Pearl Jam Electrifies Hometown Crowd with Epic Performance at The Climate Pledge Arena

The band began in shadow with a rousing rendition of “Release” from their debut album Ten before segueing into “Thin Air.” After that, the band took a brief pause as Vedder looked around at the 17,000+ fans in attendance and said, “Well, look at us, we’re home.” Later in the set, Eddie reminisced about all the venues they’d played in Seattle over the last three decades and expressed their pride in being continually involved in both the artistic and musical communities in Seattle. They also acknowledged their role as musical representatives of the Seattle music scene.

One of the many highlights of the evening was an epic performance of “Alive.” As Vedder thrashed about the stage, Ament and Gossard jammed together, while Mike McCready demonstrated his guitar mastery by playing most of the song with his instrument hoisted backward across his shoulders. It was quite a feat to behold.

Later, the group slowed it down with a low-key rendition of “Daughter,” featuring Jeff Ament on an electric standup bass. It was a touching moment as Vedder strolled over to sing along with a young girl, no more than ten years old, sitting on her father’s shoulders in the front row. The band also paid tribute to two legendary Seattle sports icons: the Storm’s Sue Bird, whose jersey hung from the rafters, and dedicated the song “Man of the Hour” to Bill Walters, who had passed away the previous day.

A huge burst of energy emerged as the band finished their initial set with a rousing edition of “Rearviewmirror,” featuring Vedder furiously windmilling his guitar. The lights dropped, the band waved, and the arena erupted into cheers as they walked off stage. After 10 minutes of raucous applause, Vedder returned to the stage to briefly talk about the band’s relationships before playing an acoustic version of “Just Breathe.”

A few songs later, the band broke into their inaugural hit “Alive,” which felt like a religious revival as the arena lights turned on, revealing a crowd of 17,000+ rapidly pumping their fists in the air. Later in the encore, Vedder introduced the crowd to the opening act, Deep Sea Diver, whose lead singer Jessica Dobson kicked off the guitar solo for another Seattle tribute: a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower.”

The band amped up the energy with “Yellow Ledbetter” / “Little Wing,” much to the delight of a man in the front row holding a sign requesting the song. Waves crashed across the giant LED screen as Pearl Jam finished with “Setting Sun,” a cut from their latest album “Dark Matter.” After an incredible 25-song, set, the band gathered one last time, took a bow, thanked the audience, and walked off stage.