FYI: Eddie Vedder

The Pearl Jam frontman is rather busy this fall. He just performed at the Toronto International Film Festival, his solo soundtrack for Into The Wild comes out Tuesday and he’ll be at the Bridge School Benefit in October.

Eddie’s birth name is Edward Louis Severson III and is originally from Evanston, IL.

At age 7, Eddie appeared in a Chuckles candy ad. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

During the 70’s and 80’s, Eddie moved back and forth from Chicago and San Diego.

By the mid 80’s Vedder began recording demos and became involved in the San Diego Music scene.

Eddie was in a band with fellow Chicago native, and future Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave drummer, Brad Wilk.

He was also in a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band.

By 1988 Eddie was in the band Bad Radio, who first performed “Better Man”.

In 1990 former RHCP drummer, Jack Irons, gave Ed a demo from some guys in Seattle.

Vedder wrote the lyrics to several future Pearl Jam songs, including the “Mamasan trilogy”, which contained the songs “Alive”, “Once” and “Footsteps”.

Hopefully, you know the story behind ”Alive”, if not, go here.

Eddie was part of Temple of the Dog, before he even landed a job with Pearl Jam.

“Hunger Strike” was not originally not intended to be a duet, but Chris Cornell had a problem with the vocals and Eddie came in and sang the vocals just as Cornell has imagined.

Vedder was the drummer for Matt Dillion’s fictional band, Citizen Dick, in the 1992 film Singles.

In 1995, Ed was part of Mike Watt’s touring band; which also featured Dave Grohl and Pat Smear.

The song “Long Road” was written about the passing of Vedder’s high school drama teacher, Calyton E. Ligget, at San Dieguito High School.

He re-recorded “Long Road” with Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for the 1995 film Dead Man Walking, as well as the song “Face of Love”.

In 1997, he recorded “Any Way You Want It” with his idols The Ramones for their album We’re Outta Here!”.

Vedder is a friend of Pete Townshend and has performed with him several times, usually on the song “Heart To Hang Onto”.

The soundtrack for the 1999 film Cradle Will Rockfeatures the song “Croon Spoon”, which is a duet with Eddie and Susan Sarandon.

Vedder appeared with The Supersuckers on the Free the West Memphis 3 tribute album.

He covers the Beatles’ classic “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” for the 2002 film I Am Sam.

Eddie appears on Neil Finn’s (from Crowded House) live album, 7 Worlds Collide.

We’re a Happy Family - A Tribute to Ramones features Eddie with Zeke on the tacks “I Believe In Miracles” and “Daytime Dilemma (Dangers of Love)”.

Also in 2002, he appeared on the tracks “Good Woman” and “Evolution” on Cat Power’s You Are Free.

Jack Irons enlisted Vedder for his cover of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” on his 2004 solo album Attention Dimension.

Eddie jammed with Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band on October 13, 2004 for the Vote For Change tour, which included a performance of “Better Man”.

In 2005, he recorded The Molo Sessionswith the Walmer High School Choir in South Africa; which included the Pearl Jam songs “Long Road”, “Love Boat Captain” and “Better Man”.

Vedder contributed the song “Goodbye” for Jack Johnson’s surfing flick A Brokedown Melody.

Eddie has written two songs, “No More” and “Long Nights” for the documentary Body of War.

He will appear with The Million Dollar Bashers for a cover of “All Along The Watchtower” for the Bob Dylan biography I’m Not There.

Vedder will have a cameo in the upcoming comedy Walk Hard.

He has inducted The Doors, Neil Young, The Ramones and R.E.M. into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, which provided memorable performances. However, Vedder’s speeches have become legendary; notably his 17 minute long speech for the Ramones.