Pearl Jam Rocks Atlanta with Emotional Performances and Special Moments

Atlanta, Georgia — Pearl Jam electrified fans during their concert at the State Farm Arena on May 1, 2025, delivering a night filled with raw emotion and deep cuts from their extensive catalog. The Seattle legends kicked off the highly anticipated performance with opening act Dead Pioneers, a politically-charged punk band led by artist Gregg Deal.

As the house lights dimmed at 8:52 PM, the eerie sound of ‘Dark Entry’ filled the arena, signalling the start of the night. Pearl Jam wasted no time, launching straight into ‘Present Tense‘—a rare choice for an opener, as it marked only the fifth time in the band’s history they had used it in this position.

Throughout the night, Eddie Vedder, despite feeling under the weather, delivered powerful renditions of the band’s newest songs ‘Wreckage‘ and ‘Dark Matter,’ captivating the audience with his heartfelt performances. A standout moment was when Eddie dedicated ‘Better Man’ to ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich, eliciting cheers from local sports fans.

Fans were treated to a mix of classic hits and new tracks, with significant milestones like the live performance of ‘Rearviewmirror,’ a crowd favorite that had recently seen less airtime on tours.

The energy ramped up further when the band traditionally announced the encore, featuring poignant songs like ‘Just Breathe’ and ‘Upper Hand.’ In an emotional tribute to the Seminole Tribe, Eddie highlighted the significance of reconnecting with friend Chris Osceola, who had gifted band member Jeff Ament his original bass guitar used during the recording of their album ‘Vs.’

In a thrilling finish, the night concluded with powerful versions of ‘Alive,’ Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ In The Free World,’ and the nostalgic crowd-pleaser ‘Yellow Ledbetter,’ leaving fans hoarse but exhilarated.

Their three-night run in Atlanta is part of Pearl Jam’s 2025 Dark Matter Tour, which has garnered attention for its unique blend of powerful storytelling and unfiltered musical expression, proving their enduring impact in rock music.