Philadelphia became a hotspot of energy and emotion as Pearl Jam returned to the sold-out Wells Fargo Center on Sunday night. With a 25-song setlist that spanned decades, Eddie Vedder and the band reminded the crowd why this city holds a special place in their hearts. From heartfelt dedications to old-school anecdotes, the night was a rollercoaster of nostalgia and raw rock power.
Pearl Jam kicked off the night with Long Road, performed in near-complete darkness, signaling that the audience was in for an emotional journey. Despite the subdued lighting, the fans responded with full energy, matching the intensity of the band’s opening. The slow-burning mood continued with Low Light, as the lights dimmed even further, deepening the atmosphere. The pace then ramped up with Why Go, as the crowd exploded with energy, and the arena seemed to shake during the song’s powerful chorus “Why go home?“
The emotional tone was set early when Vedder dedicated “Given to Fly” to the Gaudreau brothers—Matthew and Jordan—who tragically lost their lives in a car accident on August 30th. As Vedder’s voice echoed through the arena, he shared that the brothers’ funeral would be held Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Media, PA. The dedication struck a chord with the audience, showcasing the Pearl Jam’s ability to still connect deeply with fans, especially on such personal and tragic matters happening here locally.
Vedder’s connection to the crowd only grew stronger throughout the night. At one point, he scanned the sea of faces, recognizing dedicated fans from New York, Chicago, and even Australia. “If you heard this show on Pearl Jam Radio, you’d say to yourself, ‘Now that was a fucking show I wish I was at!’” Vedder shouted. The Wells Fargo Center erupted, proving once again why Pearl Jam and Philadelphia are a match made in rock-and-roll heaven.
The band’s return to the Wells Fargo Center was a reminder of their history with the city. Vedder reminisced about playing at JC Legendary Dobbs on South Street, a venue that barely held 100 people. “If I asked how many people were at that show, 300 would raise their hand!” he joked, adding another layer of nostalgia to an already unforgettable evening.
Humor found its way into the night when Vedder spotted a couple holding up a sign that read, “Getting married March 25th – Are you available?” With a playful smile, he pretended to flip through a book, checking his availability. “How about the 26th?” he teased, sending laughter through the crowd.
The setlist was a mix of classics and rarities, with highlights including the tour debut of Brain of J. and powerful renditions of “Even Flow,” “Black,” and “Rearviewmirror.” The encore kicked off with a touching cover of Tom Petty’s I Won’t Back Down, and the energy peaked with Alive before the crowd roared along to Baba O’Riley. As the final notes of Indifference filled the arena, Vedder threw tambourines into the audience, leaving fans with a tangible piece of the night to take home.
For a night filled with heart, humor, and rock anthems, Pearl Jam’s performance in Philadelphia was a reminder that some bands never lose their spark. Whether through honoring lost lives or celebrating their storied past, Pearl Jam once again showed why they continue to fill arenas after all these years.
**Full Setlist**
- Long Road
- Low Light
- Why Go
- Brain of J. (tour debut)
- React, Respond
- Dark Matter
- Given to Fly
- Wreckage
- Even Flow
- Do the Evolution
- MFC
- Red Mosquito
- Won’t Tell
- Black
- Breath
- Running
- Rearviewmirror
- [beginning of encore] I Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty Cover)
- Daughter
- Last Exit
- Crown of Thorns (Mother Love Bone cover)
- State of Love and Trust
- Alive
- Baba O’Riley (The Who Cover)
- Indifference
Pearl Jam proved that Philadelphia is more than just another stop on the tour—it’s a place where memories are made and legends continue to grow.
