Pearl Jam – Exit Stage Left Say Fans
Incensed fans walked out of Pearl Jam’s concert Tuesday after lead singer Eddie Vedder impaled a mask of President Bush on a microphone stand, then slammed it to the stage.
Most of Vedder’s antiwar remarks earlier in the Pepsi Center show were greeted with mixed cheers and scattered boos. But dozens of angry fans walked out during the encore because of the macabre display with the Bush mask, which he wore for the song Bushleaguer, a Bush- taunting song from the band’s latest album, Riot Act.
“When he was sharing his political views in a fairly benign manner – supporting our troops, opposing policy – that’s OK,” said Keith Zimmerman, of Denver.
Others joined Zimmerman, some complaining about the lyrics of Bushleaguer, which in part call Bush “a confidence man” and say, “He’s not a leader / he’s a Texas leaguer.”
April 3, 2003 - 08:21 PM on April 3rd, 2003
At least the offended concert attendees had the good sense to walk out!!! I hope they all get their money back, because they did *not* pay to see *that*.
I would have to concur that this does indeed blow away the Chicks by a mile. The Chicks were bad enough, but now it’s gone *beyond* too far in my opinion.
April 3, 2003 - 09:39 PM on April 3rd, 2003
Another group I will never support.
April 3, 2003 - 10:02 PM on April 3rd, 2003
I didn’t even know they were still making music… maybe they think they need the publicity?
April 3, 2003 - 10:11 PM on April 3rd, 2003
Ive never liked them anyway. they are a bunch of
losers. They can move to Iraq with the follywood
hypocrite.
April 3, 2003 - 10:12 PM on April 3rd, 2003
Ive never liked them anyway. they are a bunch of
losers. They can move to Iraq with the follywood
hypocrite.
April 3, 2003 - 10:12 PM on April 3rd, 2003
Ive never liked them anyway. they are a bunch of
losers. They can move to Iraq with the follywood
hypocrite.
April 3, 2003 - 10:12 PM on April 3rd, 2003
Ive never liked them anyway. they are a bunch of
losers. They can move to Iraq with the follywood
hypocrite.
April 3, 2003 - 10:59 PM on April 3rd, 2003
Can anyone imagine Charlie Daniels or Toby Keith or George Strait smashing a likeness of president Clinton on stage??? Neither can I…I have very little respect for Mr. Clinton but even I would have been apalled if they or anyone else had.. Eddie Vedder is a disgrace!!!
April 4, 2003 - 12:10 AM on April 4th, 2003
Oh, there is *no* way *Toby* would do something like that, to be sure — although he *did* have a cool shot of the Chicks with Osama in his show that went over quite well with the crowd indeed!
Otherwise, plenty of red, white and blue all around!
April 4, 2003 - 04:16 AM on April 4th, 2003
hehe…yo GO PEARL JAM! right so! hey, cool band…i usually listen to ragga, but i think i’m going to start to listen to pearl jam…hehe…
do u guys love mister bush? really love your leader? what has he ever did for u? while his soldiers are in iraq…ach, he’s sitting in camp david, drinking a FRENCH wine from bourgogne or elsass…OPEN YOUR eyes, my dear writers in here…just for once…
und wehe öper macht mis english da dinne fertig…wehe…
http://WWW.f**kBUSH.DE…HARR HARR HARR…
April 4, 2003 - 06:50 AM on April 4th, 2003
I agree with you Norma, Pearl Jam should move to Iraq with the rest of the Hollywood Nazis (whoops) I mean hypocrites. Also, Maryiane our eyes are open, this is what this website is all about. Bush has the fortitude and wisdom to protect the USA and keep his promise to prevent futher terrorist attacks. Bush is determined to distroy a dictator who has no other interest than to oppress and torture his people as well as stock pile weapons of mass distruction in order to make attempts to do the same to this country as well as others.
WAKE UP, this boycott is trying to educate and allow the truth to be spoken. These celebrities are taking this opportunity to bring attention to themselves and in turn make money. They have no interest in the people of this country or those in the Armed Forces that are fighting to preserve our freedom and promote justice.
April 4, 2003 - 08:01 AM on April 4th, 2003
Pearl Jam, the Dixie Chix and all the others have the right to act stupid and be ashamed but we in turn have the right to tell them to go to hell despite Al Gore believing the opposite.
April 4, 2003 - 09:00 AM on April 4th, 2003
I’ve always hated Vedder’s attitude, He is a little crybaby bitch, Thinks he’s a sellout if he doesn’t do his own thing, or boycott MTV. But I always respected that as his right and had no reason not to buy his CD’s. But disrespecting the president at a time like this is just too much. Strong presidents like Bush, are the very reason Vedder’s Pansy a$$ can get away with crap like that on stage, and not be punished, If an Iraqi Band went up on stage and did the same thing with a mask of Saddam, That group wouldn’t be allowed to leave the stage alive. In fact their families would probably be punished as well. Along with anyone in the crowd who thought it was funny to decapitate Saddam. Yes It’s sad innocent people in the US and British military will die defending our freedom, but who else will stick up for the little guys who live in fear of wanting a free government like ours which we take for granted? Hopefully he pissed off his other members of the group also by speaking for them and loosing fans for them.
April 4, 2003 - 12:27 PM on April 4th, 2003
I DO love President Bush, and fully support every single one of his actions thus far. Even if I did not….what Vedder did was completely inexcuseable. It’s such a shame that hard working, great Americans have to fight for HIS rights too. Can we send him to another country. I’m sure that the brainwashed French or Germans would take him.
April 4, 2003 - 12:51 PM on April 4th, 2003
Marijane, where exactly are you from?
…. go back…. !!!
April 4, 2003 - 03:01 PM on April 4th, 2003
Freedom of speech for Eddie Vedder, my favourite
weasel!
April 4, 2003 - 06:19 PM on April 4th, 2003
I was at the concert, I am a Repub. and a PJ fan, but this was just uncalled for. While I disagree with Bush on many subjects, I support the war and *my* president. PJ has the right to free speech, but this was just typical stupid showboating showing dissent in our country when it needs support the most. I really didn’t see what he did with the mask, I only saw him do a dance while wearing it.
A line in the Bushleager song at the concert (first time I heard it actually) was “the haves have not a f**ing clue”. Well, a majority of our ‘haves’ are in Hollywood or are highly paid athletes. There are a few super-rich white male CEOs in this country, but there are many more very rich liberal idiots who won’t put their money where there mouth is and donate it to all the causes they champion, like health care for every non-working and non-american person.
War is hell, but it needs to be done sometimes. Where were these protesters when Clinton was bombing Kosavo, killing more civilians than will die in this war?
April 4, 2003 - 08:44 PM on April 4th, 2003
Maryjane – You can make all the comments about the United States and how much you hate our government. But I know this much, if your country is ever attacked, we will be the first country you would call on for help as you are pissing in your pants.
April 5, 2003 - 11:02 AM on April 5th, 2003
Pearl Jam you’ve certainly gone and done it!
Had to open your big mouth Eddie!
As Americans, we are fortunate to be allowed to
express our opinions, even about our president.
However, some people should shut the heck up.
Eddie, you should be ashamed of yourself. These fans come to hear your music (or whatever that
crap is that you mumble and nobody knows what you’re saying). Regardless, no one paid to hear your political views. Go smoke some pot and lay off, dude. We must fight to keep our freedom and put an end to an evil tyrant. No one WANTS this to be happening. Most Americans understand the need for it and support our leaders and our troops.
I am certainly not a Republican, but I stand by our leader. My only regret is that I have but one life to give for my country. Have you heard this. Look up some history you piece of crap traitors!!
Quit showing your lack of patriotism and evident support of Saddam because it is doing our country no good. It will not bring our troops home any faster (since you say this is your concern). Bull, your only concern is to be a thorn in the sides of true Americans!!
You all suck!!
April 5, 2003 - 11:02 AM on April 5th, 2003
Pearl Jam you’ve certainly gone and done it!
Had to open your big mouth Eddie!
As Americans, we are fortunate to be allowed to
express our opinions, even about our president.
However, some people should shut the heck up.
Eddie, you should be ashamed of yourself. These fans come to hear your music (or whatever that
crap is that you mumble and nobody knows what you’re saying). Regardless, no one paid to hear your political views. Go smoke some pot and lay off, dude. We must fight to keep our freedom and put an end to an evil tyrant. No one WANTS this to be happening. Most Americans understand the need for it and support our leaders and our troops.
I am certainly not a Republican, but I stand by our leader. My only regret is that I have but one life to give for my country. Have you heard this. Look up some history you piece of crap traitors!!
Quit showing your lack of patriotism and evident support of Saddam because it is doing our country no good. It will not bring our troops home any faster (since you say this is your concern). Bull, your only concern is to be a thorn in the sides of true Americans!!
You all suck!!
April 5, 2003 - 11:02 AM on April 5th, 2003
Pearl Jam you’ve certainly gone and done it!
Had to open your big mouth Eddie!
As Americans, we are fortunate to be allowed to
express our opinions, even about our president.
However, some people should shut the heck up.
Eddie, you should be ashamed of yourself. These fans come to hear your music (or whatever that
crap is that you mumble and nobody knows what you’re saying). Regardless, no one paid to hear your political views. Go smoke some pot and lay off, dude. We must fight to keep our freedom and put an end to an evil tyrant. No one WANTS this to be happening. Most Americans understand the need for it and support our leaders and our troops.
I am certainly not a Republican, but I stand by our leader. My only regret is that I have but one life to give for my country. Have you heard this. Look up some history you piece of crap traitors!!
Quit showing your lack of patriotism and evident support of Saddam because it is doing our country no good. It will not bring our troops home any faster (since you say this is your concern). Bull, your only concern is to be a thorn in the sides of true Americans!!
You all suck!!
April 5, 2003 - 12:51 PM on April 5th, 2003
The world has to have it’s chicken s**ts and cowardly A**holes to keep the percentages okay.
Pearl Jam is just the small percentage of cowards and A**holes we need. Maybe if we can get them out of the US again, we can find a way not to let them return. Visitors have some of our constitutional rights…not all.
April 5, 2003 - 04:04 PM on April 5th, 2003
PEARL JAM IS NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF IDIOTS. I HAVE PURCHASED MY LAST ALBUM. SHAME ON THEM. THEY NEED TO GET TOGETHER WITH THE DIXIE CHICKS AND CALL JANE FONDA AND GO LIVE IN BAGDAD WITH SADDAM. THEY STINK…..
April 5, 2003 - 04:13 PM on April 5th, 2003
WHAT MORE DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE WASHED UP PEARL JAM? MARYJANE,YOU MUST BE A JENNIFER ANISTON FAN,YOU USE THE SAME FILTHY LANGUAGE. IF YOU LIVED IN THE UNITED STATES YOUR OPINION COUNTS. YOU DON’T AND IT DOESN’T. PERSONAL ATTACKS ABOUT WHAT HE MAY BE DRINKING. GROW UP!! OUR PRESIDENT IS TYRING TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY A BETTER PLACE. HE HAS HAD NOTHING BUT FIRES TO PUT OUT SINCE CLINTON THE IMPEACHED FINALLY LEFT. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.
GOD BLESS OUR BRAVE TROOPS,PRESIDENT,ALLIES AND THIS GREAT NATION. THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS COULD NOT CARE LESS WHAT THE WORLD THINKS ABOUT US. WHAT DOES THE WORLD EVER DO FOR US? NEXT STEP US OUT OF THE UN AND THE UN OUT OF THE US. GODSPEED TROOPS WE SUPPORT YOU!!
April 5, 2003 - 05:41 PM on April 5th, 2003
Don’t pick on MJ too much.
Most liberals don’t have a clue as to how the real world works or how the majority of the world thinks or feels about anything. Mostly because they’ve created in their own minds a world that doesn’t really exsist. The closest thing I can compare it to is The Matrix. Most normal people live outside the VR world while liberals kick and scream to stay in it.
I’ve always found it interesting that the majority of 60’s protesters grew up and became suburbanites with the most inportant thing to them being their stock portfolio and car pooling.
April 5, 2003 - 06:59 PM on April 5th, 2003
For the record…..I am from Australia and the mask thing was done here too recently by Eddie, He also did it for the Seattle shows in late 2002.
These days half the bands out there promote suicide, hate etc….and other artists in the top 40 for publicity wear nothing and their lyrics have no meaning other than sexual conotations………Pearl Jam aren’t after publicity, in fact they are the opposite…..The band are more than happy to sit back in the limelight. But this does not mean their views are going to fade away either. They do not like George Bush, and that song Bushleager is them expressing their feelings…..and decapitating the mask is funny, after all it is just a mask, just like when Nirvana used to trash their sets….they are just instruments.
Anybody who is a Pearl Jam fan would know that the mask incident was going to happen, so don’t be offended by it. During the 2000 tour Eddie ranted about Bush………..if your offended fine, stop whinging though. I am offended by things that go on especially on TV: eg: the putting down of homosexuals, vivid shows on TV depicting rape and other crap…….but it’s something you have to deal with……..Pearl Jam like anyone else can do what they want, and whether you like it or not means s**t.
Like Eddie said the next night of the tour….24 fans left…11,792 stayed
April 6, 2003 - 08:25 PM on April 6th, 2003
I’m as right wing as they come, but you people are crazy. Freedom of speech is one of the most treasured commodities of being an American. Those who don’t respect that right basically want everyone to think like they do. Boy, what a society that would be, eh? Everybody thinking the same way, hmmmm, lets see….oh yeah, there are some countries out there like that. I might suggest North Korea or if you hurry, I hear Iraq still practices like-thinking and threats if you don’t agree, but time is running out.
April 6, 2003 - 09:28 PM on April 6th, 2003
I just read that Cuba is currently giving out life sentences for the dissenters in the country that are speaking out against their government. I guess we could be like Cuba and lock up Pearl Jam and others who oppose the Bush administration. If you don’t agree with Bush, you are a traitor and must be dealt with. Lately that really seems to be the sentiment by many of the right-wingers.
April 6, 2003 - 09:58 PM on April 6th, 2003
Right Wing your are missing the point of this website. This boycott is to allow people to have the realization that Follywood does not speak for us. They think because they are famous they speak for the general public.
They are trying very hard to manipulate others into thinking the way they do.Boycotting them is a way to have a voice and let them know we stand behind this country and our troops. Right Wing you are no Right Wing, I think you are a Left Wing closet case.
April 6, 2003 - 10:40 PM on April 6th, 2003
Lisa….Boycott Hollywood…….since when have Pearl Jam ever had anything to do with Hollywood
Case closed
They are so anti-high profile ppl you would be amazed…….you’re only hopping on the sledging band wagon for the sake of it
April 7, 2003 - 03:36 AM on April 7th, 2003
one question? why is america always the target of terrorist? WHY??? how did that started, hm? why dont they attack (if they ever attacked the usa…maybe it was the cia, we don’t know) the netherlands or china, hm? why the usa? cause the usa made alot of s**t, since they’re independent…a lot of s**t…
and leave pearl jam with their opinion…they make great music, only cause they’re against bush, don’t need to start to cry…the whole world is against him, but thats something else, i know…
April 7, 2003 - 11:07 AM on April 7th, 2003
Okay Randall let me rephrase that “famous people that have profitted a great deal from this country and are the first to s**t all over.”
Their fame has lead them to believe that they are experts in politics and any other controversial issue, which is “bulls**t.” Unfortunately they are in the limelight and do have the power to brainwash others in to believing their anti-American crap campaign and lets hate the politicians, especially Bush. It is rude, crude and down right pathetic. If they are so opposed to this war and Bush then why don’t they move to Iraq and buddy up with Saddam.
April 7, 2003 - 06:39 PM on April 7th, 2003
Anyone that thinks the whole world is against Bush is delusional.He has got over 70% approval of the american people.There are more countries in the UN with Bush than against him.Even in France and Germany most don’t agree with their government.Just because there are a few small groups of protestors scattered here and there doesn’t mean they speak for the rest of the world.Those that speak out against this war aren’t even 1% as opposed to those that don’t.
April 13, 2003 - 08:11 PM on April 13th, 2003
Poor dear Mary Jane. Do you know that Maryjane is the English slang word for marijuana? It sounds like you have smoked too much. Pearl Jam has never made good music, even when they kept their under educated opinion to themselves. And dear Mary Jane…try not to speak with the filthy mouth of a drunken sailor. It just shows you don’t have enough education. And sweetie, try to remember that Germany has tried to make war with most of the world…and lost. I know your angry about that but, don’t blame America for winning every time we have to straighten out someone. We are the peacemakers of the world because stupid people like you keep trying to make war! You see dear, here in America we have the advantage of many different people who immagrate here so they can be free from people like you and Sadaam. Now get your dictionary out and figure this little letter out.
Love ya!
April 19, 2003 - 11:21 AM on April 19th, 2003
Freedom of speech is exactly what it is. You neo-conservative Bush-slaves need to get over yourselves and realize that NOT EVERYONE AGREES WITH YOU or DUBYA.
April 19, 2003 - 11:32 AM on April 19th, 2003
Lisa said-”Right Wing your are missing the point of this website. This boycott is to allow people to have the realization that Follywood does not speak for us. They think because they are famous they speak for the general public.
They are trying very hard to manipulate others into thinking the way they do.Boycotting them is a way to have a voice and let them know we stand behind this country and our troops. Right Wing you are no Right Wing, I think you are a Left Wing closet case.”
Isn’t PJ from Seattle, not Hollywood?..although I think Vedder used to surf in San Diego at one point…but does that count?
Rock and roll has always been about rebellion. Rebellion against conformity, against institution, against leadership, against popularity. What EV did to that poor Bush mask was NOTHING MORE than that.
Boycott PJ all you want.. there will be more seats available at the shows I am going to this summer!
April 19, 2003 - 02:28 PM on April 19th, 2003
Yea, I just want to say f*ck this gay-ass website. Boycotting people for expressing their state-given first amnedment rights? You’re all a bunch of hypocritical conservative pansies.
1)The Dixie Chicks suck no matter what their views are
2)Pearl Jam kicks ass. Eddie Vedder has always hated Bush so why is this a surprise?? They’re on tour right now and they still sell out arenas, despite the fact that they don’t even make music videos anymore. I think that says something about a band.
April 19, 2003 - 06:02 PM on April 19th, 2003
Why do all of you right-wingers always say, “Why doesn’t so-and-so go cuddle up w/ saddam in bagdhad?” I think that you are all missing the point. The point is that there are people who are opposed to the war. Nobody will contend that saddam is a good man. Not too many people are in favor of any war and if you are, you need your head checked.
P.S.- I bet if some of you gave Pearl Jam a listen and brushed aside all this other crap, you would really enjoy them.
April 19, 2003 - 09:27 PM on April 19th, 2003
Hmmmm…last I checked the U.S was about freedom of speech. If Pearl Jam is anti-war, then they have every right to be. If they want to express their opinion, then they have every right to. I like Pearl Jam because they have never been afraid to express their opinion. They’ve done more to help our poor and enviormental issues than Bush has ever done, or ever will do. While we have homeless children on the streets, etc etc, our troops are out their dieing for a cause that Bush is only fighting for so he can be remembered in the history books. As the man that got “Sadaam out of power.”
This countrys politics are sick, and I am ashamed to live in a country that bullies other countries around. OPEN YOUR REPUBLICAN EYES!!!!!!!!
April 20, 2003 - 09:56 PM on April 20th, 2003
i love all you people
you are very entertaining
kill bush!
April 20, 2003 - 09:57 PM on April 20th, 2003
i love all you people
you are very entertaining
save the world!
kill bush!
April 20, 2003 - 10:00 PM on April 20th, 2003
sorry to post twice
ok. three times.
ive been to hollywood and it messed with my mind!
April 21, 2003 - 01:23 PM on April 21st, 2003
The problem with Pear Jam is their fans. I am a huge Pearl Jam fan but I am one who thinks for myself. Most Pearl Jam fans are just Eddie Vedder Clones. If tomorrow Eddie were to say that he believes and worships Satan then you would see millions of Peal Jam fans throw away their bibles and start praying to the devil. They belive Ed is the all knowing. Most of the ones who follow his views closely are the young college kids whos minds are already warpped from being in liberal institutions. Most of their views will one day change when they actually have to join the real world and realize that what Eddie says is just his crazy little beliefs and doesn’t represent their oppinions anymore.
April 21, 2003 - 01:47 PM on April 21st, 2003
Oh plz.
Just because a fan is anti-bush and agrees with what Ed is saying, hes a clone?
Ist that like saying whoever doesnt support the war is a traitor?
Didnt Saddam Hussein used to follow that policy as well?
September 13, 2004 - 10:24 PM on September 13th, 2004
You all raise great points…however, I am not sure what it is about Americans, most Americans, that they always NEED to defend their leaders. Why is it that you decide that France and Germany have brainwashed their people? How do you, a mere consumer in the great economy of the great, chest pounding, too proud to ever be wrong U.S. of A.?
Your right about one thing, if any Iraqi artist did what Eddie did on stage they wouldn’t leave the stage alive. You are saying that this is a good thing, but then saying he shouldn’t do it. THAT is hypocrisy!!! If he has the right to do it, then he can do whatever he wants…that is his right. Your country has never been more strong, they help other countries more than anyone else, and for that we thank-you. You also bomb, pillage, plunder and kill, more than any ther country, so quit praising your “leader” and figure out a way to all get on the same page and stop being fooled by the corporate CEO’s that are running your country. Stop being terrified of terrorists, they are not hanging outside in the garden. Live your life and stop being brainwashed yourselves. War doesn’t lead to peace, neither does showing and proving how strong you are. IS Eddie Vedder scaring you all as well? Wow, you are really scared.
Glad I live in Canada where all we are scared of is the snow, and the possibility of no hockey. I’d take those things over war.
September 14, 2004 - 06:22 AM on September 14th, 2004
Scared of Eddie Vedder? hahaha…that’s funny. If the celebrity elite can say what they want and I agree it’s their right to do so..than in return it is our right to disagree..there is nothing wrong with NOT wanting to see a guys concert or a movie because of something they said in public. That’s just the way it is..When my granny found out Elvis was using drugs..it liked to have killed her and she refused to listen to even his Gospel records anymore..I mean..some of you are being a little ultra sensitive here..it’s been this way for years. Popularity Contests with huge paychecks..that’s what Hollywood is and there is a sector of us who don’t find them that enchanting anymore..and don’t forget..it’s OUR right to think that. It’s great that some of you can just shrug stuff off..that’s your deal man..I have too honestly concerning some of these outspoken celebrity types..but I don’t like feeling bullied to do it..If I wanna turn my radio dial when PJ comes on..than I can and I don’t really have to justify it to anybody..my choice.
September 14, 2004 - 08:03 AM on September 14th, 2004
dear grievance, I doubt a little coward like you is still here, but if you really feel that way, go say that to the White House.
Yeah, I thought so, all anonymous keyboard and no cajones.
November 20, 2004 - 06:02 AM on November 20th, 2004
And you Americans call yourselves free? People, get to learn another language and start reading books that are not manipulated by your system.
November 20, 2004 - 08:14 AM on November 20th, 2004
Uh, thanks for the advice Jeroen. And where is it you come from?
July 11, 2005 - 10:58 PM on July 11th, 2005
To the ignorant neanderthal who posted message # 10:
1. What sense does it make to send your commander-in-chief to the battlefield?
2. Communist leaders need to die while their manipulated followers are shown a right way of life. The number of dead American soldiers is very small, especially considering how many Iraqis will be out from under a torturous dictatorship.
3. I used to like Pearl Jam. Then I found out about his ABSOLUTELY WRONG stance on abortion, not to mention the incident with the Bush mask.
I thought he vowed to move out of the U.S. if Bush was electec anyway.
To anyone else:
Abortion is wrong. If a child is not wanted, or if a mother cannot care for her child, there are adoption agencies and crisis pregnancy centers available. (I saw a Pearl Jam video in which Vedder had “pro choice” written on his arm.)
July 27, 2005 - 06:52 PM on July 27th, 2005
This story has been widely discredited.
http://tenclub.net/soundnewsfiles/Pearl%20Jam2.mp3
March 18, 2007 - 02:20 PM on March 18th, 2007
these comments are funny…its 2007 and i stumbled on to this…wonder what everyone who posted here is saying TODAY..ha.