Pearl Jam Rock Chicago Again

0 Shares

Pearl Jam Brings their 90’s Grunge to Chicago on August 18th and Everything Seemed Right for the Moment

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Il, August 18, 2018

By: Coren E. McLeod

One could say the 1990’s was a time of reflection especially for those experiencing teen angst. This decade become a force in the music industry without many wanting that to happen. I remember living this special era and falling in love with some of the best alternative music known.

I remember watching the movie “Singles” back in 1992 and just wanting to experience the all-around grunge lifestyle living in Seattle, Washington. To this day, that movie soundtrack is still in rotation in my music library. What came out of Seattle was a movement led by three of the biggest names in alternative music: Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam.

With the tragic loss of Kurt Cobain and the more recent Chris Cornell, many believe the Grunge era would halt altogether. Yet, the revolution seems to be thriving in

Pearl Jam (credit: Coren E. McLeod)

this world where many bands call that decade their inspiration in their writing.

Pearl Jam is a leader and one of few who have survived the 1990’s. They took their sound to another level where many fans have been on this long journey. I was once again graced with the opportunity to see this nostalgic yet relevant band on August 18, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. This seemed like a dream come true for me. Wrigleville is like Disneyland to me: The happiest place on earth. And a band I listen to while growing up, I am beyond words excited.

Man, it was a hot one on that day. With drops of sweat pouring down, beer was being consumed in full and the all-around feeling was a sense of joy among the 1000’s fan waiting forthe start time of 7:30 pm to hit!

The audience was packed. The sky was a crisp sky blue and the anticipation was on the verge of exploding. Yet, all was good in the world once everyone saw a glimmer of the man, the myth and the legend Eddie Vedder walk across the stage displaying a very cool vibe which seems only Seattle, Washington can provide. (I love the fact Eddie is a huge Chicago Cubs fan. It just made this evening perfect.)

With the dirty guitar riffs along with the heart thumping beats of drums being played into the air, fans were on the verge of tears watching Pearl Jam whisk into what they do best: playing their hearts out with a subtle and humble vibe. I was there to vast in all the glory among my fellow photographer friends. It was almost a little too much to take in.

After the three-song max in the photo pit, I made my way through an army of men and women singing along to each and every one of PJ’s songs. I was humming along myself and could not get enough of it,

What should out to me and what came full circle was when Pearl Jam broke out into their song “State of Love and Trust” which happens to be on the “Singles” soundtrack I adore and love. It also made me remember the magnificent Chris Cornell and what he also did for the grunge scene.

Many at Wrigley Field embraced one another while singing along to great songs like “Corduroy,” “Can’t Deny Me,” “EvenFlow,” “Yellow Ledbetter” and of course “Alive.” Pearl Jam even threw in that Cub’s song we all know and love “All the Way.” Plus a few covers were thrown in to complete a 32 song set. “Rebel, Rebel” was for sure the surprise and making the great David Bowie proud. “Keep on Rocking in the Free World” is just classic Pearl Jam. With a few others like Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” and The Clash “Know Your Rights.”

August 18th at Wrigley Field was a night made for history. Pearl Jam has been in the music industry as a staple. There is no doubt this band will be known among the greatset. It was truly an honor to be there in Chicago on that humid day. Thank you Pearl Jam for keeping the inner teenager in me #Alive… #Cheers

[srizonfbalbum id=340]