Last night saw Pearl Jam take the London stage to perform their second date at this year’s American Express Present BST Hyde Park. Within the set, the “Even Flow” rockers paid tribute to Taylor Hawkins, the late Foo Fighters’ drummer who tragically passed away this March. Since news broke of Hawkins’ death tributes from fellow musicians have flooded in, Pearl Jam are the latest group to celebrate Hawkins’ life and legacy.
Frontman Eddie Vedder addressed the audience to pay tribute to Hawkins, “There’s another guy who really loved London… we all knew him and loved and respected, and we were enlightened by him. It was one of the brutal losses we’ve had recently. I’m talking about Mr Taylor Hawkins.” During the performance, Vedder also took the time to acknowledge those involved in the struggles currently affecting Ukraine and those fighting against Russia, “I just want to send one out to the good folks fighting for their homeland back in Ukraine.”
The grunge icons first took to London’s Hyde Park on Friday 8th July 2022, when the band embarked on their second night Vedder promised the crowd that they would perform “all the songs we didn’t play last night”. The 57-year-old singer also added, “We are very, very grateful to you – you great bunch of humans. With two years of no shows we’re out of practice, but you’re already better than ever.” Upon striding onto the Great Oak Stage, the group bestowed an incredible 22 song-set to their cheering crowd, fans were treated to such hits as “Black”, “Yellow Ledbetter”, “Rats” and “Animal“.
Many fans attended both nights of Pearl Jam’s two-day residency at London’s beloved summer event, this was due to both nights having different support acts. Within the band’s second and final night they were supported by British rockers Stereophonics, legendary musician Johnny Marr, Imelda May, Temples, The Last Internationale, La Luz, The Wild Things, JJ Wilde, Tigerclub, Whispering Sons, Petrol Girls, James & The Cold Gun, Peaks and Connor Selby.
Music fans screamed with excitement when Marr joined Pearl Jam on stage during their headlining set, the former The Smiths guitarist performed within an expanded guitar solo within a cover of “Throw Your Hatred Down”. The track first appeared within the Neil Young album Mirror Ball, released in 1995 the LP was the 21st studio album to be released by iconic musician. Famously, Pearl Jam have long been fans of Young and were featured within the album as performers as well as co-writers of selected tracks.
The legend @Johnny_Marr joins @PearlJam on stage at @BSTHydePark pic.twitter.com/NgbbrAoo0x
— BST Hyde Park (@BSTHydePark) July 9, 2022
Marr later returned to the stage during the end of the set, for the set’s final song both acts performed a cover of The Who’s “Barbara O’Reilly”. Before leaving the stage and concluding their two-night residency, Vedder said to the crowd, “Thank you for the last two days. Take care of yourselves, take care of our planet. We love you.”
