Eddie Vedder
Live in Sydney 2011
Okay, so obviously it's been a very long time since I last blogged. Life is busy, what can I say? That's why it is so nice to step out of life's manic rush and do something that makes it all worth while.
Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to see Eddie Vedder's solo performance here in Sydney's State Theatre. I must say I was not sure what to expect on Friday night when I walked into the theatre. But as soon as the lights dimmed there was an electricity in the air that only people who've experienced a live gig (especially a Pearl Jam-related one) will understand.
To my surprise, St Cecilia & Evil J, the opening act, was different than what I expected, until I realised the familiar voice, that of Eliza Jane Barnes. I saw Eliza Jane and Liam Finn open for Pearl Jam when they toured in '09. What an amazing voice!
Though her new act is much less sporadic and less inviting than the songs she did with Liam Finn, it was nevertheless enjoyable and I found myself tapping my feet to the synthesized drums. One thing that really grabbed my attention was how they kept switching guitars throughout the gig. It was fascinating that worked so well in-sync. However this was nothing compared to what the evening still had to offer.
Eddie Vedder entered the stage the crowd exploded! I wonder what it would be like to be on the receiving end of such a greeting? Anyway, Eddie waved and settled into his seat with grace and an ere that only Eddie can do.
Two songs stood out for me, 'Porch' and 'Keep on Rocking in the Free World.' Each night (I was lucky enough to see all 3 Sydney shows), Eddie would put on a performance like nothing I've seen before. Though he was one man on stage the vigor and passion to which he sang those songs would have made you think otherwise. Truly unbelievable.
As the evening closed in and time wained on Eliza Jane came back on stage and joined Eddie for a hauntingly beautiful rendition of 'Golden State' by John Doe. Two weeks on and the duet to that song still resonating with me, like it was yesterday. When Eliza Jane pushes her voice it really is angelic and Eddie, what can you say the man can do not wrong. To quote one of the guys in the crowd that first night in Sydney: 'F&*$ me Eddie, I love you!' And it is easy to see why.
In between his fast-paced guitar riffs, melodic ukulele-driven staples (of which I never thought I would enjoy, but did), and a few heart-felt messages about making a difference in this world, hearing Eddie talk about the love he has for his family and even the shout out he gave to a couple who had just gotten engaged (as I too got engaged about a week earlier it was quite surreal that he would even mention engagements). Eddie really did make everyone in that room feel like they could give, do and be more in their lives.
Which bring me back to the beginning of this blog. Life is too short, and we get so busy with this thing we call 'the daily grind' it's nice to reminded that we're all human in the end.
Thank you Eddie, it was an absolute inspiration to see you perform acoustic gigs with such passion. I hope to say thank you in person one day, and maybe get to hear 'Golden State' one more time...
Live in Sydney 2011
Okay, so obviously it's been a very long time since I last blogged. Life is busy, what can I say? That's why it is so nice to step out of life's manic rush and do something that makes it all worth while.
Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to see Eddie Vedder's solo performance here in Sydney's State Theatre. I must say I was not sure what to expect on Friday night when I walked into the theatre. But as soon as the lights dimmed there was an electricity in the air that only people who've experienced a live gig (especially a Pearl Jam-related one) will understand.
To my surprise, St Cecilia & Evil J, the opening act, was different than what I expected, until I realised the familiar voice, that of Eliza Jane Barnes. I saw Eliza Jane and Liam Finn open for Pearl Jam when they toured in '09. What an amazing voice!
Though her new act is much less sporadic and less inviting than the songs she did with Liam Finn, it was nevertheless enjoyable and I found myself tapping my feet to the synthesized drums. One thing that really grabbed my attention was how they kept switching guitars throughout the gig. It was fascinating that worked so well in-sync. However this was nothing compared to what the evening still had to offer.
 |
| L: Seat Friday, 18th Mar; R: Seat Sunday 20th Mar 2011 |
Eddie Vedder entered the stage the crowd exploded! I wonder what it would be like to be on the receiving end of such a greeting? Anyway, Eddie waved and settled into his seat with grace and an ere that only Eddie can do.
Two songs stood out for me, 'Porch' and 'Keep on Rocking in the Free World.' Each night (I was lucky enough to see all 3 Sydney shows), Eddie would put on a performance like nothing I've seen before. Though he was one man on stage the vigor and passion to which he sang those songs would have made you think otherwise. Truly unbelievable.
As the evening closed in and time wained on Eliza Jane came back on stage and joined Eddie for a hauntingly beautiful rendition of 'Golden State' by John Doe. Two weeks on and the duet to that song still resonating with me, like it was yesterday. When Eliza Jane pushes her voice it really is angelic and Eddie, what can you say the man can do not wrong. To quote one of the guys in the crowd that first night in Sydney: 'F&*$ me Eddie, I love you!' And it is easy to see why.
In between his fast-paced guitar riffs, melodic ukulele-driven staples (of which I never thought I would enjoy, but did), and a few heart-felt messages about making a difference in this world, hearing Eddie talk about the love he has for his family and even the shout out he gave to a couple who had just gotten engaged (as I too got engaged about a week earlier it was quite surreal that he would even mention engagements). Eddie really did make everyone in that room feel like they could give, do and be more in their lives.
Which bring me back to the beginning of this blog. Life is too short, and we get so busy with this thing we call 'the daily grind' it's nice to reminded that we're all human in the end.
 |
| Eddie Vedder Live Sydney State Theatre, 19th March 2011 |
