl Jam & Peter Frampton): All Along the Watchtower, Act of Love, Cortez the Killer, Rockin' in the Free World
this is the first time I've seen Neil plugged in live in at least 8 years. I've got a lot of acoustic Neil at BSB the last 5 yrs though.
Neil Young took over and he rocked are asses off with an assist by Pearl Jam, lol
At the end of RITFW even Ed was exhausted.
thank you for this night PJ, but what can be next???
When I get a hold of this show on boot, and I will if it exists, I'm ensuring it's widely distributed to all. What a show.
We got I am a Patriot and hide your love away with Ed's preset then:
setlist: Long Road, Corduroy, Hail Hail, Save You, The American in Me (The Avengers), Cropduster, I am Mine, Wishlist, Better Man, I Believe in Miracles, Even Flow, Bleed for Me (The Dead Kennedys), Alive
encore 1 (acoustic): Thumbing My Way, Elderly Woman, Black
encore 2 (acoustic): Harvest Moon (Neil Young, Ed, & Pegi Young)
encore 3 (Neil Young w/ Pearl Jam & Peter Frampton): All Along the Watchtower, Act of Love, Cortez the Killer, Rockin' in the Free World
this is the first time I've seen Neil plugged in live in at least 8 years. I've got a lot of acoustic Neil at BSB the last 5 yrs though.
Neil Young took over and he rocked are asses off with an assist by Pearl Jam, lol
At the end of RITFW even Ed was exhausted.
thank you for this night PJ, but what can be next???
Well, I'm leaving for the Grand Rapids show in an hour.
I been thinking, my take on the shows is they are an audio thank you by the band for our support.
So far, it seems they are more and more thankful each night.
How much more can a PJ fan take, we are on overload already :)
I guess I'll have to endure it though, lol
I been thinking, my take on the shows is they are an audio thank you by the band for our support.
So far, it seems they are more and more thankful each night.
How much more can a PJ fan take, we are on overload already :)
I guess I'll have to endure it though, lol
dam, I was exhausted after making it home back in Cali, never followed up after Grand Rapids.
I swear they just finished cleaning up the cow dung off the floor when they opened the doors to let us in at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids. Holds around 4500-5500 I believe. The show was great, and if you were there and heard the loud banging of the roof from the upper section left of the stage as you face it, that was me and a few others in the last row up top. I never did it during any of the songs though, that was the other guys, lol.
The next morning took of to Chicago, a short 3 hr driven thankfully. Relaxed in Chicago that day and night, at my friends, then drove to St Louis in the morning for the final show of my trip.
Arrived at the Fox Theater around 2pm, and when I picked up my ticket from will call, I was able to purchase a 4th row, in front of Jeff, ticket that was just released. I met some jammers from Chicago...Jon, Amy, Barbara from Italy but living in England. Great show, the site of my first PJ concert back in '94. Loved the setlist, and I called Mike playing the star spangled banner, which he played part of in YL. Great finish to a great 7 show trip for me. I'll try to add more later.
I swear they just finished cleaning up the cow dung off the floor when they opened the doors to let us in at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids. Holds around 4500-5500 I believe. The show was great, and if you were there and heard the loud banging of the roof from the upper section left of the stage as you face it, that was me and a few others in the last row up top. I never did it during any of the songs though, that was the other guys, lol.
The next morning took of to Chicago, a short 3 hr driven thankfully. Relaxed in Chicago that day and night, at my friends, then drove to St Louis in the morning for the final show of my trip.
Arrived at the Fox Theater around 2pm, and when I picked up my ticket from will call, I was able to purchase a 4th row, in front of Jeff, ticket that was just released. I met some jammers from Chicago...Jon, Amy, Barbara from Italy but living in England. Great show, the site of my first PJ concert back in '94. Loved the setlist, and I called Mike playing the star spangled banner, which he played part of in YL. Great finish to a great 7 show trip for me. I'll try to add more later.
a thought for today, with genecide happening in Darfur region of Sudan, 10s of thousands dieing, why doesn't the Bush feel that this is a good enough reason to go in and stop it through force, when he had no problem with the killing of innocents in Iraq when he order U S forces to invade that country because of it might potentially do?
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