Pearl Jam in Bluffs: Can't find a better band

Eddie Vedder sings as Peal Jam performs at the Mid-America Center Friday night.

As he returned to the stage to begin the second encore, weary vocalist Eddie Vedder told the crowd that by the end of the night, Pearl Jam would have driven through six states that day.

"But the states of mind is more like 17," Vedder added as the packed Mid America Center echoed with cheers. The former spokesman for a generation looked more like the Dad-next-door as he picked up a guitar and a harmonica.

In a moment he became that spokesman again, leading the crowd in a rousing solo version of the Beatles' "Hide Your Love Away."

Up-tempo rockers such as "Hail, Hail" and "Animal" dominated the first half of the set but seemed lackluster compared to Pearl Jam's slower, softer material. Sound problems caused lead guitarist Mike McCready's Fender Stratocaster to spew painful feedback, which marred some of the early songs, especially the extended solo during the grunge standard "Even Flow."

But as the show progressed, the technical issues cleared up and Pearl Jam was able to shine on songs such as the subtle "Thumbing My Way" and the plaintive "Love Boat Captain."

Vedder limited his words for most of the show, but took time to implore the crowd to hope for the safe return of U.S. troops in Iraq.

"A lot of people said they were supporting our troops, and that's good," he said.

He added that about four weeks ago President Bush and his friends had a little party celebrating the war's end, even though 45-50 U.S. soldiers have died since.

"So this thing still goes on," Vedder said. "That's just a reminder."

He also dipped into a little Iowa music history.

"I've been to Clear Lake," Vedder said as he broke into a solo rendition of Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue." The singer played only the first verse before addressing the audience again.

"I've been to Okoboji," he added.

An appreciative MAC audience seemed to re-energize the band during the two encores, as Vedder, McCready, rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament, drummer Matt Cameron and keyboardist Kenneth "Boom" Gaspar played stunning renditions of "Better Man," "Daughter" and the classic closer, Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World," which featured an lengthy jam and some guitar pyrotechnics by McCready.

A sweaty, smiling Pearl Jam finally exited the stage after more than two hours of music.

Name: Richard Price
Date: Jun, 15 2003
They rocked best show around this town in years. Better than Cher or any other over priced show that has come this way. No overpriced tickets they played for nearly two and a half hours all that for forty bucks. Better than the hundred dollars to see Cher play for and hour and a half. Pearl Jam the best band in America touring right now.