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| photo: Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame / Twitter |
Pearl Jam were inducted into the 2017 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame at New York’s Barclays Center on April 7, and video from the annual ceremony has surfaced online.
The Seattle band made headlines just days prior to the event when it was announced that David Letterman would deliver the induction speech in place of longtime associate Neil Young, who was forced to cancel his role over health issues.
The former late night TV host offered a funny, clever and witty introduction to the group, recalling his interactions with them through the years on and off the airwaves.
“I used to have a television show, they were on my show 10 different times over the years,” aid Letterman. “Every time they were there, they would blow the roof off the place and I'm not talking figuratively. They actually blew the roof off the place. For two years I did a show without a roof over the goddamn theater.”
The current Pearl Jam lineup of Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Matt Cameron were joined by founding member Dave Krusen to offer their thoughts on the Rock Hall honor while thanking their musical influences, family, friends and fans.
In closing out the night’s speeches, Vedder began talking about the reality of climate change and ended up addressing the unwavering support of their fans.
“We've been through a lot, this group,” Vedder explained, “and if it weren't for everybody out hearing about our music, if it weren't for everybody out here who came to the shows ... Those are the things that really kept us together when we felt the responsibility to the music was bigger than ourselves or our own personal needs. We knew we were better together than apart.
“It was you. I love these people so much. I feel like maybe we're about halfway there to deserving something, immaculate of this statue, maybe halfway there. But this is very encouraging. And we're very grateful.”
Pearl Jam then reunited with Krusen to perform their debut single, “Alive,” before Cameron stepped in for “Given To Fly” and “Better Man.”
The Seattle band led the traditional all-star finale jam with their fellow 2017 inductees as they wrapped things up with Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World.”
The 2017 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast by HBO on April 29 at 8PM ET.
See also:
AUDIO: Pearl Jam cover Brandi Carlile classic for charity album
David Letterman to induct Pearl Jam into Rock Hall
VIDEO: Eddie Vedder sings for Chicago Cubs in new Major League Baseball ad
Pearl Jam celebrate Rock Hall induction with video retrospective
Search Pearl Jam at hennemusic
