Gig review: Pearl Jam + Pixies at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Live review: PearI Jam and the Pixies at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Saturday, November 16 2024

By ADAM COOPER

I WAS wondering in my heart of hearts prior to this gig if the Pearl Jam that I saw, knew and loved would show up tonight, 29 years later.
Upon arrival at Marvel Stadium, I was driven to distraction by the buzz surrounding this show – not to mention the array of rock tees on display – the merch stores and the diversity of punters eagerly awaiting the event. It’s been 10 years since PJ’s last kiss here in Melbourne. This time brought the legendary Pixies along for the ride – a real coup for the  Dark Matter world tour, I thought.
They appeared on the stage nonchalantly and whipped into a strong set (sadly I missed The Cosmic Psychos early, sorry Ross) Frank Black let the music do the talking. The pioneers of the ‘soft then loud’ thing let rip with the odd sustained notes that we know so well.
Opening with “Cactus”, there was no time for small talk from the Pixies and I was surprised yet pleased to hear “Where Is My Mind…’ so early on in proceedings, taking me back to my love of Fight Club. Other highlights were “Debaser” and “Monkey Gone To Heaven”.  We cant see Nirvana anymore, so I guess The Pixies will have to suffice.
They exited as quickly as they entered and after a Jesus and Mary Chain cover, we were treated to some didgeridoo playing and a Welcome To Country, by Uncle Bill Nicholson and his son.
The lights went down and I was about to have my reservations completely smashed. Pearl Jam burst into “Why Go”, like men possessed, to open. “Elderly Woman” followed so Eddie could ‘warm his voice up’ – it was the only song from Versus tonight.
Who’s complaining when the band literally played for over two and a half hours!
The set featured quite a few tracks from Ten, the debut album, and a smattering from many of the other releases. A shock highlight for me was “Dark Matter” – that song is HEAVY and rocks live – also, “Garden” from the aforementioned Ten. This is a song I’d not noticed befor, but is a very strong track. Other highlights included “Porch”, “Just Breathe” and my favourite PJ song “State Of Love And Trust”.
This show had everything. Incredible visual art, including shots of Melbourne. We were also introduced to an AFL football legend, Jonathan Brown,  who is the face of Eddie and his wife’s charity EB research here in Oz.
Excellent sound quality throughout for such a large venue  was a feature of a rollicking performance that was one of the best performances I’ve seen.
A great night. Pearl Jam have become the new ‘Classic Rock’. You know what? If you can put on a show like that … I don’t care. Rock on boys.