Just recently, we highlighted the upcoming Neil Young w/ Pearl Jam Mirror Ball Live album recorded in 1995 at the indoor Simmonscourt Arena, Dublin, Ireland.
Here's a short sample of "Throw Your Hatred Down"
video (see @ ~16:00).
Thrasher's Wheat Radio 2.0 Vodcast/Podcast - Episode #6 | Hosted by WBKM.org
Pearl Jam and Neil Young have been collaborating since at least 1992 when Pearl Jam and Neil played separately at the Bob Dylan tribute ("BobFest") at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 16. It is believed that this is when Neil and Eddie Vedder first met and possibly Neil invited Pearl Jam to play at the Bridge School Benefit concert. on 11/1/92.
A few weeks later Pearl Jam would play the Bridge School concert and mark the beginning of a long and productive relationship. Since their initial meeting, Pearl Jam's music has been heavily influenced by Neil Young as demonstrated by their numerous covers of Young songs. For example, Pearl Jam has covered "Rockin In The Free World" over 100 times, often as final encores, according to the Pearl Jam fan site Lukin.
A year later, Neil would join Pearl Jam onstage at the MTV Music Awards on 9/2/93 to play an incendiary Rockin in The Free World. Critics would call the onstage interplay the highlight of an otherwise lackluster affair. The attention gained from "BobFest" and playing with Pearl Jam would introduce Neil to a new generation of admirers.
It is likely that during this period that Young invited Eddie Vedder to induct him into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame the following year.
For Neil's induction speech, Eddie Vedder said (from Five Horizons):
- "He's taught us a lot as a band about dignity and commitment and playing in the moment and when I hear, you know, the speeches and inducting Janis Joplin and Frank Zappa, I get, uh, I'm just really glad he's still here. And I'm gonna (audience applauds; Eddie rolls his eyes, smiles and clutches his hand to his heart)... yeah!!
And I think I'm gonna have to say that I don't know if there's been another artist that has been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame to commemorate a career that is still as vital as he is today. Some of his best songs were on his last record."
Several weeks later, Neil would return the favor and perform at the Voters For Choice Benefit Concerts in Washington, DC.
Neil went on to rescue a PJ show in San Francisco at the Polo Field on June 24, 1995 when Eddie fell sick after 3 songs.
The only recording Neil and Pearl Jam did together was the Mirror Ball and Merkin Ball albums. (The recording sessions and tour are covered in detail below. To play and listen to a MP3 sample from Neil Young Mirror Ball
Neil Young & Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder
Toronto - September 11, 2011
(See Neil Young Fans Have Spoken and They Want Pearl Jam?! Archives Survey Results Posted
Also, see:
Uncle Neil & Nephew Eddie
For more on Pearl Jam and Neil Young, see Eddie Vedder Influences page.
Eddie Vedder
Columbia, MD - 9/18/98
Photo by Thrasher
Clearly one of the most important pairings in rock history. And one where both were inspired to produce some of their best work, and influenced thousands to plug in and follow their passion. I think the world has benefited greatly from their artistic integrity. I also think this is where the term ‘Uncle Neil’ began, but I’m certain if I’m wrong about this, it won’t take long for someone here correct me. Both of these brilliant artists have made the world a better place.
ReplyDeletePeace 🙏
Agreeing with Dan here, and in a very strongly opinionated way, as I think "I'm the Ocean" is one of Neil's greatest songs. There is a deep undertow of the universal over the particular even as Neil sings about the latest in sordid news (O.J., etc). The need for love, the connection between love and authentic human interaction (Neil's sturdy distrust of "new ways" of communicating), and the omnipresent theme of mortality bring in the song into rare territory. Pearl Jam meanwhile create a faster pace than the Horse, which suits this amazing song. It is almost as if Neil is desperately trying to finish it but there is just more and more to shoulder. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI just wish it had I’m the Ocean! Alan in Seattle
ReplyDeleteI just wish we could watch the performance without all of the editing & slick camera filters or whatever Sheridan used...the 1st 'Even Flow' video doesn't need to be recreated
ReplyDeletelooking forward to the hi-res audio for sure...
Alan, I have not watched the film and probably will not this summer. Time limitations for any sort of cinema. I always seem to find myself in the midst of another project. I just had to say something about "I'm the Ocean."
ReplyDelete@ Dan - we have to say, the most energized audiences we've ever experienced was the intersection of Neil & PJ fans.
ReplyDeleteTalk about being exhausted at the end of a concert.
We've been quite lucky to see some of their joint performances over the years and they're pretty unforgettable.
@ Abner - the jams on "I'm the Ocean" live in concert certainly blow the roof off of MB, for sure.
can't wait to see this Dublin concert.
@ Alan - it's coming hopefully.
@ Jonathan - Sheridan is no Demme for sure. None of those long lingering shots of Ol Black closeups. :(
Right, and the MTV short attention span style of cut, cut, cut is pretty annoying after awhile.
I friend of mine went to the Dublin gig, said it was great. He bumped into Dean Stockwell and said “it’s the candy colored clown!” . I’ve heard the bootleg of that gig and it’s a wonderful show. Regret not going myself
ReplyDeleteI friend of mine went to the Dublin gig, said it was great. He bumped into Dean Stockwell and said “it’s the candy colored clown!” . I’ve heard the bootleg of that gig and it’s a wonderful show. Regret not going myself
ReplyDeleteWell I guess this will now be out in late 2023 (Archives Vol 4)? Hey take your time we aren't not going anywhere or at least leaving the United States anytime soon. I'm sure this pandemic will be on full steam for a decade plus. I missed Neil when he was playing for various reasons since the 80's but mostly for work, or not having any real money, being in school. Short story short, I came out fine I guess dedicating myself to work and earning good money too bad I'll never be able to see Neil live, let alone with Pearl Jam. :(
ReplyDelete