Fresh off 2019’s Ohana Festival, festival-goers are probably re-watching a string of performances recorded in the cell-phones. The aftertaste lingers on. Featuring headlining performances from The Strokes, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jenny Lewis, Tash Sultana, Incubus and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the 3-day music festival presented an unforgettable event at California’s Doheny State Beach.
One of the highlights amongst so many performances was the unexpected act of The Strokes and Eddie Vedder, who brought a revival of rock to the stage. The Strokes invited Vedder mid-way during their performance.
“Julian [Casablancas] asked if I would join the fellas here and one of the reasons I accepted was it would give me the opportunity to thank all the great artists who have been here today,” Vedder told the crowds.
“They’ve asked to do a version of this song, and I’d love to dedicate it to all the people in Everytown, all the people in Moms Demand Action, all the people in Students Demand Action who are working so hard for common-sense gun laws that respect the right of ownership but also preserve our right to feel safe in our towns, in our communities, in our schools, in our malls, in our movie theaters, in our country,” he said.
As Vedder prepared to perform Pearl Jam’s classic song “Hard to Imagine,” the iconic singer-songwriter urged solidarity by saying to the crowd, “and as you’ve displayed here today and tonight, there’s so much power in a group of organized people, with good thoughts, hopes, dreams, and we will persevere.” In today’s political climate, Vedder’s message resonates.
The Strokes’ lead singer, Julian Casablancas, was witty on Vedder’s performance with The Doors and then said, “Wait, don’t go. I have so many questions.” Vedder got caught and later joined The Strokes, who presented an aggressive and cathartic rendition of “Juicebox.” Scroll down to enjoy the footage videos of “Juicebox” and “Hard to Imagine” below.
Photo Credit: Stephen Hoffmeister
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