Fans of the 90s rock giants, Pearl Jam, were given a real treat during a recent concert at Wrigley Field in Chicago this past Saturday. As part of the show’s second encore, Eddie Vedder and company performed a cover of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel,” according to Consequences of Sound. The performance marked the first time the band ever played the Bowie’s track which is lifted off of his album, Diamond Dogs. 

A fan filmed the band covering the song, which can be viewed down below. 

The band performed their take on Bowie’s 1974 classic and dedicated to the Chicago Cubs as a tribute to their 2016 World Series victory. Before launching into the cover, Vedder, a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, started talking about the time he attended the historic World Series win back in 2016.

During his heartfelt monologue, Vedder expressed what the organization means to him. “What an incredible group of guys, I can name every position, I can name every, like, second…they’re all the best guys. I’m not gonna go on and on because there is a curfew, but I do want to thank one person in particular tonight. I’m so grateful to know him as a friend, and he’s been so generous to myself and my family, and he’s been generous to this band.” 

Tom Rickets, the Cub’s co-owner along with the World Series trophy, was welcomed onstage by Vedder. Fans in the audience were then given the treat of rewatching that Grand Slam winning play on the screen behind them. As soon as the clip ended, a familiar tune began ripping through the sound system. Vedder poured his heart out in the rendition, wherever Bowie is, he would be proud. Pearl Jam is known for belting out rock classics during their sets. Throughout the band’s Home x Away Tour, they have also performed renditions of classic songs by Tom Petty, The White Stripes and a special tribute to Chris Cornell. It was at the at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington where Pearl Jam performed a cover of “Missing,” the track which was written for the 1992 cult classic Singles. 

The band is in the middle of their “Home and Away” shows with the band performing one more night at Wrigley Field tonight. The tour will wrap up with two shows at Boston’s Fenway Park on September 2nd and 4th. During their home show in Seattle, Pearl Jam held a charity show to help raised $11 million dollars to support the Seattle’s homeless population. 

Photo credit: Alyssa Fried