On Tuesday (June 12) Eddie Vedder and his band Pearl Jam kept it classy as they kicked off their European tour in Amsterdam with a handful of meaningful dedications. “We dedicate this to Anthony Bourdain, my friend David Spade, and his brother Andrew Spade,” Vedder said paying homage to the deceased chef and the family of late fashion designer Kate Spade. “They are deep in our hearts tonight and we thank you.”
To further honor those dedications, Pearl Jam performed “Long Road,” a slow building, deep cut B-side from Merkinball, and a fitting song for his friends. “And I wished for so long. Cannot stay/ All the precious moments/ Cannot stay/ But still something’s missing/ I cannot say,” the opening verse goes. Spade and Bourdain both died by suicide last week, opening up a national conversation about the increasing rate of suicide in the U.S. and the urgent need to provide resources for those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Pearl Jam also played a new song back in March called “Can’t Deny Me” at Lollapalooza Chile in dedication to the Parkland Shooting victims. Vedder said in Spanish, “this is dedicated to the incredible students in Florida, and the United States, who survived a terrible tragedy.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Check out the performance below: