13 years ago, today (10/31/09), Pearl Jam played the final show ever at The Spectrum in South Philadelphia. I was fortunate enough to be able to see 2 of the final 4 shows ever at the legendary South Philly arena. A venue I went to as a kid, with my parents and brothers, seeing everything from the circus to truck and tractor pulls and of course, our Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers.
On this night, 13 years ago, the vibe was just different. One of the biggest bands in the world coupled their energy with that with 20,000+ screaming Philadelphia fans to bring us a night of music and fanfare that will be immortalized in our hearts (& ears) forever. And, apparently, Pearl Jam’s longest ever performance.
I was fortunate enough to be able to snag one of the final nights posters (pictured) – trying to keep that poster in good condition while holding it and rocking out for 3 hours was a feat within itself (IYKYK). After the show was over, I peeled the circular, numbered stickers off the floor next to my isle. I thought it was a neat keepsake that would be a cool addition to the (eventual) framed poster and ticket stub. I think of all the shows and events those stickers were “in the building” for, all of the people that have stepped on them over the years… all of that rich Philly history absorbed in those two crusty circles. (they’re not stuck to the poster btw)
Taking the uniqueness of the final four shows ever at the Spectrum with Pearl Jam one step further, the band released a limited-edition deluxe box set with the audio of all 4 nights – packaged in this super cool Spectrum themed box. (pictured)
42!! Songs and 2 full encores with Eddie and the guys coming out dressed AS DEVO for a raucous rendition of “Whip It” to kick off the final encore set.
Pearl Jam – October 31st 2009 Spectrum – Philadelphia
Why Go
Last Exit
Corduroy
Severed Hand
The Fixer
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
You Are
Amongst the Waves
Even Flow
Pilate
Unthought Known
Daughter (with “It’s Ok” and “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2” tags)
Johnny Guitar
Rats
I’m Open
I Got Id
Glorified G
Out of My Mind (first time since 6 April 1994)
Black
Insignificance
Life Wasted
Encore 1: Just Breathe
The End
Low Light
Speed of Sound
Jeremy
Inside Job
Bugs (live debut
Spin the Black Circle
Porch
Encore 2:
Whip It (DEVO cover)
Got Some
Crown of Thorns (Mother Love Bone cover)
Satan’s Bed
Sweet Lew (live debut)
Do the Evolution
Better Man
Smile
Alive
Rockin’ in the Free World (Neil Young cover)
Yellow Ledbetter ->>>
>>>The Star-Spangled Banner (John Stafford Smith & Francis Scott Key cover) (Mike McCready solo)