Auckland’s Go Media Stadium was electric on Friday night as Pearl Jam kicked off their highly anticipated Australian and New Zealand tour. The show marked a significant moment for fans, as it was the band’s first performance in New Zealand in nearly 10 years.
The Seattle rock icons made sure the long wait was worth it, delivering an unforgettable night that left the packed stadium buzzing.
Opening with ‘Given to Fly,’ Pearl Jam immediately had the crowd in the palm of their hands. The setlist was a perfect blend of beloved classics and deep cuts, including fan favorites like ‘Corduroy’ and ‘Even Flow.’ A surprise highlight of the night was their blistering cover of Van Halen’s ‘Eruption,’ which sent waves of excitement through the crowd. Adding a local touch, New Zealand’s own Liam Finn joined the band on stage for an energetic rendition of ‘Habit.’
One of the most memorable moments came during ‘Daughter,’ where Eddie Vedder seamlessly wove in snippets of Pixies’ ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2.’ The night culminated in a powerful encore, featuring anthems like ‘Do the Evolution,’ ‘Alive,’ and their iconic cover of Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ in the Free World.’
This Auckland show was just the beginning of their whirlwind tour, with Pearl Jam set to play the Gold Coast on November 13, followed by Melbourne on November 16 and 18, and Sydney on November 21 and 23. With this explosive kickoff, fans across Australia are eagerly awaiting their turn to experience one of rock’s greatest live acts.
Be sure to check out our exclusive photo gallery from the show, captured by Mike Dziama, to relive the magic or get hyped for the upcoming tour dates!
