The Night Pearl Jam Played “Release” In Tribute To Eddie Vedder’S Father

March 20, 2025

On a cool evening in March 2022, the air was thick with anticipation as fans gathered at the United Center in Chicago, a city that pulsated with the heartbeats of music and memories. It was the night Pearl Jam was set to take the stage, and everyone felt it: an electric charge that danced through the crowd. But for Eddie Vedder, the lead singer and the voice of a generation, this night held a deeper significance. Just a few weeks prior, he had lost his father, Edward Louis Severson Jr., who had passed away at the age of 82. The grief weighed heavily on Eddie’s shoulders, yet the love for his father fueled his passion for performing.

As the lights dimmed and the first notes of the opening song echoed through the arena, the crowd erupted in a wave of cheers and applause that could be felt in every corner of the venue. Eddie stood with his bandmates, glancing out at the sea of faces bathed in the glow of stage lights. As they powered through their setlist, the crowd sang along to every word, their voices merging into an anthem of solidarity. But everyone knew that something special was coming. This night wasn’t just about celebrating music; it was a tribute to a man who had shaped Eddie’s life both as a father and a friend.

When the band launched into “Release,” a haunting song that had always resonated with themes of longing and loss, you could feel a hush fall over the audience. Eddie’s voice broke the silence, raw and filled with emotion. As he sang, he poured out his heart, channeling his feelings for his father into each lyric. The crowd became a part of this tribute, their voices weaving in and out of his, creating a powerful tapestry of sound that united them all. In that moment, tears flowed, and laughter broke through the sadness as memories of Eddie’s father filled the space, reminding everyone of the beauty in remembering those we love.

But “Release” was more than just a song that night; it was a cathartic experience for both Eddie and the fans. Each note felt like a reaching hand, connecting them through shared experiences of love and loss. The energy in the room shifted, transforming sorrow into a celebration of life. Eddie felt his father’s presence enveloping him, and it ignited a fire within him. He realized that, while the pain of loss could be overwhelming, it also opened a door to deeper connections and understanding.

As the final chords of “Release” faded into the air, the audience responded with thunderous applause, a heartfelt acknowledgment of the moment they had just experienced together. Eddie stood there, taking it all in—the love from the crowd, the memory of his father, and the power of music. He knew that this performance would mark a turning point in his life and career, reminding him that music not only helps heal wounds but also honors those we’ve lost. It was a reminder that through creativity and connection, we can keep the memories of our loved ones alive.

In the days that followed, Eddie reflected on this profound experience. It inspired him to continue creating music that resonated with the struggles and triumphs of life. He realized that while he might feel a void without his father, he could celebrate their bond through his art. That night in Chicago had not only been a tribute; it had rejuvenated his spirit and reaffirmed his belief in the healing power of music. Eddie Vedder’s resilience shined brighter than ever, proving that even through loss, we can find a way to share our stories and honor those who shaped us.