Pearl Jam is a band that has earned their respect through their rebellious part in the 90’s grunge movement and most recently their activism. In the 90’s they hitched their wagon up with legendary rocker Neil Young, producing an album together and being a bit of a mutual respect society. It was cool because Neil Young has always been awesome and Pearl Jam helped open up some eyes (and ears) to the brilliance that is Neil Young. The track Rockin’ in the Free World has since become one of their mainstays at live shows.
This weekend at the New Orleans Jazz Fest saw a special appearance from Pearl Jam in a one-time-only supergroup of sorts, featuring Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Consequence of Sound reports that RHCP guitar player Klinghoffer, drummer Chad Smith and Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill all joined Pearl Jam on stage for their encore performance of Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World.
The song, now a beloved rock anthem, has been a part of Pearl Jam’s live shows for years now, just like it has been without irony used in politics, usually without understanding the song’s rebellious, anti-capitalism message. Seriously, listen to the lyrics to that song, it’s not about American exceptionalism, it’s about the people that got left behind. So listen to Eddie Vedder belt out those lyrics and really, really mean it, because he does.
(Via Consequence of Sound)
