Pearl Jam Owes Wisconsin a Festival at Alpine Valley
Posted 4/3/2011 by youphoric
OK, maybe owes is a strong word, but it was over 7 years ago that Ed Vedder, well into his nightly bottle of red wine, gave us one of his best ever Encore Break rants at the June 21, 2003 Alpine Valley show.
Listen yourself:
Along with some advice about getting your ass off the couch and getting your own blow job (!!), he relates that the band wanted to come back to Alpine Valley the next year (cut to about 3/4 through if you want to skip the political advice).
But we were just talkin in the back and we were thinkin that maybe, on the strength of a night like this and really, so you understand how much we appreciate it we were thinking that instead of waiting two years or even after we finish the next record maybe just next time we could come back and play just a few places that we've been to and this would be one of em.
Two years? Next record? Try seven years and two records (not counting re-issues or Lost Dogs). During the two-night United Center run in 2009, he did mention that he wanted those shows to be under the Midwestern Sky, an obvious reference to one of their favorite venues.
I'm not trying to be sanctimonious about Ed "not keeping his word," but maybe just a disappointed fan. The question has to be, what has kept them away? Contractual issues? Cost? Bad luck?
Whatever it is, work it out guys. Alpine would be the perfect venue for PJ20 Festival. The rumors and comments from Jeff Ament are good signs, but there were plenty of rumors about Alpine shows in 2009 as well. Grant Park, another rumored venue, is decent, but it can't bring the energy and love that Alpine Valley does. Do the right thing. :)
Comments
-
Cal said:
4/4/2011 12:09 PM
"Owes" is not too strong. I'm still holding a grudge. Dammit. As Bono once sang, "never trust a rock star", but too bad; when was the last time Eddie acted like he had anything to prove? Dude needs to get HIS ass off the couch.
-sent from my ass sitting on a chair
-
SE said:
4/13/2011 10:19 AM
I totally agree Cal. The last few PJ albums haven't thrilled me either but I'd hope they would have returned to Alpine for a show regardless (except for the Marcus show where they blew Petty away a few years back). Alpine would be a great place for their proposed "music festival show." Nothing beats the infamous "Ice Bowl" of 2000!