On May 6, 2025, Pearl Jam stormed Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, transforming it into a sacred space of raw grunge power, heartfelt nostalgia, and electrifying soul. More than three decades into their journey, these Seattle rock titans showed why they remain a must-see live act, drawing fans from across the globe. It’s not about chasing past glory—Pearl Jam keeps pushing forward while celebrating the roots that define them and staying true to themselves. And the unique setlist for every show has PJ fans touring around the world to hear deep cuts from their catalog. Nashville was no exception with back to back tracks “Brain of J” and “Green Disease” that haven’t been performed in quite some time.
A Punk-Powered Warm-Up
The evening ignited with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, an Australian punk crew who unleashed a whirlwind of attitude, grit, and youthful rebellion. Their high-octane set was short but fierce, getting the crowd pumped and primed for the night ahead. With a gloriously rough-around-the-edges sound, this all-female lineup delivered punk vibes that perfectly set the stage for the headliners.
Pearl Jam: Masters of Mood and Mayhem
When the lights dipped for Pearl Jam, the arena erupted in a roar that could’ve shaken the rafters. Eddie Vedder strolled onstage, instantly commanding the crowd’s devotion. Kicking off with a haunting rendition of “Indifference,” the band set an emotional tone that carried through the night. Pearl Jam’s magic lies in their seamless dance between blistering grunge anthems and soul-stirring ballads. Nashville got the full spectrum—tracks like “Even Flow,” “Do the Evolution,” and “Jeremy” crackled with ageless intensity, while “Just Breathe” hushed the arena, uniting thousands in a shared, breathless moment.
Dark Matter Shines Bright
The setlist wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—new tracks from Dark Matter stole the spotlight. “Scared of Fear” hit harder and moodier than its studio cut, while the album’s title track, “Dark Matter,” was a showstopper, blending brooding depths with soaring peaks. The band’s pride in their latest chapter was palpable, and the crowd’s wild response to these fresh songs proved Pearl Jam’s new era resonates just as fiercely as their classics.
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Eddie Vedder: Storyteller and Soul
Between songs, Vedder connected with the audience like an old friend, sharing candid stories and song origins. One touching moment came when he recounted a father-daughter tale: a dad who refused his daughter’s plea to buy an album at midnight but surprised her with it the next morning after secretly visiting the record store. This heartfelt story led into a rousing performance of “Daughter.” Vedder also gave a nod to Nashville’s warm welcome, reflected on the band’s early days, and delivered a few sharp, never-preachy comments on the world’s state, including a fiery call for the government to “leave our women alone” during a gritty cover of “Another Brick in the Wall.”
An Encore to Remember
The encore was a love letter to the fans. “Alive” sparked a massive arena-wide singalong, and their cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” sent the crowd into a frenzy from the opening chords. When the house lights finally flickered on, fans lingered, reluctant to leave—but lucky for them, Pearl Jam’s second Nashville show was just two days away. We don’t know how much longer the band will be touring, so every show is special.
Check out the full setlist: