According to spin.com, during concert on August 26, Eddie Vedder took a moment during Pearl Jam‘s sold-out show outside Indianapolis to salute an ailing longtime fan with performing with opening act Glen Hansard of the latter’s “Song of Good Hope.” The song had never been played before at a Pearl Jam gig. “From everything we hear, this woman is quite incredible,” Vedder spoke of Michele Mintz Menke, an active fan of the band. “She’s been given some challenges and she’s been battling. Not just battling, but battling with courage.”
“Song of Good Hope” was originally released on Hansard’s 2012 solo album, Rhythm and Repose. Although it has never appeared at Pearl Jam show prior to the performance, Vedder played it on numerous occasions at his solo concerts between 2017-2019. Last night’s show was the second of the second leg of Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter tour in support of their 2024 album, of the same name. Beyond “Good Hope,” another nice rarity was the title track to 2013’s Lightning Bolt, which was played for just the third time since 2018.
The band planned to perform at the Ruoff Music Center in September 2023 but postponed the show hours before start time due to an illness. Pearl Jam will be going to Chicago’s Wrigley Field for shows on August 29 and 31.
Photo Credit: Stephen Hoffmeister
Leave a Comment