h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: The Pearl Jam Concert Experience - A1004211
Author: Lowmankind - U207066

As the title suggests, this is an article about the experience of a Pearl Jam concert.

I decided to take this approach because the typical bio, "The band consists of Eddie Vedder, etc, their debut album 'Ten' sold 11 million copies, etc" just doesn't feel right. Someone may want to write a history on Pearl Jam (I may even do so, if someone else doesn't beat me to it), but I wanted to concentrate on the strengths of the band.

I also wanted to add links for The Who and Soundgarden, but it appears there are no entries in the Guide on that, either. My next projects, if no one else gets in before me

One other thing: I honestly don't know exactly what Eddie Vedder is talking about when he mentions 'post-WTO-syndrome'. Obviously, that has something to do with the World Trade Organisation, but I don't know what. Or, for that matter, what this alleged syndrome is. If someone can provide that information, I'll gladly add a footnote to explain this as well. However, in the context of the quoted speech, I think it can survive without a full explanation.

keeponrockin
Tom

Someone is writing a history of the band - Nylarthotep. You can find it at A978915. Not sure why it's suddenly become 'Not for Review' though... it WAS in Peer Review.

The WTO syndrome refers to the anti-globalisation protests that took plave in Seattle during the WTO negotiations in which there were massive demonstrations, a few of which became violent, leading to the 'Battle in Seattle' tag many attached to this. Presumably Seattle is now demanding extra security measures to avoid a repeat, although why this would apply to a Pearl Jam concert is anyone's guess

the concerts in which vedder mentioned "post-wto syndrome", which took place on nov 5 and 6 in seattle 2000, were for charity. the band donated all money earned, some $50,000. in order for them to put on the concerts, the city required them to have more than the usual number of security guards, which are expensive, and reduced the amount pearl jam was able to donate to needy groups.

I really enjoyed reading this.
I have never seen Pearl Jam live - never even heard them, in fact, but this entry makes me want to. Brings it to life very nicely.

I think I'm getting the picture: 'post-WTO-syndrome' must be the paranoia that a large public event would deteriorate into some form of riot or other disturbance. Thanks for the info guys. And just for the record, they raised $500,000 over those 2 nights.

Dr Deckchair: nice to see I've piqued your interest. If you want to hear a good recording of Pearl Jam, my advice is to check out the 2 bootleg concerts mentioned in the article. Namely, Seattle Washington, November 6 2000; and Melbourne Australia, February 20 2003. While neither is a 'best of' as such (although the Seattle one comes close), they're both excellent shows, containing a good selection of fan favourites, better songs, and rare songs. Otherwise, you could wait for them to appear locally and try to get tickets

keeponrockin
Tom

They don't tour much anymore. the nov 6 show was "officially" their last. My mother went. She's been to many many rock and roll concerts over the last several decades and she said it was one of the best rock shows ever.
The still play now and again, but not very often.

I hate to be contradictory, but Pearl Jam toured Australia last month (February 2003). I saw 8 of those shows (they played 10 in total). They just did Japan, and they'll be doing North America later this year. Plus, I understand they'll be doing a show in Belgium, because they had to cancel a Belgian show on their last tour.

That Nov 6 2000 show was in no way their last show ever. They did say it would be the last one for ages, but I don't recall hearing that it was "officially" the last one -- I should know, because several of my friends would have tried to kill themselves if that were the case

No, Pearl Jam are still alive and strong. They don't tour as often as other huge bands, true, but they still tour for every album they release.

keeponrockin
Tom

Very nice entry!

Lots of passion and good writing. What a shame that it's sunk so far down PR. But I reckon this posting will cure that eh?


- Jimi X

As I'm sure you can imagine, I certainly hope so!

Hello all!

A Scout has recommended this for inclusion into the Edited Guide, but I just wanted to make sure it's ready. Do you need more time to polish this off, or is it ready to go go go...?

Let me know here either way,

Jimster

I'm quite happy with the article as it is, although I'm aware that in light of events at a recent Pearl Jam concert, it may be an idea to make an addition.

The incident in question is when Ed Vedder pulled out the George W Bush mask and, I believe, punched it to the ground and then walked on it. Something like two dozen people walked out in disgust at this display. Naturally, the press were all over the incident, and reported the story as if thousands of people had walked out in disgust.

At their next concert, one or two days later, Vedder addressed this, saying that the press had blown the story out of proportion. He went on to say that anyone has the right to express their difference of opinion, but that he was and is exorcising his right to free speech (as in the US constitution).

However, I'm kind of hesitant to include this. I think it may be worthwhile, considering I've used the Forrest Gump "you never know what you're gonna get" thing to end the article. But my intention in writing the article was to endear the reader to the concert experience that Pearl Jam offers, and I think that reporting on cagey political issues as it pertains to the band will only blur those intentions. I realise that I've already included something of a political issue regarding the money spent on security at the Seattle shows in 2000, but I feel that is a stronger testament to the band and the effort they make. By including the recent 'walk-out' incident, it puts the reader in a position to make a choice either way. I know that there is a little bias in my article, me being a fan and all, but I don't want to force my bias onto the reader any more than a fan writing for non-fans.

So if you agree with all that, it would be awesome if you could take it to the next step

I think, in the present climate, that's a wise choice there, Lowmankind. I'm happy to accept this then.

Jimster

Your Guide Entry has just been picked from Peer Review by one of our Scouts, and is now heading off into the Editorial Process, which ends with publication in the Edited Guide. We've therefore moved this Review Conversation out of Peer Review and to the entry itself.

If you'd like to know what happens now, check out the page on 'What Happens after your Entry has been Recommended?' at EditedGuide-Process. We hope this explains everything.

Thanks for contributing to the Edited Guide!

all round!

Congratulations on your entry being picked for the Guide! Certainly a worthy addition in my opinion