By Xavier (via Sleater-Kinney.Net)
a big stadium show minus the arena. located more than a hour by nj transit from nyc. it’s a large pit covered by a disc held up by concrete pillions. surrounded by trees and parking lots. nothing was being allowed into or checked at the venue. umbrellas were trashed and blankets discarded outside. our tickets were scanned by fingers that were laser equipped. we were directed to our seats by yellow, blue and black shirted people. at the merch table the band’s koala t-shirt was selling for $23 as item J.
vedder introduced sleater-kinney as “the greatest three piece band” it was still daylight and sunshine was slanting across the audience. although there werent many seated as they were walking back and forth with their beers. corin asked the crowd if they liked the boss & got boos back. sleater-kinney were energetic and seemed to be have fun despite the sterile environment.
things you say
the end of you
faraway
giraffe
oxygen
new song
stay where you are
step aside
promised land
heart factory
extended jam
dig me not
as the pearl jam set began everyone stood up. there was a lot of head nodding and fist pumping. they performed many of their most popular songs. at one point a beachball landed on stage. eddie said he was really happy but then became depressed because it had a clear channel logo. fans became very excited when he climbed on speakers. but during all this i was thinking. when is sleater-kinney going to come out. there was i alot of lead guitar playing. and extended guitar solos. and eddie spoke about the war and hoping that the troops would be back soon. in response the crowd starting chanting USA USA USA…
the song being over the audience cheered for more. an encore. but it took a really long time. eddie held up something and reflected a stoplight into the audience. slowly scanning back and forth. when they got done there still wasnt any sleater-kinney.
pearl jam came out with corin. together they sang “hunger strike”. which they havent so far on this tour. the rest of sleater-kinney then sang as back up singers on “leaving here”. the girls were all doing zany dances. and enjoying themselves as a chorus. they all participated in “fortunate son”. and eddie asked that the lights be turned on. corin and eddie sang “rockin in the free world” with tambourines. corin was extraordinary. she sang incredibly and moved across the stage to it wings. and reaching out. out across the sky.