Early Life and Education of Eddie Vedder: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Eddie Vedder. A timeline of key moments.

Eddie Vedder is an American singer, musician, and songwriter, most famously known as the lead vocalist, lyricist, and guitarist for the rock band Pearl Jam. He also contributed vocals to Temple of the Dog, a tribute to the late Andrew Wood. Vedder's career has solidified him as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1990: Moving to Seattle and meeting Chris Cornell

In 1990, after moving to Seattle, Eddie Vedder met Chris Cornell, the Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman, and they became close friends and neighbors, later sharing vocal duties in Temple of the Dog.

November 1993: Arrest for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace

In November 1993, Eddie Vedder was arrested for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace after a barroom brawl in New Orleans with White Sox pitcher Jack McDowell.

1993: Discouraged from retiring

In 1993, Pete Townshend of The Who discouraged Eddie Vedder from retiring.

March 25, 1995: Rescue while surfing in New Zealand

On March 25, 1995, Eddie Vedder was rescued by lifeguards after being carried 250 feet off the coast while surfing with Tim Finn in New Zealand.

1998: Singing the national anthem at NBA Finals

In 1998, Eddie Vedder sang the national anthem before the third game of the NBA Finals in Chicago.

2000: Started dating Jill McCormick

In 2000, Eddie Vedder started dating model Jill McCormick, who would later become his wife.

2004: Birth of daughter Olivia

In 2004, Eddie Vedder and Jill McCormick welcomed their first daughter, Olivia.

2005: Near loss at sea

In 2005, Eddie Vedder was nearly lost at sea while trying to paddle from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu in an outrigger canoe.

2007: Throwing out first pitch at Wrigley Field

In 2007, a few days before performing with Pearl Jam in Chicago for Lollapalooza, Eddie Vedder threw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field, the home of the Cubs.

2007: Writing foreword to Pete Townshend biography

In late 2007, Eddie Vedder wrote the foreword to a new Pete Townshend biography, "Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend".

March 2008: Release of Pete Townshend biography in the UK

In March 2008, the Pete Townshend biography with foreword by Eddie Vedder, "Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend", was published in the UK.

October 2008: Release of Pete Townshend biography in the U.S.

In October 2008, the Pete Townshend biography with foreword by Eddie Vedder, "Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend", was published in the U.S.

2008: Birth of daughter Harper

In 2008, Eddie Vedder and Jill McCormick had their second daughter, Harper.

2009: Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music Book Release and Vedder's comments

In 2009, Susan Silver recalled Cornell carrying Vedder onstage at Pearl Jam's second show in Seattle in the book "Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music". Vedder also stated that Cornell is "the best singer that we've got on the planet" in an interview with Uncut magazine.

September 18, 2010: Marriage to Jill McCormick

On September 18, 2010, Eddie Vedder married his longtime girlfriend, model Jill McCormick, after dating since 2000.

September 2011: Performing "Hunger Strike" with Chris Cornell

In September 2011, Eddie Vedder told a crowd in Alpine Valley that he had no idea how Chris Cornell would affect his life and his views on music and friendship before performing "Hunger Strike" with Cornell.

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2011: Jill McCormick's appearance in music video

In 2011, Jill McCormick appeared in the music video for Eddie Vedder's solo single, "Longing to Belong".

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2014: Co-founding of EB Research Partnership

In 2014, Eddie Vedder and Jill McCormick co-founded the EB Research Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for epidermolysis bullosa.

2016: Singing at the World Series and Cubs tribute

In 2016, Eddie Vedder sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at Game 5 of the World Series, and the Cubs' official Twitter account posted a montage video backed by his song "All the Way" in a tribute to Cubs fans the day after they won the World Series.

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May 18, 2017: Death of Chris Cornell

On May 18, 2017, Chris Cornell passed away, deeply affecting Eddie Vedder.

June 6, 2017: Vedder's tribute to Cornell in London

During his solo concert in London on June 6, 2017, Eddie Vedder talked for the first time about Chris Cornell since his death, expressing that Cornell was like an older brother to him and that he will live with the memories in his heart and love him forever.

2025: Official Partnership with Vedder Cup

In 2025, Eddie Vedder's partnership with the baseball series between the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, nicknamed the Vedder Cup, became official. Vedder designed a trophy, and the teams agreed to support his charity, the EB Research Partnership.