Eddie Vedder Covers Devo & Zeppelin at Ohana Festival
- What: Eddie Vedder's side band, Earthlings, performed for the first time in two years.
- Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder revived his side band, Earthlings, for the first time in two years last night (September 26) to close the first night of his...
- The setlist included a fresh take on Devo's "Gut Feeling," a song Vedder had never performed live before.
Eddie Vedder Revives Earthlings, Unveils New Covers at Ohana Festival
Table of Contents
- What: Eddie Vedder’s side band, Earthlings, performed for the first time in two years.
- Where: Ohana Festival, Dana Point, California.
- When: September 26, 2024
- Why it matters: The performance featured unique covers and a deeply personal story from Vedder about overcoming adversity through music.
- What’s Next: The Ohana Festival continues with more performances.
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder revived his side band, Earthlings, for the first time in two years last night (September 26) to close the first night of his annual Ohana festival in Dana Point, California. The group, which also features guitarists Andrew Watt, Josh Klinghoffer and Glen Hansard, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and bassist Chris Chaney, unveiled several new covers for the occasion.
New Covers and Musical Mashups
The setlist included a fresh take on Devo’s “Gut Feeling,” a song Vedder had never performed live before. Later, he creatively blended Led zeppelin’s instrumental intro from “The Song Remains the Same” into Pearl Jam’s “Rearviewmirror.” Josh Klinghoffer enhanced the performance by playing a double-necked guitar reminiscent of Jimmy Page’s iconic instrument.
A Story of Resilience and the Power of Music
Before performing “Rearviewmirror” with the Zeppelin intro,Vedder shared a poignant story about a arduous experience with a high school teacher in San Diego. He recounted being tormented by the teacher and the fear of failing school or losing a job. He described how music became a powerful source of strength and liberation.
“There was this piece of music, and I’ll never forget where I was or how loud it was, and for some reason, this piece of music – not even the words, nothing – it was like a drug,” Vedder said. “It lifted me up. It was a liftoff. I realized, you no what? Fuck that guy. And someday, he will mean nothing to you. You’re not going to be stopped by someone who is maybe not right. I was telling this story to a friend, and all of the sudden, he sent me back that the guy is still alive in San Diego. He’s 83. He sent me his address. My first thought, just being honest, was, I’m going to go find that guy and kick his ass, as he’s 83 and I think I can take him. But, no, violence is never the right thing. Never. But, we will play this piece of music and I will let it be the reminder that music is power. Music has power.This person who had ill will for me? He didn’t win.”
Into the Wild Tracks Performed
The Earthlings set also featured full-band versions of songs from Vedder’s 2007 Into the Wild soundtrack, including “setting Forth” and “No Ceiling.”
– marcusrodriguez
Vedder’s decision to revisit Earthlings and incorporate these covers speaks to his continued artistic exploration and willingness to challenge himself. The story he shared before “Rearviewmirror” is particularly compelling, highlighting the profound impact music can have on overcoming personal struggles. The juxtaposition of anger and ultimately choosing peace is a powerful message, and the performance itself served as a testament to that resilience. The Ohana Festival, known for its intimate setting and curated lineups, provides the perfect platform for these kinds of emotionally resonant moments.
Earthlings lineup
| Musician | Instrument |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Vocals |
| Andrew Watt | Guitar |
| Josh Klinghoffer | Guitar |
| Glen Hansard | Guitar |
| chad Smith | Drums |
| Chris Chaney | Bass |