During Pearl Jam’s recent show in London, there was a funny moment where Jeff Ament made fun of Eddie Vedder’s recent vocal struggles that led to a Pearl Jam show being postponed. Sea and John described the story on the PearlJam.com forums.
Vedder first let Stone Gossard sing a song, “The people have spoken, and they said (sotto voce) ‘Sweet Lew,’ no. Let Stone sing!”
“So, ladies and gentlemen, Stone Gossard.” Stone thanks Ed and says, “I really want to thank Ed for leading this band for all these years. Now it is my turn to sing (this is close but not 100%).”
“Mankind” was then performed.
Towards the end the song falls apart and Stone gives up. “This is probably why Ed doesn’t let me sing.” Eventually the crowd starts chanting “Let Jeff sing.” Jeff seems interested, but Ed says, “Jeff won’t be singing tonight.”
Jeff pipes up, “I have a sore throat!” Ed says “that is a dig at me isn’t you fucker?” (with a laugh).
“Look, Matt [Cameron] has released his own records, Mike [McCready] can sing. If I let you hear these guys sing then I am out of a job. It is all I have…”
Vedder also praised Matt Cameron and his family during the show.
Matt and his wife April were the first of the band to have children and Ed says we have all learned so much from them. He praises Matt’s daughter Josie for being such a trooper on the whole tour and is sure she is ready to get back to her friends but he has loved having her around. This next song is for the great Cameron family. Pearl Jam then performed “You Are”.
