Pearl Jam Play Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike” in Concert

Pearl Jam has recently made headlines by resurrecting their iconic cover of “Hunger Strike,” originally by Temple of the Dog, during their final show of the 2024 “Dark Matter” world tour in Sydney. This performance marked the first time in a decade that the band played the song live, a poignant decision given the passing of Chris Cornell in 2017. Known for his role as the lead vocalist of Temple of the Dog alongside Eddie Vedder, Cornell’s presence is deeply missed, making this rendition particularly significant for fans and band members alike.

The choice to include “Hunger Strike” in their setlist underscores Pearl Jam's open acknowledgement of the song’s historical and emotional weight in their career. Back in 2014, the song was last performed at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit with Cornell himself. Over the years, the song featured intermittently in Pearl Jam's concerts, often with guest vocalists stepping in for the Cornell parts. Nonetheless, the Sydney performance stood out as Vedder invited the audience to join him, thus weaving the passionate involvement of the crowd into the fabric of the performance itself.

Pearl Jam’s embrace of covers during their concerts is a longstanding tradition, and their Sydney show was no exception with Bruce Springsteen's “No Surrender” also making a notable appearance. Vedder offered this dedication to Springsteen himself, reflecting on the unusual challenges facing their home country and praising Springsteen's artistic resilience. The choice of “No Surrender,” not performed by the band since 2006, comes against the backdrop of political turbulence, underscoring both artists’ enduring commitment to producing music that resonates with the socio-political climate.

Their tour, promoting the ‘Dark Matter' album, has been characterized by unexpected setlist choices and collaborative moments. Throughout the year, the band received attention for teaming up with various artists, including a much-talked-about collaboration with actor and musician Bradley Cooper. Additionally, Pearl Jam made headlines by covering Nine Inch Nails and even cheekily trolling Ted Nugent with anti-gun lyrics during a rendition of “Stranglehold.” These moments reflect the band’s ongoing flexibility and willingness to blend different genres and influences while maintaining a strong message through their music.

Pearl Jam's ability to incorporate historical context and personal tributes into their live performances keeps their music both relevant and emotionally resonant, ensuring that their concerts remain more than just musical events but also powerful communal experiences. As they look towards the future, potentially with new projects on the horizon, Pearl Jam continues to forge meaningful connections through their music, upholding the ideals and messages that have always been at the core of their artistry.