Let's Play Two

A personal recap of a great film about the greatest band

I brought the hype with me to view the new Danny Clinch film, Let’s Play Two, which documented two of Pearl Jam’s most memorable shows at Wrigley Field last year. The PJ community was buzzing with excitement around the film and as expected, it did not disappoint.

Being blessed enough to have experienced those two shows live in all of their adrenaline boosting awesomeness, watching the film was like reliving it, this time with a backstage pass.

Let’s Play Two hit a double home run - it was two hours of smiling, singing, clapping, laughing, hand-over-heart moments that made me have to see it again the next day and bring my dad and little brother along!  

My dudes aren't Pearl Jam fans at all, but the way the film paralleled the historical, monumental Cubs championship with the perfect selection of song performances, amplified by the energy of impassioned, ride or die fans was seamless. There was no doubt my guys would relate to the overarching themes of hope, devotion and camaraderie. Plus, they knew of my “band adventures” and this was the perfect opportunity to share more about them.

The film played at the IFC Theater, a no frills spot off of West 4th Street in NYC. Danny was even there the first night for Q&A following the show which was super cool!

Let’s Play Two represented the guys for who they are - genuine, grateful, talented-beyond-belief men that share a fierce passion for their art and people. Pearl Jam songs are often true to life and stimulate thought and emotion. 

As portrayed in the film, the concerts were so much more than just a “show” with a sweaty, crazy-eyed, cussing frontman (although that is one amazing aspect). They are like reciprocal rock recitals of loyal love, enlivened enthusiasm, and sincere respect for the power of music and the community it inspires. Healing takes place there, all while jamming out with some of the greatest rock and rollers of our time.  

Throughout the concert clips, my dad would make declarations like, “Wow!” after a McCready solo or “That was awesome!” at the end of a song or “That drummer, my God!”  He tried to score some credibility with me during Jeremy by saying, “Oh yeah, I know this song,” while groovin to it. My brother (who is 16) was quiet throughout the film but did not check his phone once, so, score!

A memorable moment was when a fan named John was being interviewed outside of Wrigley Field. He was camped out for 4 days to get his perfect spot on the rail. When asked about his favorite performance, he got choked up and referenced Release being played at show around the time he lost his dad. 

Shortly after we get a glimpse of Ed dedicating Release to him during one of the Wrigley shows. Even though one was on stage and one was in the pit, they were united in that moment. Ed personalized one of the lyrics with John’s name and he was brought to tears. Those alongside John placed their hands on his shoulders in comfort.

That’s my band, I thought.

It is evident that the band has a mutual love and respect for their fans. Danny echoed this sentiment during the Q&A when he repeated a few times that the band “loves their fans” and it meant a lot. It’s something we know and see but still a beautiful thing to be reminded of.

Another striking scene, my favorite actually, was when the group was rehearsing on the roof of Murphy’s Bleachers. A usually robust and beer clanging space became an incredibly intimate setting. The guys were in a circle tuning their instruments and exchanging laughs. The vibe shifted when you heard the soulful sound of Ed singing Thumbing My Way, his head low while strumming an amber acoustic guitar in the gentle golden hue of the late day sun. A tranquil but powerful moment soon to be offset by the hilarity of Ed’s confusion at the sight of fans gathered outside of Murphy’s Bleachers at news of the band being there. “That’s crazy,” he responded as he shrugged his shoulders and walked off.

We also got a personal glimpse into Ed’s Cubs fandom and saw how serious he takes the game. During the Q&A Danny shared that even after being around Ed all these years, he was shocked to see how immensely involved Ed was as a fan, using score cards and all. 

It was rad seeing him geek out during Cubs wins and game plays and how deeply the losses affected him. But, he was a hopeful fan like the rest and no matter how dire the series appeared, hope prevailed in the city. I appreciated all the fun Wrigleyville fan footage. Having reveled in Wrigleyville, I knew the town must have been a robust and exhilarating place during that time. 

The culmination and visually vibrant cinematography of the Alive performance paired with scenes from the World Series win leading up to the iconic Clinch capture of Ed jumping above gravity was phenomenal! I gasped and applauded at this during both screenings and it got another another big “Wow!” from my dad. 

Let’s Play Two for the win!

Me and my guys on the second night

Some shots from Wrigley!

The local bars love PJ fans!!

PJ fans unite! First time meeting my PJ Instagram fam in person! She's as sweet as she is beautiful and made personalized "Alive stick man" gifts for us! #jamily

Oh, just getting ready for the time of our lives...

Bros bonding during Black. Check out the video here.

Let's Drink Two!

Bless the heart of the man that took this pic and cut off the head of Ernie Banks.
He was so pleased when he returned the phone after the pic. If he only knew...

Who else saw the film or attended the Wrigley shows? Would love to hear about your experience too, so feel free to share in the comments below.