Live Review: Pearl Jam – Dark Matter World Tour 2024 Melbourne
16 November 2024 – at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
For a band that have been storming the world stage for over three decades, it’s no easy feat to maintain the intensity and relevance in an ever changing soundscape. On this night, Pearl Jam proved that they’ve not only stayed vital, but have evolved into a sonic fusion even more profound than the sum of their legendary parts.
Pearl Jam’s performance to 50,000 fans in Melbourne is a testament to their enduring power as one of rock’s most influential bands. Held at Marvel Stadium, the night was a perfect combination of nostalgia and raw energy, with Eddie Vedder leading the charge; his commanding voice delivering the gut-wrenching ballads to the roaring through classic anthems.
As the first chords of ‘Why Go’ cracked through the air, it was immediately clear that this concert wouldn’t be your standard Pearl Jam gig. Of course, the hits were there, but there was something uniquely experimental about this show, a looseness and freedom to the way they played. They were allowing the music to breathe rather than just running through the set list, reminding us that even after more than three decades of making music, why this band remain one of the most exhilarating acts in rock history.
Eddie Vedder, undoubtedly the heartbeat of the band (a rock god with the humility of a preacher), stepped to the mic and greeted the crowd with an energised smile. He was in great form, both vocally and physically. His voice, that raspy, aching, powerful instrument that’s been shaping Pearl Jam’s sound for decades, was as crisp as ever, soaring with the emotion only he can deliver. He was completely present in the moment, ensuring to take his time to connect with the audience, sharing stories and occasionally veering off script to remind everyone of the deeper themes the band has always championed – unity, love and the sheer power of music. He also spoke briefly about his charity, EBRP that he and his wife co-founded. They are devoted to providing and raising money for studies aimed at curing and treating epidermolysis bullosa (EB). This is where the skin is attacked by EB, both the external and internal skins. The wounds that follow are never healed. Blisters, bleeding, disfigurement, and constant discomfort ensue. For many of the children born with it, it is fatal.
It’s impossible to describe the atmosphere without invoking a sense of reverence, the kind when witnessing something truly timeless from the first chords of “Why Go’ to the closing notes of “Yellow Ledbetter”, every song was delivered with passion and energy that felt both deeply personal and universally resonant. With Vedder’s voice, as distinct and impassioned as ever, he had a weathered quality that somehow made the songs feel even more urgent and sincere. It was clear Pearl Jam isn’t just a band – they’re a living, breathing entity with an unshakeable bond between the musicians and their fans. Midway through, Eddie Vedder pays tribute to AFL legend Jonathan Brown and to the crowds surprise and delight, he brings him on stage.
The band’s diversity of musical styles was scintillating. Mike McCready’s guitar solos were truly iconic, each one a soaring, cathartic release, while Matt Cameron’s drumming anchored the performance with precision and power. Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, the backbone of the band, held down the rhythm section with a magnetic chemistry that kept everything tight and dynamic. Special mention goes to the band’s ability to effortlessly switch between hard-hitting anthems to softer, more introspective ballads, demonstrating just how broad their music range has become over the years.
This performance was no exception to Pearl Jam’s longstanding ability to transition between the intensity of their early grunge days and the reflective, nearly meditative nature of their later music. The audience was in raptures during ‘Alive’ -of course, but the deeper cuts like ‘Given to Fly’ gained new significance in the live environment, feeling like a soaring anthem. Mike McCready’s guitar work on that track was breathtaking, his fingers moving with an urgency and precision that echoed the song’s themes of liberation and yearning.
The production was visually simple and striking. One’s attention was always on the music, the band, their performance, and the raw energy they bring on stage. Giant screens flanked the stage-close-ups of the band, sometimes very evocative visuals complementing the mood of the songs without overpowering them.
The energy in the stadium by the time the encore came around was almost transcendent. Vedder’s solos, sincere homages, and the band’s overall effervescent camaraderie furthered this element of spontaneity, which placed the audience on its toes. Every syllable of Pearl Jam’s songs was sung by the stadium’s crowd, who joined in unison, creating a strong chorus that reverberated throughout the evening.
Pearl Jam’s concert was a great testimony to live performance skills, an immersive experience that reminded us why this band survived and why their music speaks to each new generation. Decades into the game, they still push the limits, and by the end of it all, they leave fans satisfied but inspired. If you ever get the chance, definitely go check them out whenever they come in concert. It is an experience that will surely linger long after the show is over.
The Australian leg of Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter will continue for another night in Melbourne before heading to Sydney for two shows. Final tickets are available from Live Nation Australia.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank revolutions per minute, Live Nations Australia and Pearl Jam for the media accreditation.
About the Writer and Photographer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography. She embraces the spirit of festivals, the excitement of sports, and theatre, the laughter-inducing antics of comedy, and the electrifying atmosphere of live music performances. She cherishes each experience as a chance to immerse herself fully in life’s rich tapestry
About Sheldon Ang Media: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 120 of the hottest acts including Coldplay (Perth),Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and The Kid LAROI with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. SAM is also a music journalist on the Triple M Radio network.
