During a vigorous State Of Love And Trust, Eddie Vedder notices something. He motions at the camera operator to point at the audience. A boy, around 10 years old, appears on the massive screen behind Pearl Jam, smiling broadly. He’s at the rail with his dad, holding up a disposable take-away tray repurposed as a sign. It says: “1st show”. The singer welcomes him to the fray and recounts how, as a 16 year old, guitarist Mike McCready’s life was changed from the front row of a Van Halen show. In that moment, it’s clear Pearl Jam have grown into a band for everyone. The young adults who listened to Ten back in 1992 have now grown up and are bringing their families, while new generations of teens connect with the rage and anguish of songs like Once and Jeremy.
Nils van der Linden 