Eddie Vedder surprised fans at the Ohana Festival in dana Point, California, with unexpected covers of Devo’s “Whip It” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” during his Saturday night set. The performance showcased Vedder’s eclectic musical tastes and willingness to reinterpret iconic songs, adding a unique spin to the festival’s lineup.
The ohana Festival, known for its diverse range of artists and communal atmosphere, provided the backdrop for Vedder’s impromptu cover selections. These additions to his setlist, alongside renditions of Pearl Jam classics and other artists’ work, highlight Vedder’s continued exploration of musical boundaries and his engagement with a broad spectrum of influences.the festival continues today and tomorrow with performances by Hozier, Leon Bridges, Green Day, Cage the Elephant and Wet Leg.
Vedder also debuted full-band versions of “Setting Forth” and “No Ceiling” from his 2007 Into the Wild soundtrack with Earthlings, marking the first time these songs have been performed live in that format. His set included five tracks from his 2022 solo album Earthling,as well as covers of The Who’s “I’m One,” the Mono Men’s “Watch outside,” and George Harrison’s “isn’t It a Pity.”
A particularly touching moment occured when Vedder invited his daughters, olivia and Harper, onstage for a medley of The English Beat’s “Save It for Later” and Pearl Jam’s “Better Man” – a reversal of the songs’ usual performance order. Vocalist Sharlotte Gibson, Fitz and the Tantrums saxophonist James King, and Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones joined them for the finale, performing Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free world.”
