The band came out with “Long Road,” which kept the usual Pearl Jam theme of starting with a mellow song, and then delving into a much more rocking song. In this case, the 1994 hit “Corduroy” was the first song to have the fans bouncing along. Lead singer Vedder and the rest of the group touched on songs throughout their long catalog such as “Hail Hail” and “Save You” early during the two hour, 15 minute set.

The political statistics were left to a very brief statement about the job loss in Ohio, before breaking into “Better Man,” which seemed like a little shot to the current political administration. Vedder dedicated the Ramones’ cover of “I Believe In Miracles” to the late Johnny Ramone, and met with polite applause. The set could have done without some songs,such as “I Am Mine.”

Massive early-career hits “Even Flow” and “Alive” were played unusually early, which may have sent some less than diehard fans to the beer lines after those songs. The band went into an acoustic set which included the beautifully morose tune “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter…” and the always chilling “Black,” which doesn’t always seem to make it to the band’s set list, but was a welcomed add to the show.

Those people that went hang out in the cramped Sports Arena missed as Neil Young came out, and performed some acoustic and electric songs that may have kept some of the band’s younger fans somewhat puzzled. Young went through “Harvest Moon” and a cover of “All Along the Watchtower.” Fans hearing these songs were just standing there and waiting for the two groups to blast into “Rockin’ In The Free World.”

Pearl Jam, with Young and Peter Frampton came out for the rendition of “World,” and quite frankly, saved the best for last. The energy given off from the song, along with the house lights turned on was probably the best song performed by Pearl Jam in the times this reviewer has seen this band. Young didn’t know when to cut out the jamming, which drove the song into the ten minute range, but fans were just pleased to hear the song.

The politics were kept to a minimum inside, but supporters outside held signs reading “Bush’s Billionaire Tax Cut Paid for my Lexus,” while others had plastic dolls the depicted the president taking it where the sun doesn’t shine. The parking lot atmosphere was the mood that was expected inside, but Pearl Jam did a good job of getting their point across about music and politics, but didn’t leave the crowd with a bitter aftertaste.

Art can be contacted at arthatesyou@detroitbuzz.com