Pearl Jam Show Review with Photos

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As a longtime Pearl Jam fan, night one of their Raleigh show at the Lenovo Center on May 11, 2025, was nothing short of magical. From the moment they kicked off with Release, the energy in the arena was electric and set the tone for an unforgettable night.

The band’s performance felt both powerful and intimate, blending deep cuts with fan favorites seamlessly. Highlights for me included the soaring anthems Given to Fly, Even Flow and the raw intensity of Porch. Eddie Vedder’s voice was as strong as ever, and his heartfelt shoutout to the hardworking moms in the crew added a warm, personal touch to the evening.

The setlist was a perfect mix from their new Dark Matter album and classic hits, demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. 

Overall, night one in Raleigh was a masterclass in live rock performance — passionate, raw, and deeply moving. It was a night that reaffirmed why Pearl Jam continues to command such devotion from fans old and new. If night two is anything like this, Raleigh is in for a treat.

- B. Owens