Badmotorfinger, Soundgarden’s game-changing 1991 album turned 25 years old this year. The band has released an Anniversary Edition as well as deluxe editions today via Ume/A&M Records.Continue reading
Badmotorfinger, Soundgarden’s game-changing 1991 album turned 25 years old this year. The band has released an Anniversary Edition as well as deluxe editions today via Ume/A&M Records.Continue reading
Temple Of The Dog kicked off their highly anticipated U.S. reunion tour last night at Tower Theater in Philadelphia, and did not disappoint. Continue reading
Submitted for your approval, the year is 1991. Already a bang up year for monumental rock and metal releases, Soundgarden releases Badmotorfinger on the now defunct A&M records sets the heavy music world on its ear. Sure in the climate where Nirvana’s Nevermind was climbing the charts and Metallica’s “Black Album” was already a legit hit too. Residing right in the middle, just as the “Seattle” craze was capturing people wad Soundgarden. That Badmotorfinger would go on to be the defining moment in their career wasn’t a surprise considering their history.
In early April Seattle, WA grunge rockers Pearl Jam embarked on a tour celebrating their 25th year as a band with no opening act. The tour made a stop in Hampton, VA at the famous Coliseum also known as the Mothership because of its dome shape. After deciding a few hours before show time to cancel their next stop on the tour in Raleigh, NC due to their opposition to the controversial House Bill 2 (HB2) they had recently passed, front man Eddie Vedder had a little extra aggression and energy for the performance opening with fast paced songs ‘Why Go’, ‘Mind Your Manners’, and ‘Corduroy.’ The crowd was in for a good show.
For those of you that aren’t aware, Pearl Jam is one of those bands that people follow around on tour because of their unique set lists, no two shows are ever identical. The show was no different, the band is great at tying in local stories, memories and people to incorporate them in the live show. Ed commented on how beautiful Hampton, VA was and that they hadn’t played in 8 years comparing it to the locust schedule. For a little over three hours the band played 32 total songs from 8 of their 10 studio albums as well as covers like ‘I am a Patriot,’ ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ and rare singles like ‘Breath’ from the Singles soundtrack, the whole show was engaging and left no one disappointed. Lead guitarist Mike McCready’s solos were on point most notable during ‘Even Flow’ and Soundgarden drummer turned Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron was keeping the beat behind the kit. Bassist Jeff Ament, rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard along with keyboardist Boom Gaspar glued it all together. Ed even performed a song from his solo efforts ‘Sleeping by Myself’ with full band help, and noting that Chris McCandless’ sister was in the crowd he played ‘Setting Forth’ from Into the Wild soundtrack (the film that was about Chris McCandless’ life).
Author’s note: I drove over 600 miles to get to the concert it was worth all of it. Pearl Jam is like one of the seven wonders of live rock and have to be seen at least once. Check out the rest of their tour dates at pearljam.com/tour.
Pearl Jam Set List:
Why Go
Mind Your Manners
Corduroy
Brain of J.
Faithfull
I Am Mine
Jeremy
Setting Forth
Even Flow
Daughter
Long Road
Wishlist
Sirens
Habit
Given to Fly
Lukin
Rearviewmirror
I Am a Patriot Cover
Sleeping By Myself
Come Back
Sad
Lightning Bolt
In My Tree
Breath
Do the Evolution
Porch
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
Inside Job
Black
Alive
Rockin’ in the Free World Cover
Indifference
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MATT LAMBERT
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