The shows just keep getting better! The Sydney stadium was a beautiful piece of early 20th-century architecture with a seating arrangement that made every seat in the building feel up close and personal. The sound quality felt even more ambient and the detailed art design added a gospel atmosphere to the already spiritual experience. My only complaint would be that they kept the bar open throughout the show which was incentive enough to send one or two repeat customers back and forth during the performance, sloping beer and blocking views of the stage along the way. Personally, I refuse to budge from my seat once Eddie had made his appearance. Not even if I felt my bladder was about to explode, and especially not so I could inebriate my experience.
I could continue revisiting the experience of listening to every song on the setlist but to avoid a never-ending narrative and repetitive use of the word ‘amazing,’ I will attempt to exercise restraint. First of all, every time Eddie plays “Elderly Women Behind the Counter in a Small Town” it is an instant energy generator for all the fans and Eddie as well. Then he slowly brings it down again and ends up playing another one of my favourite Riot Act songs “Thumbing my Way.” Eddie was a lot more outspoken in Sydney, frequently stopping between songs to converse and engage the crowd with stories about his daughter and American politics. Laura, being an American herself, was particularly amused by the anecdote Eddie made about America being a lot like a shiny used car: it looks pretty great on the outside but when you lift open the hood, you’ll notice that it’s pretty much fucked.
“Lukin” is still one of the most entertaining songs for me but the way he slaps his guitar for “Porch” gets the whole crowd bouncing like mad. This was particularly difficult for me as I was seated on the mezzanine level, which has a strict no standing/jumping policy due to the structural regulations of the building. So I had to bounce about in my seat as I watched the entire level below me jump around in a sort of organized mosh pit.
“Wishlist” is a fan favourite that I was excited to hear for the first time this tour, but “Crazy Mary” was what set me off making this show the single BEST set list we have experienced so far. That, combined with the venue, heightened overall energy, and between-song storytelling, is all justification for the reason why I can honestly say this was the best show I have seen on this tour so far. But just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Vedder’s notorious tribute to Neil Young took the stage. “Rockin’ in the Free World,” had gone so well the night before, Eddie explained, a repeat performance was in order. This time no ‘house policy’ could keep the Mezzanine level in their seats. In the opening act, EJ Barnes told a story about shows that had taken place in a time before “safety regulations” were popular and the balcony levels could be seen to vibrate during such performances where the audience could not remain seated. The security made a fair attempt at keeping the crowd seated for a short moment but eventually, the standing ovation continued right into “Hard Sun” as the continuing finale to his act.
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