A Showstopping Encore
Defiant song stalls a strong Pearl Jam show

Eddie Vedder ended Pearl Jam's stunning 2 1/2-hour concert standing alone onstage beneath the American flag that hangs from the rafters at Nassau Coliseum, his arms over his head, both hands flashing a two-fingered "V" salute. He was, most likely, praying for peace, but he easily could have been declaring victory as well for artists who speak their minds.

For more than two hours, Pearl Jam - Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, bassist Jeff Ament, drummer Matt Cameron, aided this tour by keyboardist Boom Gaspar - rolled out one impressive rock song after another from its underrated new "Riot Act" CD, especially the defiant "I Am Mine" and the ultra-cool "Thumbing My Way." It also opened its extensive back catalog, including a powerful "Even Flow," which showcased an excellent McCready solo, and a touching "Jeremy."

However, that all seemed forgotten by much of the Nassau Coliseum crowd as soon as Vedder returned for the second set of encores dressed in a George W. Bush mask and a gold lamé smoking jacket to deliver the controversial "Bushleaguer."

The song - featuring the barbs "A confidence man, but why so beleaguered? He's not a leader, he's a Texas leaguer" and "Drilling for fear, makes the job simple / Born on third, thinks he got a triple" - aimed at the president.

Maybe Vedder and friends thought the song (performed only twice on the current tour) would be better received in the New York City area. Maybe they thought the crowd, which had offered thunderous ovations and rousing sing- alongs, would remain supportive. Maybe they simply believed in the song.

The band launched into "Bushleaguer" as Vedder removed the mask and placed it onto a microphone stand, before pretending to caress the mask and then planting a kiss on it. The song was met with boos and cheers, although the boos clearly had an advantage and soon gave way to misguided cheers of "U.S.A."

"Maybe you like him because he's giving you a tax cut or maybe you like him because he relates to you because he's so down and chill," Vedder said sarcastically through the boos, before starting to explain. "I love America," he continued. "This is open and honest debate. This is what it should be. If we don't say anything, we don't know what will happen. We are on the brink of forever."

The concert lost all momentum, despite the fiery version of "Know Your Rights" that followed. It recovered slightly during "Rockin' in the Free World," when Vedder led the crowd for lukewarm cheers of "U.S.A."

Some seemed upset by Pearl Jam's politics - though they've hardly been a secret. Others were upset that politics entered the rock arena at all.

Fans could stay away from future shows to register their disapproval. But after seeing this tour, they know how much they will miss. My guess is they will come running back for more.

MUSIC REVIEW

PEARL JAM. Remembering rebellion's role in rock, even if its fans don't approve. With endearing emo upstarts Sparta. At Nassau Coliseum Wednesday.

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