Throwback Thursday: In 1993, Pearl Jam wanted to play at non-Ticketmaster controlled venues – they were at issue with Ticketmaster’s service charges. Rick Van Santen and Paul Tollet suggested the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, CA, which hadn’t been used as a venue previously, and had no ticketing affiliation – so I booked them there (November 1993). This is years before Coachella landed at the Empire Polo Fields (1999). It was a huge success – fans didn’t seem to mind the drive, and a great show – I remember watching from the side of the stage. Rick is also part of the throwback – he loved the venue, and his enthusiasm for it sold us.
OFF THE CHARTS 