O2 Dublin

Pearl Jam are the great survivors of grunge. Not only have they survived, they are still thriving. A full house made for a night of steamy midsummer madness at the O2.

Pearl Jam are one of the few bands that lean towards the heavier end of the rock spectrum yet appear to attract as many women as men. This is helped, perhaps, by the a charismatic and still (at 45) criminally handsome frontman Eddie Vedder. He reminded the audience that on previous occasions it had been “dark, grey and raining” when they played Dublin. “I don’t recognise the place.” You and all the rest of us, Eddie.

A shimmering piano intro began The Long Roadfrom a 1990s EP and so it proved to be. Clocking more than two hours and 26 songs in total and eschewing any video screens, this was a procession of old and new played to an ecstatic audience.

The early part of the night showcased their new album Backspacer, including its stand-out track The Fixer,along with perennials Onceand Even Flowfrom their great album Ten.

The concert reached a new level of intensity during the two lengthy encores. The crowd sang along to an acoustic version of Just Breathefrom the new album. For those present, Pearl Jam were clearly more than a heritage act.

And so it continued. Given To Fly, Porch, Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Townand Better Manall lent themselves to an extended singalong and then the showstopper – Alive– followed by Yellow Ledbetter, an out-take from Ten.

“I know you hear this from all the bands who come here,” Vedder said, referring to the near ritualistic practice of praising Irish audiences as the best they’ve ever encountered. I bet he says that to all the girls.