2025-05-13: Raleigh, NC

[B]

amazing night. one of the tightest/best sounding show Ive been at in a while, and its been a great run

setting sun is an incredible opener

If you live in the Carolinas, maybe we could grab a drink some day

i am in maryland. but i go where the tickets take me

Did you really miss that lyric moment?

[wease]

amazing night. one of the tightest/best sounding show Ive been at in a while, and its been a great run

setting sun is an incredible opener

If you live in the Carolinas, maybe we could grab a drink some day

i am in maryland. but i go where the tickets take me

Did you really miss that lyric moment?

If it’s not on Lightning Bolt, he doesn’t know the words

[daft twat]

OK, so I hope Ruddo and stip will weigh in b/c Ruddo was GA with me on Sunday and in seats last night, and stip was in seats at roughly the same spot both nights.

GA vs. Seats

I have seen Pearl Jam from the 3rd, 6th, 15th rows, from the lawn, from the Pit, from a crowd at a festival, and from the nosebleeds. I figured it was all just different flavors of enjoying the show, but this week I had GA and seats back to back, so I really compared experiences.

There is no measure for how much more exciting a concert is from the floor. Sunday night, we strolled onto the floor, so we weren't even very close, but we were pretty close, 10 or so people from Ed's little platform, and even though I looked around the room several times, you could have easily convinced me I was in a tiny club full of only the most excited fans. Hell, I was closer to Pearl Jam than I was to Hard Quartet when I saw them last month in the actual Cat's Cradle. The energy was over the top with people who never stopped singing, jumping and pumping their fists in the air. I'm sure someone will tell you the sound is shit down there, and my friend said he when everyone is singing (which never stops down there), but the energy, the connection with the band is absolutely palpable.

Last night, I was in the stands, and get the fuck out! Most people stood for most of the main set, no one jumped ever, hands rarely went in the air. I felt every inch of that room. It was massive, and despite having good seats, I felt like I was in the nosebleeds. It probably didn't help that I was on the aisle which was an absolute highway. I'd be shocked if there was one person in those two sections closest to the stage that didn't take a piss break during the show. Every single person bumping into me, walking in front of me, trying to find their row, and drunkenly falling onto the handrail took me out of the show. I mean, you have 3rd row seats next to the god damn stage, McCready is absolutely shredding with the guitar behind his head on Evenflow, and now, NOW you're gonna turn around, walk up the aisle to refill you're $20 beer? Did you people not pay to see this fucking show? I was in 10C seats, most of the people around me had to have been to.

From now on, if you see me in seats, it's because Santos fucked me, because I never want to be in the seats again. It is the difference between looking Ed in the eyes during Alive and watching The Fixer's Target commercial on YouTube. I'd rather save my money and buy the bootleg than ever sit in an arena seat, because, for me, despite knowing last night was a tighter, more energetic show with a cooler setlist, I came out of there knowing that Night #1 blew it the fuck away.

Awesome you had a great experience, but there are way too many variables at play. Ultimately, how much you enjoy a show is going to depend upon the people around you, how well the band is playing, how well the setlist suits your specific tastes, and even how your overall experience around the show goes.

I’ve been in GA more than once. Once a dude pissed in a cup, and that cup was kicked all over my shoes. Another time, some stupid twat dropped her mushrooms and made two songs all about her finding them. Most recently, I had a blast and enjoyed every second.

I most often am on Mike’s side and a couple rows back. I’ve had for more positive than negative experiences there, but I recently had a person so overweight next to me they couldn’t even fit in the seat.

The first time I saw Immortality (my 11th show) from the nosebleeds in Irvine a girl with no talent or self-awareness behind me “sang” the whole thing. Not great. On the other hand, the first time I saw Alone in London, Ontario, I was slightly backstage on Mike’s side and by myself and had a brilliant time. I got pretty sick in Seattle 02 at the Key, but the day with my friends who’d all traveled from different states was unforgettable.

Every seat in the house has potential for a great time or disaster. I’ve been front row for PJ more than once, and it’s pretty great, but I honestly prefer to be back a little. Given to Fly and Do the Ev hit way different when you can see how they land with 18k people.

[E.H. Ruddock]

Well put, daft.

The seats in this arena were comfortable AF for an arena. I don't remember them being like this when I've been to a hockey game there. They were padded and roomy. So when Amongst the Waves started, I was very happy to give my legs a break and sit down for the song. Being on the aisle, I could still see everything. I look forward to the band touring in 15 years and they are all seated on stage doing acoustic shit, and we are all too old to stand, so we are all sitting as well.

[dad]

I look forward to the band touring in 15 years and they are all seated on stage doing acoustic shit, and we are all too old to stand, so we are all sitting as well.

Unless of course you’re bammer.

[wease]

Will the pit just be a bunch of people sitting on blankets?

[bodysnatcher]

Will the pit just be a bunch of people sitting on blankets?

It'll be call the sit instead of the pit

[B]

https://www.facebook.com/LenovoCenter/v ... 7259704160

Man, Cameron really DOES speed up the band.

[wease]

https://www.facebook.com/LenovoCenter/videos/1778297259704160

Man, Cameron really DOES speed up the band.

That was really cool.

If you look closely you can see me explode with excitement. Twice.

[Chris_H_2]

https://www.facebook.com/LenovoCenter/videos/1778297259704160

Man, Cameron really DOES speed up the band.

That was really cool.

If you look closely you can see me explode with excitement. Twice.

[wease]

[DDWJMUVW]

After being on the rail in front of Mike in Balt last fall, I ended up rail in front of ed this time. Did not disappoint. Had sweat and wine sprayed on me, so that was cool. People just to my left and right got tambos, including a youngster who was attending his 4th show. Nice moments for them.

Setting, Last Exit, Life wasted, IMT, & RITFW were highlights for me, especially Rockin since I hadn't seen that closer in ages.

I look forward to seeing them in '26 and/or beyond.

[B]

Had sweat and wine sprayed on me, so that was cool.

Please disregard all previous posts. I will stick with seats.