The Ledbetters Return To The Union Firehouse
This past Saturday, April 30th, The Ledbetters made their triumphant return to The Union Firehouse for their second show since their debut in November. Their return to Mount Holly, NJ for a hard-hitting show full of 90's nostalgia was a treat for fans of both Pearl Jam and 90's grunge music.
Lead singer Jamie Stem
Despite the cold and rainy weather, alt rock fans still showed up to see The Ledbetters perform at The Union Firehouse. Their dedicated and passionate fan base, which has been growing for over three years, speaks to the quality of the performances and passion the band shows on stage. The individual members of The Ledbetters, include Jamie Stem as lead vocalist, James Burke as the lead guitarist, Steve Piperno as the rhythm guitarist, Rocco DeLise as the bassist, and John Stover as the drummer. Each member plays a crucial role in recreating the sound and energy of Pearl Jam's music and providing a show that keeps the audience coming back for more.
John Stover on drums.
Starting the show with slower songs like "Indifference" and "Garden" is a classic move from the Pearl Jam playbook, as the band is known for building up to heavier and more energetic songs later in their sets. This slower pace approach to their setlist provided a chance for the band to connect emotionally with the crowd before picking up the pace with more high-energy songs. The Ledbetters' then kicked it into high gear with "Whipping" and "Animal," which energized the crowd and had them racing to the stage, where they stayed for the remainder of the night.
Guest guitarist Jack Ellis.
In a rare move, the band brought on stage a guest musician to perform with them. The band introduced the audience to Jack Ellis, who replaced Steve Piperno on rhythm guitar during “Corduroy.”
Jack is a long time Pearl Jam fan from Marlton, NJ, with the band being his favorite since he was a little kid. Saturday night was his first ever performance on stage in a live setting, with the band providing him a truly memorable experience and performance.
The Ledbetters ended their performance with some of Pearl Jam's most iconic and popular songs, including "Rats," "Evenflow," "Porch," and "Alive." Steve Piperno climbed up onto his amplifier during "Porch" and jumped off, a classic move that Ledbetter fans will have come to expect and appreciate, and for those new fans, a clear surprise.
Not ones to disappoint, the band returned to the stage for an encore song, to the cheers of the audience who were screaming “One More Song!”. Breaking into one of the most well known and requested Pearl Jam songs, the band ended the night with the ever popular “Rearview Mirror”.
The Ledbetters put on a great show, capturing the spirit of Pearl Jam's music and bringing it to life for their fans in Mount Holly. The Ledbetter’s sound paired with the professional grade light show around them was nothing short of captivating. Lead vocalist Jamie displays an evident expertise when it comes to mimicking the highly-acclaimed Eddie Vedder.
By paying homage to this iconic American modern rock band, The Ledbetters are not only providing a nostalgic experience for fans but also introducing younger audiences to the music of Pearl Jam and keeping their music alive for future generations.
Full photo set can be found by clicking here.
