Take me out to the ... Pearl Jam show?
In 2016, the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group (fronted by one-time San Diegan Eddie Vedder) tore through a 26-date North American tour that culminated with a two-night, sold-out stand at none other than Chicago’s storied Wrigley Field on Aug. 20 and 22.
Those two shows -- which grossed in excess of $5.7 million -- were of particular significance to Vedder, who grew up in Chicago and is still a passionate lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Back in 2008, the singer/guitarist wrote “All the Way” for the club, and when the Cubbies went on their historic World Series-winning run later in 2016, Vedder was routinely spotted at the games and even led their Game 5 home crowd in the seventh-inning stretch sing-along “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
So, it should come as no surprise that on Nov. 17 of this year, Pearl Jam released “Let’s Play Two,” a documentary by filmmaker Danny Clinch, which chronicles the band’s performances during their two nights at Wrigley Field, paired with behind-the-scenes footage of the band, the fans and -- who else? -- the Chicago Cubs.
A love letter of sorts to his favorite baseball team and his hometown, the film shows Vedder and his Pearl Jam bandmates powering through fiery renditions of 17 songs from their 25-year (and running) career, including “Better Man,” “Black,” “Corduroy,” “Jeremy,” “Alive” and, of course, the aforementioned “All the Way.”
The 120-minute film and its accompanying soundtrack are currently available everywhere movies and music are sold and streamed, with Amazon.com exclusively offering the film's Blu-Ray version. All DVD editions of “Let’s Play Two” will feature five bonus performances of “Black,” “Mind Your Manners,” “Masters of War,” “Rearviewmirror” and “Immortality,” as well as a deluxe edition of the soundtrack. Visit the band’s official website for more information.
Dustin Lothspeich plays in Old Tiger, Diamond Lakes and Boy King, and runs his own music equipment-loving blog Gear and Loathing in San Diego. Follow his updates on Twitter or contact him directly.
