Seattle grunge pioneers Pearl Jam ended their 2024 touring calendar with a spectacular performance at Sydney’s ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, November 23. This special show marked the finale of the band’s Dark Matter World Tour and their first Australian tour in a decade.
The setlist—a whopping 27 songs—was a perfect blend of fan favorites, deep cuts, and heartfelt cover performances, creating an unforgettable night for the audience.
Highlights of the Setlist
Among the evening’s most memorable moments was Pearl Jam’s powerful rendition of “Hunger Strike”, a classic by Temple of the Dog, the legendary supergroup featuring Eddie Vedder and the late Chris Cornell. The song, a grunge anthem from the 1991 self-titled album, holds a significant place in music history, having peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. This was the first time Pearl Jam had performed the track live since 2014, making it a poignant tribute to their grunge roots and Cornell’s enduring legacy.
The band also delivered electrifying covers of:
- The Who’s “Baba O’Riley”
- Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing”
- Bruce Springsteen’s “No Surrender”
The latter, a rare acoustic solo performance by Vedder, was especially poignant. Introducing the song, Vedder praised Springsteen as both a friend and inspiration, dedicating the track to the legendary rocker who was simultaneously concluding his own world tour in Vancouver.
Vedder’s Heartfelt Message
In classic Eddie Vedder fashion, the frontman took a moment to share some emotional reflections with the crowd. Praising Springsteen’s artistry and resilience, Vedder touched on the challenges currently facing the U.S.:
“Bruce Springsteen is magic and he makes magic, and he works hard to make magic. I know for him, as well as us, it’s been a tricky time in our nation back home. We’re going to be OK. It’s just going to take some time, a bit of a reset. But we will lean on music when words fail us.”
This wasn’t the first time Vedder had performed “No Surrender”. He had previously joined Springsteen for a rendition of the track during the 2004 Vote For Change tour, highlighting the deep connection between the two musicians.
A Grand Farewell
Pearl Jam’s Sydney show was a fitting end to a monumental tour that brought the band to fans around the world. From iconic hits to touching tributes, the evening celebrated not only Pearl Jam’s enduring legacy but also the unifying power of music.
As fans await what’s next for Pearl Jam, the Dark Matter World Tour will undoubtedly be remembered as one of their most ambitious and impactful tours to date.
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