[RedMileDJ]

I'm going to open up here. I'll probably get hazed pretty bad here, but this is why this concert meant so much to me.

20 years ago (when I was 14) I heard 'Once' by Pearl Jam for the first time. Ever since then, I've always wanted to see them live. But, every time I wanted to go I was either sick, broke, tickets sold out too quick, out of town or mother nature messed up plans to go.

Tonight I was determined to go. My car got stuck 3 times on the way to the c-train. After being pushed out the 3rd time, and also helping 5 other cars get out, I threw in the towel. It wasn't meant to be. I abandoned my car, 5 blocks from home, and walked back...defeated.

Fortunately, my wife's cousin was also going to the concert tonight and picking up his brother...whom also lives in my community (Martindale).

Thanks to him, I finally got to see Pearl Jam. I only wish my best friend was there to rock-out (do people still do this?) with me. I guess next time. He couldn't make it out of Royal Oak.

'Black' wasn't played. I guess that's PJ's way of saying "we'll play it next time." There will be a next time. Pearl Jam is coming back in the summer.

I'll be there!

I don't expect people to understand how I feel. "It's just a concert" is what I'm getting from a few people. For me it's like a long journey, and I've finally reached the end. 20 years in the making.

PS. the dudes that drove in from Regina, sitting behind me, were awesome!