Richards has returned from Brisbane where he caught up with his long-time pal during Vedder’s first shows in Australia.

Richards wasn’t the only Novocastrian who made the trek up north to see the Pearl Jam frontman play.

Two of the three hard-core Pearl Jam fans who petitioned to get Vedder and the band to Newcastle in 2006 were also in the audience at Brisbane.

Rob Wilson and Mark Waddingham petitioned promoter Michael Coppel to add a last-minute Newcastle show to the 2006 Pearl Jam tour.

They will also be at Vedder’s sold-out solo show at the Civic Theatre tonight, along with Richards.

The third Pearl Jam fan, Andrew McCallum, will only be absent because he is visiting family in Holland and booked his ticket before the tour announcement.

Rob will have seen nine of the Australian shows, including Adelaide, by the time the tour ends.

Even though Richards and Vedder have been known to surf together in Newcastle and are in close contact, the four-time world surf champ won’t be sitting in the front row at the Civic Theatre tonight.

‘‘The coolest thing about Ed and Pearl Jam is they look after their fans first and foremost,’’ Richards said.

‘‘The front row is always reserved for the fan club [known as the Ten Club]. Barack Obama could turn up to a concert and he wouldn’t get a front-row seat.’’

Rob and fellow Ten Club members will host a sale of Pearl Jam memorabilia at the Clarendon Hotel from 2.30pm to 6pm today to raise money for Queensland flood victims.

‘‘It’s a common thing to do in the States and a chance for fans to converge before the show,’’ Rob said.

‘‘Typically, Pearl Jam fans travel and we will see fans arriving from Melbourne and America.’’

Vedder will perform an intimate solo show with special guests from 8pm at the Civic.