As the 1990s alternative rock band Pearl Jam embarks on their world tour for their new album, “Dark Matter,” they’re playing some of their most famous hits throughout the US and beyond. The tour kicked off May 4 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and will end Nov. 21, after visiting nine countries and 25 cities.
The band plays a variety of songs from their latest album and also some of their most famous songs, such as “Even Flow” and “Alive.” The Rolling Stone magazine described the new album as “jam-packed with fist-pumping rockers, stunning songwriting, and melodies tailor-made to be shouted with the windows down.”
The band performed two shows in Chicago at Wrigley Field Aug. 29 and Aug. 31. Irish indie musician Glen Hansard opened both shows, as well as at other stops in North America. Other artists, including Deep Sea Diver, The Murder Capital, Richard Ashcroft and the Pixies, will open for the band. They will be featured in North America, the European Union and the United Kingdom, Dublin and London and Australia and New Zealand, respectively.
Pearl Jam’s performances are known for their energy and engagement with the audience, as lead singer Eddie Vedder usually tells various stories to their spectators. One of these stories regarded the No. 34 jersey he wore during the Aug. 31 concert. Vedder wore the jersey to honor Walter Payton, professional football running back, who was one of Vedder’s great inspirations in life and passed away Nov. 1, 1999. They met when Vedder was young, and to this day he remembers the entire conversation they exchanged. After telling the story, Vedder brought Jerrett Payton, Walter Payton’s son, on stage, and Pearl jam has helped keep Payton’s heritage alive.
Overall, during these concerts, Pearl Jam entertains the audience with their new album, nostalgic stories and other musicians while on stage.
Jeff Ament, bassist and founding member of the band, playing during “Even Flow.” Pearl Jam was founded in 1990 as a rock band, and quickly broke into the mainstream with their first album, “Ten” in 1991. (Photos/Nina Vieira)
The band plays their hit song “Alive.” (Photo/Nina Viera)
