A Pearl Jam concert saw Eddie Vedder replaced by a frontman set to headline Glastonbury Festival this year.
The seasoned frontman had only performed a few songs before he was abruptly removed from the stage and replaced by another music legend, much to the surprise of fans.
The gig, which occurred on this day in 1995, still divides fans. While some attendees have dubbed it their “favourite” Pearl Jam experience, others have expressed disappointment at the sudden absence of their beloved frontman.
Vedder was reportedly suffering from food poisoning and, rather than cancelling the show, the band replaced him with a musician who was touring with the rest of the group.
Neil Young, the ‘Heart of Gold’ hitmaker who will headline the Pyramid Stage at the UK-based Glastonbury Festival, stepped in to save the show.
Vedder managed just seven songs before withdrawing from the performance, his bout of food poisoning worsening.
A post to the r/PearlJam subreddit saw fans commend Young and the band for keeping the show going.
The post reads: “6-24-95 at Golden Gate Park. Eddie Vedder sang 7 songs with Pearl Jam and then had to stop because of food poisoning. Then Pearl Jam played fronted by Neil Young for a 2 hour set.
“This was the 2nd of 2 Pearl Jam shows in 3 days for me and my favorite PJ experience. Just amazing.” The show went on to inspire the song ‘Red Mosquito’.
Pearl Jam’s final tour performance turned dramatic as the band faced intense heat and a sold-out crowd on one of San Francisco’s hottest days ever.
A fan recalled: “I was there too. Hot f***ing day. One of the hottest days in San Francisco history.”
But it wasn’t just the weather causing trouble; Eddie Vedder’s health saw him bow out early, leading to Neil Young stepping in with a set packed with originals, supported by Pearl Jam.
Vedder managed to perform seven songs for the show, with his brief set found below.
- Last Exit
- Spin the Black Circle
- Go
- Animal
- Tremor Christ
- Corduroy
- Not for You
Young then picked up where Vedder left off, performing 14 of his own tracks. A setlist for Young and Pearl Jam’s gig can be found below.
- Big Green Country
- Act of Love
- Throw Your Hatred Down
- Powderfinger
- Truth Be Known
- Rockin’ in the Free World
- The Needle and the Damage Done
- Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)
- I’m the Ocean
- Down by the River
- Downtown
- Cortez the Killer
- Peace and Love
- Rockin’ in the Free World
The audience reaction was mixed due to the unexpected change in lineup. A gig-goer mentioned online: “I remember meeting someone in Knoxville in 1998 who said he saw that show and that when Eddie came onstage he looked green.
“But Jeff had to get on the mic after fans were booing and put the crowd in its place. Sure it was disappointing, but when you’re told the guy’s ill and you get p***ed off? Not the best look.”
Another added: “I was there too, Bad Religion to open was awesome. The 30 minutes or so of Pearl Jam was pretty incredible and then Neil.
“Have to admit that even though I grew up listening to CSNY and Neil Young with my dad I wasn’t super excited about the whole situation. The make up show in San Jose was worth it all though.”
A third wrote:”I was there and it was great. They also played a show at San Jose State a short while later and you could use your ticket from the GGP show to get in as a ‘make up’.”