Eddie Vedder @ ThebartonTheatre, Adelaide (27/03/11)

Fri 1st Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

As we find ourselves at the end of another hectic festival season in Adelaide, to be in an all-seated Thebarton Theatre, on a Sunday night and in the presence of a solitary alternative legend, the evening had a relaxed vibe where everything felt in its right place.

New South Welsh duo Evil J and Saint Cecilia opened proceedings with a thoroughly engaging set of folk tunes that had the attention of the already two thirds full Thebby.

Having just released their debut album Strange Beasts, they were presented a coveted opportunity to show off their wares and highlights included the beautiful Troy, Strange Beasts and their first single Silver Spoons – the ladies certainly took their chance to win themselves some new enthusiasts and hopefully sold a tea towel or two at the merch desk.

With customary notebook in hand, Eddie Vedder purposely strolled onto the stage. His mere presence bringing the entire crowd to their feet to a welcome of rapturous applause reserved only for bona fide stars. Propped on his stool and surrounded by vintage equipment, he commenced proceedings with a quick fire treble of Walking the Cow, Neil Young’s The Needle and the Damage Done and Speed of Sound.

Initially, he seemed disengaged in a state of concentration, but it was not too long before Eddie broke out with some of his trademark endearing banter – jokingly saying how pleased he was to be at ‘The Barton Theatre’. Vedder does not go over the top in his compliments, but gives enough to make a connection with the crowd with his authentic and observing nature. At one stage he apologetically mentioned not being able to fulfill a local fan’s request to pen some words of inspiration into her book as he was rushed into a taxi, so he looked for redemption by sharing what he would have wrote, in hope that she was in the audience tonight.

A 29 song set with 2 encores was generous, and included 11 Pearl Jam songs which naturally resonated best with the audience, although they were generally the more obscure tracks. Additionally there was great reaction to the songs from the Into the Wild soundtrack, especially Rise and the grand Hard Sun. We were also treated to numerous covers, notably from Nick Cave ( The Ship Song ) and The Boss ( Open All Night ).

You do not get a virtuoso recital from Vedder on guitar, but an organic and heartfelt performance whether it is on his acoustic, Stratocaster, mandolin or ukulele that was occasionally coupled with a foot drum or big-wheeled tape player. He was prone to make mistakes and at one point was not afraid to admit to the audience that his mind had wandered off to what he will play next which resulted in muddled vocals.

Vedder has plenty of fire in the belly still, and on more than one occasion he got that ferocious look in his eye as he thrashed his guitar to within an inch of its life, especially during the last song of the main set, the frenetic Porch.

The first encore was a hefty seven songs and saw Eliza-Jane Barnes (Evil J) take a seat next to Eddie for charming versions of Steve Martin’s Tonight You Belong to Me and John Doe’s The Golden State.

When the second encore came about, both Evil J and Saint Cecilia took to stage to back up the glorious Hunters and Collector’s Throw Your Arms Around Me and the barnstorming finale of Hard Sun.

There are few musicians that have the ability to woo an audience of 2000 people with a ukulele and make them pay $120 for the privilege, but as it turns out, Eddie Vedder has it in spades.

A truly eclectic performance and a special event for his fans to place in their treasure chest of experiences.