But for a child of the alternative era like me, the most exciting moment undoubtedly came during Pearl Jam’s show in Santa Barbara, L.A on the 7th of October promoting their latest album Backspacer. I mean it’s not everyday you get to see Jerry Cantrell and Chris Cornell playing with the legendary PJ. After a blistering set of career highlights, Eddie Vedder introduced his old friend and Seattle comrade Chris Cornell on stage to take the lead on the classic Hunger Strike briefly reforming their short lived supergroup Temple of the Dog. A performance that brought back the nostalgic thoughts of an era gone by also brought with it another cause for celebration. The fact that former Soundgarden members Kim Thyail and Ben Shepard were backstage watching, making this the first time all four members were in the same place at the same time since Matt Cameron became the official drummer for PJ. Could we be gearing up for a full fledged Soundgarden reunion? Keep your fingers crossed!
After this incredible performance, PJ had yet another surprise for the crowds in attendance as Jerry Cantrell, guitarist of the recently reformed Alice in Chains walked on midway through the anthem that is ‘Alive’ to shred out the solo while a keyed up Mike McCready cheered on. Mike and Jerry have always had a close friendship with Mike playing guitar in the late AIC front man Layne Staley’s group Mad Season.
After a performance that brought down the house, all of Pearl Jam along with their special guests took a bow bringing the surprised filled evening to a deafening cheer filled close.
