Confession: As Pearl Jam played Melbourne's Myer Music Bowl during their first visit to these shores in 1995, I was ticketless and up a tree in when the fence around the perimeter was torn down. Looking down through the branches I could see a mass of people running towards the stage, like looking down into a fast flowing river of flannel. I scaled down the tree, past policeman on horses and down to somewhere near the front of the crowd. Band in front, friends far behind. It was a rush. Not because of the music so much but the stupid shit it makes people do.

By their second visit a few years later, this wide-eyed importance was replaced with a haircut and a more discerning outlook on the world. Still a great concert, but...you move on don't you.

The long-standing Seattle quintet are returning to Australia this November, on the back of their upcoming album Backspacer, due for release September 18th. Eddie and Co. are playing just one concert (albeit, rather large ones) in each city, and will be joined by best buds Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 and Liam Finn.

Tickets go on sale August 17th. Here's hoping the rest of their songs from the new album are better than this.

PEARL JAM - AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES 2009:

Saturday, 14 November, 2009
Members Equity Stadium, Perth, Australia
Ticket prices: $123.90 – Gold and $99.90 – Silver
Tickets available from Ticketmaster - www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100

Tuesday, 17 November, 2009
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
Ticket prices: $123.90 – Gold and $99.90 – Silver
Tickets available from Ticketek - www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Friday, 20 November, 2009
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
Ticket prices: $123.90 – Gold and $99.90 – Silver
Tickets available from Ticketmaster - www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100

Sunday, 22 November, 2009
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, Australia
Ticket prices: $123.90 – Gold and $99.90 – Silver
Tickets available from Ticketek - www.Ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Wednesday, 25 November, 2009
QSAC Stadium, Brisbane, Australia
Ticket prices: $123.90 – Gold and $99.90 – Silver
Tickets available from Ticketek - www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849