Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pearl Jam will wrap up their Spring 2025 “Dark Matter” tour in Pittsburgh this weekend, with two sold-out shows at PPG Paints Arena on Friday and Sunday.
The shows are the first for the Seattle rockers in Pittsburgh since 2013.
During that show, then-Pittsburgh Pirates closer Jason Grilli joined the band on stage, shortly after the team’s magical season to dance around while PJ played his bullpen walk out song, “Whipping”, just to name one of the many highlights of the night.
The two shows this weekend will mark the 9th and 10th times Pearl Jam has played in Pittsburgh, going back to 1991 when they played at the A.J. Palumbo Center.
But, there is a deeper connection between Pittsburgh and Pearl Jam than just concerts.
PJ’s lead singer Eddie Vedder grew up in Chicago watching Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs, but during that time, he also developed an affinity for “The Great One” Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente.
When the band last came to Pittsburgh, Vedder spent some time at the Clemente Museum, in the heart of Lawrenceville, spending time with Pittsburgh baseball great Sean Casey and others.
When the pandemic came, it was Vedder who helped keep the museum open.
“Ed has been very kind to the Clemente Museum through the years, he saved us through Covid,” Executive Director (and janitor) Duane Rieder told KDKA Radio. “If he doesn’t jump in on our fundraiser for Covid, we may have had to keep the doors closed.”
In total, around $120,000 were donated and raised through Vedder’s efforts.”
“So, Ed single-handedly saved us,” added Rieder.
To celebrate Pearl Jam in Pittsburgh Rieder and the museum are offering 10 percent off the “21” shirt (worn by Vedder on stage on several occasions).
Get your shirt HERE.
Vedder and his bandmates in Pearl Jam are also known for their humanitarianism and activism over the years, raising millions of dollars for various causes, much like Clemente.
A special auction is also being held for two Eddie Vedder signed items a “U1 Marucci Bat or a 750ML of Engine House 25 Wine’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.” You can bid on those HERE.
And, the museum will be holding an open house for a few hours on Saturday, the day in between the shows, for anyone that wants to stop by.
Get details for that HERE.