Pearl Jam gives cool concert, but set leaves some fans cold

04/11/03
MARY COLURSO
News staff writer

It was so cold you could see your breath.

But that's not why diehard Pearl Jam fans have been grousing about the band's concert Wednesday night, moved from its original location at the BJCC Arena to Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. Length or lack of it was the big complaint on the "message pit" of Pearl Jam's official Web site at www.pearljam.com.

The 8:50 p.m. set, weighted heavily to greatest hits, lasted only about 90 minutes, including encores. But that still meant 21 songs, performed with powerful style, by a group forced to pull out wool caps and double-flannel shirts at an outdoor arena.

Pearl Jam managed to generate considerable heat here, musically, even if lead singer Eddie Vedder likened the experience to performing in a refrigerator, with "your head in the freezer and your feet in a bucket of ice."

Actually, it was kind of fun to tough out the weather in a community of like-minded listeners, many of whom were probably only too glad to hear Pearl Jam hit it hard for a while and play rock material beloved by even casual admirers.

Bear in mind that a short set by this enduring icon of the Seattle grunge movement is better than no set at all, especially when it includes strong, crisp versions of "Daughter," "Alive," "Go," "Better Man," "Even Flow," "Corduroy," "Given to Fly" and "Not For You."

A few songs from Pearl Jam's latest CD, "Riot Act," were in evidence, too, and they were nearly as nifty as the radio fare: "You Are," "Thumbing My Way," "Love Boat Captain," "Save You."

Keeping his peace during wartime, Vedder made no overt political statements as he has done at other tour stops, at one point silently flashing peace signs with both hands. The band also avoided the president-bashing "Bushleaguer," substituting the more metaphorical "Soldier of Love" during the second round of encores. Still, "lay down your arms" is a potent sentiment, even when it refers to a romantic conflict.

While the amphitheater's third tier wasn't full, the general-admission crowd was lustily appreciative during the show, showing a bit of startled disgruntlement only when Pearl Jam made its exit after pretending to start one last song. A couple of chords, a fake and a wave seemed a strange way to say goodbye, especially for a band that makes a point of connecting with fans and caring about their needs.

Perhaps Vedder and friends simply needed a hot toddy more than they craved applause in the chillin' South. And, to be honest, at least one person in the audience was ready by then to numbly head for the car and blast the heater.