During a recent concert in Wrigley Field on last Thursday, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder paid a touching tribute to his late friend and legendary musician, Tom Petty. The moment was a reminder of the deep bond shared between the two rock icons and the lasting impact Petty has had on artists across the music industry.
Eddie Vedder recalls phone call with Tom Petty’s
During his recent concert, Vedder took a moment to honor Petty, performing a heartfelt rendition ‘Won’t Back Down’. The tribute was was a celebration of Petty’s life and the influence he had on so many, including Vedder himself. As Vedder strummed his guitar and sang with emotion, the audience was reminded of the enduring power of Petty’s music and the legacy he left behind.
During the concert, Vedder also revealed that he had received the call he got from Tom Petty before he passed. Eddie Vedder recalled:
“So one day I get a call and the voice on the other side says, ‘Hey Eddie, guess where I’m at?’ And ‘I’ was Tom Petty. And he said, ‘guess where we’re playing?’ And I said, ‘Wrigley Field feel.’ He said, ‘don’t want you know it?’ And he said, ‘I wish you were here.’ And now all these years later, it’s me wishing he was here. So I was thinking about this earlier, would you help me create a moment, and if there’s such a thing as the heavens,
maybe we can light it up with our phones out here, maybe.”
And then rocks our faces off with a great “Won’t Back Down” cover.
If you haven’t seen @PearlJam live, this is your sign… ❤️🎶 pic.twitter.com/NLgxKP2qtu
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) August 31, 2024
Eddie Vedder and Tom Petty’s relationship dates back several years. The two shared mutual respect for each other’s work and also a genuine friendship that extended beyond the stage. They toured together, with Vedder occasionally joining Petty on stage for impromptu performances, much to the delight of fans. Their connection was one of those rare, magical collaborations that fans of both Pearl Jam and Tom Petty cherished.
Tom Petty’s death in October 2017 was a significant loss for the music world. Petty, known for his work with The Heartbreakers, as well as his solo career, left behind a legacy of timeless hits and an unforgettable influence on rock music. His passing was felt deeply by fans and fellow musicians alike, including Vedder, who has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Petty.
For fans of both artists, the tribute was a special moment that underscored the deep connections that exist within the music community. It also highlighted Vedder’s ability to convey emotion and connect with his audience, something he shares with Petty.
Tom Petty is no longer with us but his spirit lives on through performances like Vedder’s.
