5 Unforgettable Moments of Pearl Jam in Amsterdam

2/12/1992 – Melkweg – “Everybody saw Amsterdam, Jeff puked at that table right over there…”

That little improv line from I’ve Got A Feeling, the closing song the first time Pearl Jam visited Amsterdam back in February of 1992, hints at an inauspicious start to the band’s relationship with this city. Following a version of Porch that saw Ed and Jeff enter the pit, the band jams for over 11 minutes. Everyone eventually leaves the stage except Dave and Ed, who’s been out in the pit again. They would return in 1993 for an unannounced show in which Ed became ill and had to cut the show short. Despite that, they’ve played 8 more shows there since, and the 2022 European tour, after originally scheduled to begin in Amsterdam, will come to a close there instead.

6/26/2012 – Ziggo Dome – Turned My World To Black

Following a show at Parkhal on the No Code tour, Pearl Jam didn’t play in Amsterdam again until 2012, a 16-year hiatus. They made up for it, however, with 2 nights at the Ziggo Dome, a trend that would repeat in 2014, 2018, and now in 2022. On night 1, the crowd welcomed them back with a night of loud singing and participation, culminating in this 8+ minute version of Black as the show was drawing to a close. They refuse to let the song end. Chills.

6/27/2012 – Ziggo Dome – The Chosen One

The following night, fan club member Brian Farias, who had been a member of Mother Love Bone’s fan club in the early days, was chosen to create a setlist for the band, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One of the most cherished shows in the band’s history, Brian balanced some deep cuts with some fan favorites, even including Bugs for the 2nd time ever, but it’s Crown of Thorns that provides the best moment on the night. Well done Brian.

6/17/2014 – Ziggo Dome – Sing Along With Ed

A fan would have a moment at the Ziggo Dome in 2014 as well, during the encore on night 2. As the band rips through State of Love and Trust, Ed sees the crowd in the front row singing along and gets an idea. He wants to give them the microphone, at first he thinks about lying down and reaching out, but then as the final singalong chorus approaches, he tosses the mic down to a lucky fan who sings along then throws the mic back to Ed to finish the song.

6/13/2018 – Ziggo Dome – Enmity Gauged

The most recent show in Amsterdam, June 13, 2018, featured a song that’s been on our minds lately near the end of the encore. Who knows if they will break out Rearviewmirror at one of the two upcoming shows, but watch this 7+ minute version, especially the crowd singing along at the end, and enjoy the magic.