I’d rather have the refund.

You're an outlier.

I'm not sure that's true, at least among fans who know the band pretty well.

B probably doesn't even know all the band members' names.

What percentage of the arena audience could pronounce "Ament"?

Even I'd enjoy a show with a bass tech rather than having my THIRD god damned cancellation.

Third god damned cancellation.

First world problems.

Well, I didn't call the UN or anything. We're talking about Jeff vs. a guest bass player.

I am sure that's true.

They are not cancelled, they are just being held accountable.

Calm down, snowflake.

I'm really surprised by this.

Surely the valuable part of seeing Pearl Jam live is hearing the songs played by the members of Pearl Jam, not simply random dudes with Eddie Vedder up front.

(Then again, maybe this explains the appeal of Eddie's recent solo tours.)

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't buy tickets to Pearl Jam minus Jeff. But tickets in hand, show tonight, I came in from out of town ... I'd take the substitute if I had the choice.

Is it possible that it was Jeff himself that was against someone filling in for him?

I think it's also harder (likely impossible) to get a potential replacement bassist/guitarist up to speed with all the songs at such short notice.

Rumor was before hand that Matt was out for the sac and vegas shows anyway. To also be down the bass player it was a no brainer.

This is a no brainer. Find a fill in.

Id easily go to see pearl jam with any one of the members gone. In this scenario, i assume Ed will always be there otherwise they wouldnt go on.

It would be exciting to see someone fill it. its a novelty and would be wild to hear the interpretations and the spontaneity of such an event. Nothing wrong with going to a show and having a good time.

Ive seen pearl jam plenty, and ill see them more in the future. Watching a couple other drummers fill in was quite the experience and id gladly watch someone else fill in for jeff/mike/stone if it ever had to come to that.

hearing and watching Watt on porch with the earthlings was awesome

I think you are underestimating:
- How much the general fanbase values Ed over every other member
- How little the average fan particularly cares/notices subtleties in bass playing
- The disappointment that people with canceled shows are left with

I think when faced with the choice between a refunded show and a show with a replacement rhythm section, most fans would pick the latter

Very