by Rich T.
It was 1994 and I was a junior in high school. Pearl Jam was coming to the War Memorial in Rochester, NY. My friend went to the House of Guitars to grab tickets (about $20 each) when I was at practice. Four of us went to the show on April 8, 1994. Mudhoney opened. I didn’t know them much but one of my friends loved them.
Then PJ took the stage with “Wash”. First time I heard that deep cut and I was instantly hooked. They rocked through a few more songs and into “Jeremy”. I remember a guy behind me with his arms in a V. I still remember Eddie Vedder then talking about “living being the best revenge,” and thought it was ominous. More on that later.
Then came “Daughter” with the “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” tag. That was cool because I missed the chance to see Pink Floyd in Toronto that year. More songs then “Corduroy” for one of the first times. It was amazing.
The evening ended with “Porch” and “Indifference”. I was filled with joy but sad the show came to an end. This show, in my hometown- where they haven’t played since – made me a dedicated Pearl Jam fan for life.
Days later it was announced Kurt Cobain died by suicide. My generation was shaken. In my opinion, I think that Eddie and the band may have heard something. “Jeremy” was that special, that haunting.
It is also my theory that it could be why Pearl Jam never returned to Rochester. Other rumors circulated as to why, but I never paid them much attention. All I know is that I would kill to see Pearl Jam in my hometown again.
But I have seen my favorite band over two dozen times in more than a dozen cities (Buffalo, Boston, Philly, Hamilton, Toronto, and more) and incredible venues like the Garden, the Spectrum and Wrigley – to name a few. My most recent show was Matt’s in Pittsburgh. Like my first, it was amazing and memorable.
Featured photo: Pearl Jam t-shirt from the 1994 show.
