Setting the Stage

Eddie Vedder, the band’s frontman, welcomed the audience with enthusiasm, saying, “Welcome to Pearl Jam’s 50th show in New York City.” His words were met with rousing applause, setting the tone for a night filled with both celebration and reflection.

Musical Highlights

The night was marked by standout performances, including a sensational rendition of “Evenflow,” where lead guitarist Mike McCready showcased his talents with an extended guitar solo. The band’s trademark spontaneity and energy captivated the crowd as they explored various musical styles.

Serious Messages Amidst Celebration

As the band progressed through their set, Vedder took a moment to address pressing societal issues. He remarked, “The rights of women are not just being threatened, they are already being taken away,” emphasizing the importance of voting and advocacy in the current political landscape.

This was followed by a rendition of “Daughter,” where Vedder cleverly modified the lyrics to express solidarity for women’s rights, reflecting their deeper engagement with the subjects at hand.

Addressing Gun Violence

In light of a recent school shooting in Georgia, Vedder expressed his disdain for gun culture while introducing the song “Glorified G” from their album Vs.. The somber atmosphere heightened with the performance of “Jeremy,” focusing on the tragic consequences of gun violence, further underscoring the band’s commitment to social issues.

A Personal Connection

Throughout the show, Vedder shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on his first experiences in New York City, which resonated with long-time fans. The band delivered energetic performances of beloved tracks, including “Rearviewmirror” and “Do the Evolution,” creating a dynamic atmosphere within the arena.

A Special Collaboration

After a brief intermission, Vedder returned solo to perform “I Am a Patriot” and “Just Breathe.” He later invited Glen Hansard to the stage for “The Song of Good Hope,” showcasing a spirit of community and support for fans facing difficulties.

Finale and Crowd Favorites

The full band re-emerged to delight the audience with tracks such as “Leash” and the iconic “Alive.” The night culminated in an inspiring version of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” featuring special guests and an exuberant atmosphere, leaving fans energized as they exited into the city night.

Setlist Overview

The complete setlist for the evening included:

• “Garden”
• “Corduroy”
• “Hail Hail”
• “Evenflow”
• “Daughter” (transitioning into “Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2”)
• “Dark Matter”
• “React Respond”
• “Won’t Tell”
• “Not for You”
• “Wreckage”
• “I Am Mine”
• “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town”
• “Glorified G”
• “Do the Evolution”
• “Jeremy”
• “Waiting for Stevie” (with Andrew Watt)
• “Rearviewmirror”
• “I Am a Patriot” (Eddie solo)
• “Just Breathe” (Eddie solo)
• “The Song of Good Hope” (with Glen Hansard)
• “Gimme Some Truth”
• “Setting Sun”
• “Sonic Reducer”
• “Leash”
• “Alive”
• “Rockin’ In the Free World” (with Little Stevie, Glen Hansard, and Andrew Watt)
• “Yellow Ledbetter”