Rolling Stone just released the results of their reader’s poll for the Top 10 Greatest Live Acts, and our beloved Pearl Jam made the cut. That’s pretty significant since they’re the only band in the list that wasn’t formed in the 60s or 70s. Also awesome is that all of these bands have clear influences in Pearl Jam’s music.
Bruce, The Dead, and Zeppelin have given PJ the model for both touring intensity and tenacity. Mike and Matt are hardcore Kiss superfans. The guys toured with U2 in ’92, and have spoken of the stuff they learned from Bono. They’ve covered the Stones, and Eddie seems to be somewhat in love with Pete Townshend – turning Pearl Jam into the greatest The Who cover band ever.
After my first ever concert – a Pearl Jam show in 2000 – I turned to my dad, who came along for the ride, and asked him what he thought.
“They were good, but it was no Pink Floyd.”
No, it wasn’t. But it was pretty darn close. Congrats PJ on this honor.
Pearl Jam – No Way
From Rolling Stone:
When you see Pearl Jam you never quite know what kind of show you’re going to get. Sometimes they play all the early hits like “Jeremy,” “Black” and “Alive,” while the very next night be mainly deep tracks from Yield, Riot Act and No Code. Regardless of what they perform, Pearl Jam approaches every show with a Springsteen-like level of passion and respect for their fans. They go out of their way to make each show special, often extending out the encores for well over an hour. It’s one reason why they continue to pack giant venues without radio hits or much media mainstream attention.
The List
- Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band
- The Rolling Stones
- The Who
- Pink Floyd
- Led Zeppelin
- U2
- Queen
- Pearl Jam
- Grateful Dead
- Kiss
Troubled Souls Unite 
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