Eddie Vedder recently opened up about a terrifying illness that forced Pearl Jam to cancel several shows during their 2024 European tour. The band initially scrapped their performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, followed by two shows in Berlin. Vedder later described the ordeal in emotional onstage speeches, calling it a “near-death experience” that deeply shook him and his bandmates【7†source】【8†source】.
Vedder revealed that the illness felt like severe chest bronchitis, which led to significant breathing difficulties. He recounted how frightening it became, worrying that he might not make it through the night and could potentially require hospitalization. The illness affected multiple members of the band, heightening the severity of the situation【9†source】【10†source】. While Vedder refrained from sharing precise medical details, his descriptions captured the distress and vulnerability he felt during those critical days.
Speaking to fans during a later performance in Barcelona, Vedder emphasized how the experience made him appreciate the fragility of life. “You just realize how precious this life is,” he told the crowd, reflecting on the harrowing week of illness. The emotional toll of the experience was evident as Vedder thanked the audience, saying he would never forget that moment or how lucky the band was to be performing again【8†source】【9†source】.
This frightening health scare interrupted Pearl Jam’s “Dark Matter” world tour, but after recovery, the band resumed their performances in Spain and other European venues, before planning to return to the U.S. for their scheduled concerts later in the year【7†source】【10†source】.
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