From the time these shows were announced, I said that I would not chase Pearl Jam tickets. I have seen them many times. Often, I am only impressed with their musical ability. Since the early nineties, Pearl Jam's performances have been less energetic. As guys age, they just can't hang from balconies and dive into crowds.
So, when Fuzz called with the promise of a seat, I thought hard before saying I would attend. In the end, it was the opportunity to see history that forced my hand.
It didn't take long before I realized that The Spectrum has to go because you have to fight like a Viking warrior to get through the concourse to your seat. Once inside, I encountered my friends from Main Street Music. They were hand-chosen by Pearl Jam to sell Pearl Jam merchandise in the arena (good publicity for a great group of music-lovers).
I said hello and met Dan DeLuca from the Philadelphia Inquirer. We talked for a few minutes. He asked me what I will remember about The Spectrum and what it means to me.
"I saw my first concert here when I was 11," said Joe Ippolito, 39, of Norristown. "It was Van Halen. It was the first place I got turned on to live music."
Ippolito, a teacher at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and former singer for the cover band Flip Like Wilson, acknowledged that time had run out on the Spectrum.
"Unfortunately, it's also really outdated," he said Friday, standing by the Main Street Music booth, where the Manayunk record store was selling merchandise at Pearl Jam's invitation. "I just almost got crushed walking around the concourse.
"But for a music fan, it's magic when the lights go out. It's like every kid's fantasy when you walk through those doors. I've seen everybody here. Jane's Addiction, U2, Bruce Springsteen, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiss. I've seen Bobby Clarke and Mario Lemieux here, Dominique Wilkins and Eddie Vedder.
"And I'll tell why it's a shame that they're tearing it down: Can you tell me where the Target Center is? The Xcel Center?" (A Google search reveals both are in Minnesota.) "But the Spectrum? That's part of Philadelphia." *
I confess that I made a mistake when I said I saw Kiss at The Spectrum. In fact, I saw them at First Union Center, or whatever they called it that week. But, I did see every other band I mentioned at The Spectrum. I also saw Bryan Adams there. For the record, he was awesome. I also told Dan that there were so many people on that concourse, that I was sure a few of us would contract H1N1. I also said that somewhere along the way, I gained the ability to play banjo. That's when you know you are rubbing up against someone way too hard.
My seat for Pearl Jam was behind the stage. This time, I learned from the mistake I made at the Springsteen show. Apparently, nobody listens to the warning about bringing in cameras. I never bring in a camera and all I see around me are flashes popping. All the while, I attempt to take pictures with my cellphone. Mostly, because I am an idiot.
As the lights dimmed, two large screens began showing some of the greater moments in Spectrum history. Images of Darryl Dawkins, Julius Erving and The Broad Street Bullies were woven together with flashes of Bruce Springsteen and other great events the Spectrum hosted. As the crowd cheered, we all knew the show was about to start. Then, the lights went out and the theme from "Rocky" blasted the crowd from the PA system.
For the record, I never felt a building shake before. This time, I did. The roar of that crowd made the hair on my arms stand up. It was a very cool moment. As Pearl jam took the stage, I could tell that this show was going to be one of those special moments for any concert-goer lucky enough to be in attendance.
The band tore through a few songs from their new album, "Backspacer". From there, it was time for the band to start playing songs from its extensive back-catalogue. The only complaint I have is that as Pearl Jam attempted to live up to the promise of playing every song they ever recorded, I sat through many songs that I would rather not hear. That being said, all of the songs were played extremely well. There is no denying that Pearl Jam is one of the best American rock bands to emerge in the last twenty-five years. They were confident, well-rehearsed and tight.
From time to time, I would take a walk on the concourse and take pictures. In fact, I ventured up the stairs to take pictures from different angles. Early in the show, I saw a man on a stretcher being taken out of the arena by EMTs. Later, I was told that he fell out of one of the top levels into the lower section.
What's the story there? How does that happen?
Well, we all have our Spectrum memories. Now, he has one.
Settling comfortably in my seat, I watched the band and realized, "God, I remember when this band was brand new. I was in my early twenties. As I approach forty, I realize that I have become one of those people that can now say, 'I remember when...'
The first song I heard by the band was "Alive", from the classic album "Ten". I recall going to Europe in the summer of 1994 and listening to that cassette until I almost wore it out.
For me, that moment had real weight. They also played "Breath". For many years, that song was a rarity. Hearing them play it live was very special. The thing I will take away from the show is the devotion of Pearl Jam's true fans. They love this band and they know every word to every song. For most of the show, the entire crowd sang along and didn't miss a beat. They knew deep cuts and b-sides. It was impressive. It led me to the belief that Pearl Jam has become that unique band that has earned a populist following and the kind of following reserved for bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish. Their fans will travel long distances to see them and support them through every artistic turn. For real Pearl Jam fans, they are no obscure songs. Every song is as meaningful as the last.
In the end, it is the earnest approach of this band that wins me over every time. There are not many bands that perform like they mean it. There are even fewer bands that are this true to themselves. Pearl Jam is a band that plays well within its own space. They do not lend themselves to trends or compromise. Their vision is singular and focused. When they take the stage, Eddie, Jeff, Mike, Stone and Matt play like every show matters. They give it all to their fans, night after night.
As any Philadelphian will tell you, that is all that we ask for from our heroes. This town doesn't always walk away with the big prize. But, we do appreciate the competitor that keeps swinging until they turn the lights off.
As I left, I never turned around. I want to remember this moment.
Eddie turned to his bandmates and asked, "You wanna play some punk-rock?" All I could think was, "Hell, yes..." In a flash, I am that 21 year old discovering one of the best rock bands of my generation. In many ways, they are guys just like me. As the last chords of "Sonic Reducer" ring out, I remember why I love these guys - its all about going down with your hands in the air...until someone turns the lights off. Or, in this case, until someone turns the lights on.
As I leave, I can't resist.
I turn back one last time.
So many memories.
* http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20091101_History_lives_one_last_night_as_Pearl_Jam_closes_it_out.html
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