Why are Pearl Jam's shows so large this tour?

[jayswin]

I've always loved Pearl Jam and loved Billy Corgan getting all pissy that Pearl Jam was still selling out arenas while the Smashing Punpkins were attracting flies.

This latest tour was huge, though. Like 2 sold out baseball stadium shows in most American major cities. They've basically been playing to 80k fans over two nights in most cities.

That's bigger than I can comprehend for Pearl Jam, unless they made an annoucment that it was their last and I missed it? That's the only reason I can think of that they could draw that large. That's bigger crowds than almost any band in the world can attract right now, what am I missing?

This article was unclear, as it mentioned "farewell shows", but they were in Chicago and it was the last shows of the tour and sounded more like the reviewer was a huge fanboy and calling it the farewell shows of this particular tour.

http://antiquiet.com/reviews/2016/08...-from-the-pit/

The electrified roar of the crowd at Wrigley, packed to its 41,268 person capacity

[taco.vidal]

Originally Posted by jayswin

I've always loved Pearl Jam and loved Billy Corgan getting all pissy that Pearl Jam was still selling out arenas while the Smashing Punpkins were attracting flies.

This latest tour was huge, though. Like 2 sold out baseball stadium shows in most American major cities. They've basically been playing to 80k fans over two nights in most cities.

That's bigger than I can comprehend for Pearl Jam, unless they made an annoucment that it was their last and I missed it? That's the only reason I can think of that they could draw that large. That's bigger crowds than almost any band in the world can attract right now, what am I missing?

This article was unclear, as it mentioned "farewell shows", but they were in Chicago and it was the last shows of the tour and sounded more like the reviewer was a huge fanboy and calling it the farewell shows of this particular tour.

http://antiquiet.com/reviews/2016/08...-from-the-pit/

Theyre a band that is getting nostalgic middle-aged fans? Look at the Hip who people liked to bad mouth and attribute their popularity to Cancon and all of sudden its the hottest ticket in Canada. Id guess their core fans from the past were ready for this.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Pearl Jam shows are amazing. Even if you don't listen to their recent releases, it's hard to a find a better live band.
I think they've just developed one of those followings where people know it's a great show and will go see them over and over and over.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Pearl Jam shows are amazing. Even if you don't listen to their recent releases, it's hard to a find a better live band.
I think they've just developed one of those followings where people know it's a great show and will go see them over and over and over.

Yep, absolutely, not denying any of that. But there's a difference between selling out hockey arenas and selling out two shows at baseball stadiums for 80k fans.

The former is done by dozens upon dozens of bands new and old for a variety of reasons, the latter is very rare and even one stadium show is reserved for the biggest pop stars and very select group of rock groups who put on a "stadium" style blow your socks off rock show (ACDC/U2 etc).

It just threw me off to see, that's all. And figured there's never too many threads to discuss the greatest band in the world.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I'd say there are a few reasons.

They have a loyal following. Their music has wide ranging appeal. Their music has staying power. Just like Dave Matthews, Bruce Springteen etc their music hasn't aged much and appeals to people the same at 20 as it does at 40.

It is hard to still have the same love for Slipknot when you're 40. Even if you like their music in private, a lot of people grow out of bands.

[Igottago]

They are the closest thing to a classic rock band that is still out there. Arena/stadium bands are getting rare.

Also, all the people that only listened to Ten and have now aged need their Rolling Stones type band of their generation to remind them of their youth.

Also, they are awesome.

[opendoor]

Just glancing at their last tour's itinerary compared to this one and it doesn't look all that different to me. Their Chicago show in 2013 was apparently the fastest sell out in Wrigley Field's history, so it makes sense that they'd add a second show this time.

It's also worth noting that Pearl Jam tends to keeps their ticket prices lower than comparable bands which probably leads to more demand.

[nfotiu]

Wrigley and Fenway are both attractions in their own right that make those kind of shows events both for locals and travellers. I'm guessing they wouldn't have sold out Turner Field or citizen bank park.

[fatso]

I noticed this too and was wondering the same thing. I'm a huge fan and to this day their concert was the closest thing I've ever had to a religious gathering-type experience (GM Place, 2003 or 2004 I believe). They were like one being playing together, so completely in sync, and it didn't take long to meld with the crowd's being as well. I'll never forget them just throwing the house lights on and playing... no special effects, nothing... and it was absolutely amazing.

That noted, I think people don't realize or forget just how popular they are. For some reason they're viewed as a nostalgia act now, but they've been steadily successfully releasing records for 20+ years now and their fan base hasn't diminished at all... it's only grown. There's no American band that has had the continued long-term success or influence they have. In that context, maybe the ticket sales this go-round shouldn't be that surprising.

[Sylvanfan]

Probably because its the 25th anniversary of Ten.

[underGRADFlame]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Probably because its the 25th anniversary of Ten.

.....And I feel old

[FLAME ENVY]

I saw them in 1993 when they played Max Bell, fantastic show in that venue.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

Theyre a band that is getting nostalgic middle-aged fans? Look at the Hip who people liked to bad mouth and attribute their popularity to Cancon and all of sudden its the hottest ticket in Canada. Id guess their core fans from the past were ready for this.

A lot of young people listen to them too.

They are one of the few bands from that era that aged well.

[Matata]

Where else can you even go to hear a premier 90s Alt-Rock band?: Nirvana = Dead, STP = dead, Billy Corgan hates playing old stuff, Soundgarden rarely tours and no one likes Creed anymore.

[holden]

I was a fan of their earlier releases, but like alot of people I didn't stay up with the new albums.

Having haven't heard anything from them in years, I went to their show at the 'dome in 2013. BLOWN AWAY. Pretty stripped down for an arena show, basic set-up- and THE BEST arena rock show I have ever seen.

They are probably the best of the big live bands still touring today.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by Matata

Where else can you even go to hear a premier 90s Alt-Rock band?: Nirvana = Dead, STP = dead, Billy Corgan hates playing old stuff, Soundgarden rarely tours and no one likes Creed anymore.

Alice in Chains is still kicking out there, their new stuff is great as well.

Another thing to love about Pearl Jam is the fact that it's a new setlist every night.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Igottago

They are the closest thing to a classic rock band that is still out there.

I find it funny that a band the grew/lead the "grunge movement" are now called Classic Rock.

I am old

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

Wrigley and Fenway are both attractions in their own right that make those kind of shows events both for locals and travellers. I'm guessing they wouldn't have sold out Turner Field or citizen bank park.

I think this really is the key there. Pearl Jam has developed a Grateful Dead like following in the last decade where fans will talk about having seen 2-4 shows on a single tour and will pay cash to see them every year.

Throw in an iconic venue and it just ups the appeal. "Well I've GOTTA see them at Fenway!"

I'm honestly not really a fan of Pearl Jam, but after watching Pearl Jam Twenty I have a new found respect for them. While I'm not personally enamoured with their music, I definitely see the appeal and appreciate where the passionate fan base is coming from.

Tl;dr: Pearl Jam fans really really love Pearl Jam, and jump at the opportunity to see them in iconic venues.

[Senator Clay Davis]

They need to announce the fall leg already. Pretty confident Edmonton will get a show with the new arena, and they like us more than Edmonton to begin with so maybe they'll do the Alberta double.

[ernie]

I know there is one certainly one poster that can't stand them but that withstanding the whys are:

1) the music has aged well and they continue to put out good music (IMHO)

2) The shows are fantastic (and they record every one for download...every single one I have is great). Not only are they fantastic they are never the same. You can go multiple nights and have half the songs in the set list be different.

3) they are constantly touring and because the shows are fantastic people go again and again and when they go they bring a friend. That friend goes "wow this is great!" and comes back the next time they are in town but with a friend. Repeat.

4) they are really the only functioning band from the Seattle scene. Well Soundgarden have made a return but they aren't as active when it comes to recording and touring (Matt Cameron is drummer for both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden).

5) You don't get a better front man than Vedder. Regardless of whether you like the band or how he sings it is impossible to deny how good he is as a front man.