Pearl Jam’s outspoken frontman that loves surfing, wine, the Cubs, the Ramones, The Who and the ukulele. No need to stress his importance to the band.

Eddie received a demo tape of music by Jeff, Stone and Mike from mutual friend ,and former RHCP drummer, Jack Irons in 1990. Eddie then put lyrics to the music; this included Alive, Once, and Footsteps. Eddie left San Diego and headed up to Seattle to audition for the band. Before Eddie even got the job, he contributed on Temple of the Dog tracks, such as Hunger Strike, Wooden Jesus and Pushin Forward Back. Pearl Jam was soon to follow, and as they say, the rest is history.

Eddie has leant his pipes on numerous album compilations, such as a cover of The Beatles’ classic You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away on the I Am Sam soundtrack, Goodbye on the Brokedown Melody and I Believe In Mircales on We’re A Happy Family: A Tribute to the Ramones. He also teamed up with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for Face of Love and a different version of Long Road for the Dead Man Walking soundtrack, both are great.

Eddie’s also jammed in the studio or during live performances with a ton of acts including: Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Ramones, Bad Religion, Cat Power, The Supersuckers, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., RHCP, The Doors, Sleater-Kinney, Jack Johnson, U2, Wolfmother, Kings of Leon and more!

Eddie is also very vocal about politics and charities. He performed at rallies for Ralph Nader during the 2000 presidential election and of course PJ were part of the Vote For Change Tour in 2004. He supports the Surfrider Foundation and Free The West Memphis Three. You need to keep up with Eddie, either with or without PJ, because he’s always performing at benefit concerts ranging from Neil Young’s Bridge School, Jack Johnson’s Kokua Festival, and Flea’s Hullabaloo.

Eddie is also famous for his Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction speeches. He has inducted The Doors, Neil Young, The Ramones and R.E.M. His infamous 17 minute induction speech for The Ramones has become a classic moment in music history. His speech for R.E.M. sent chills down my spine.

So, have a glass of wine and toast Pearl Jam’s howling frontman.

Check out a young Eddie Vedder with his pre-Pearl Jam band, Bad Radio and their song Believe You Me.