Pearl Jam keeps live rep intact, keeps antiwar view in check

Strong Verizon show complimented by Sleater-Kinney opener

COURTNEY DEVORES

Special to The Observer

"I just can't imagine living in a place where you couldn't sing any song you want to or say anything you want to," Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder said during an antiwar monologue Wednesday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.
As his band launched into "Evolution" toward the end of its set an American flag attached to a crutch waved through the air.
Since the outspoken Vedder twirled about in a President Bush mask before spearing it with his mic stand and stomping it repeatedly in Denver, Colo., Pearl Jam has been keeping its antiwar politics in check. The band has not performed the anti-Bush song Bu$hleaguer since that first night, opting instead for antiwar anthems by The Clash, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Neil Young to get its message across.
Vedder made sure to mention the troops who are "fighting and keeping us safe."
Opening act Sleater-Kinney performed a blistering set as the crew lined the stage to watch them play for a small yet enthusiastic crowd on their last night of the tour.
As Vedder took the stage and began singing, he was met with deafening applause and thousands of fans singing along. He could barely be heard during older songs like "Even Flow" and "Jeremy." Both "Jeremy" and "Better Man" benefited from a live setting. Neither sounded dated and both rocked harder than their recorded versions
Mike McCready shined on "Nothing As It Seems," spilling psychedelic guitar solos from his weathered guitar.
Favorites like "Black" and "Alive" were saved for the first encore, along with "Love Boat Captain" from Pearl Jam's latest album. They ended the show with Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World."
Pearl Jam is definitely in its element on stage. They may no longer sell the 11 million, but their live shows hint that they will be touring for years to come. They are bound for the classic rock radio of the future.
Fans can buy copies of the show online. Pearl Jam is releasing all of the Riot Act shows as limited edition 2-disc sets that will be available for purchase only on the band's Web sites (www.pearljam.com, www.tenclub.net, and www.pearljambootlegs.com).
Free downloads of the shows will be available shortly after the shows as well.