Calgary to Edmonton

September 5, 2005

Driving on our way up to Edmonton with the 4 full timers (Dirk, Jason, Tak and Myself) and a new girl from Italy, Barbara. We saw Mike from Albany off last night at 5am, he was a lot of fun to have around.

Last nights show in Calgary was pretty amazing. We had row 9 seats thanks to the Tenclub. When we picked up our tickets we got to hear the band sound check. They played Red Mosquito, Breathe and Present Tense. After hearing that I knew we were in for a good show.

After picking up our tickets we then went to the pre-show party, which we arrived to late again. There were still a bunch of fans there though so it wasn’t all for not. This is were we met Barbara, as well as another girl from Italy who flew in to see the first few shows. I think it is pretty amazing that people are flying in from all over the world to Canada to see Pearl Jam. It goes to show how dedicated the Pearl Jam fan base is.

After a few beers and some dinner we made our way back to the venue. Our van which was parked right at the entrance was starting to get noticed by all the people walking by. We got into the venue after making our way through the hideous lineup. They only had a few doors open out front, which was the cause for the long line. By the time we got in and got our merch the Supersuckers (the opening band) were just finishing their set.

We got down to our seats and were happily surprised with how good they were. Some of the better seats I have had for a show. Pearl Jam opened the show with Oceans, something I didn’t expect on the prairies, but was very happy to hear. After Oceans they kicked into Last Exit to start what turned into a very long and hard first set. I was ecstatic; had great seats, there was lots of energy in the crowd, and I was super pumped and rocking out really good. Stone was really on fire, and was ripping things up. Eddie Appeared a little drunk, and was connecting with a lot of fans.

Overall the Calgary show rocked me really hard. It had an amazing setlist with songs like Whipping, Red Mosquito, Alone, Hard to Imagine, and Sleight of Hand. The crowd was very loud and energetic, which added to it.

I am really looking forward now to the rest of the prairie shows; I think we are progressively going to get better seats all the way to Thunder Bay. Well Edmonton show tonight, should be a really good crowd, Edmontonians love to rock hard, and the band is so on right now.