at the Save Mart Arena

Matt's probably still going to be out of action for this show, right?

Might be another interesting night.

Why on earth would a band play in Fresno?

Doubtful. I'm sure he'll be back. Glen only sat out a few short days during the earthlings tour. Monday will be 4 days so I'm thinking he'll be back

He'd be in isolation for at least seven days if he was over here, but I get your point.

Guess it also depends on how he's feeling.

Isn't there only a handful of dates left for this leg?

May as well let Josh and Rich finish it up at this point.

I know you're REALLY excited about the drums but what are your thoughts on everyone else in the videos you've watched ?

He’ll say they are better because of the drums

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Spenno is blinded by his hatred of MC in Pearl Jam

I do think it's great seeing how much passion and drive both Rich and Josh are bringing to the shows, and it's clearly impacting on the other guys too.

I love Matt, but I've never felt like he's really connecting with the songs in that way.

I think the band looks just as excited about playing as they always have.

These two drummers definitely propel the songs in way they haven't been with Matt but I think you're overstating the connection and excitement Jeff and stone have

The newness would wear off quickly and we’d be bitching about them missing certain parts in songs. Matt is the drummer

Saw them in Fresno in 2000. Absolutely fantastic show.

This will be the most empty US arena show they've played... maybe ever.

They really did not need this many shows in Cali. Shit, fresno is only 2 hours from oakland and they played two nights there!

and 1 show in the midwest :\

Sacramento will be popping though

are you working for a gossip column? these takes are terrible. the band is probably excited b/c someone filled in for matt cameron and it didn't ruin the show.

Spenno is Dave A, guys

I was at the show in 2000 as well. Eddie had a cold, and cracked a joke or two about it. Solid show overall.

In response to the more rhetorical question... Having grown up in California's central valley, there are usually 3 reasons a band plays Fresno:

1. If there are a few days between shows in Northern and Southern California... Or if there's an available venue, it's a good way to pick up a show. I think this was probably the case in 2000 with PJ... The show was added pretty late and the date wasn't even on the tour poster (the one with the Binaural cover). The bulk of this PJ leg are makeup shows, with Fresno being one of a handful of added shows.

2. It is the first stop of a tour..Fresno is a solid place to test out a new show/setup etc... Metallica started their 1996 tour in Fresno.

3. At least in the old days .... Bands that got a tone of airplay, etc, would usually show up to Fresno, but I don't know what metrics they go by now..I'm sure streaming services can see where bands are doing well, and radio certainly plays it's role still, in sure.

Well, there's some insight you didn't necessarily want. Haha

Fresno 2000 was a great boot

Im hoping these guys play more of Gigaton tonight, but i get it that Matt might be integral to that idea.