History of Eddie Vedder in Timeline

Eddie Vedder is an influential American musician, best known as the lead vocalist, lyricist, and guitarist for the iconic rock band Pearl Jam. Beyond his contributions to Pearl Jam's groundbreaking music, he was also involved in Temple of the Dog, a tribute to Andrew Wood. Vedder's impact extends beyond music, as he is also known for his activism.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1990: Move to Seattle and Meeting Chris Cornell

In 1990, Eddie Vedder moved to Seattle and met Chris Cornell, who became one of his first friends in the city. They later shared vocal duties in Temple of the Dog.

November 1993: Arrest in New Orleans

In November 1993, Eddie Vedder and White Sox pitcher Jack McDowell were involved in a barroom brawl in New Orleans, Louisiana, which led to Vedder's arrest for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace.

1993: Townshend discourages Vedder from retiring

In 1993, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, who is a friend of Eddie Vedder, discouraged Vedder from retiring.

March 25, 1995: Rescue While Surfing in New Zealand

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

1998: National Anthem Performance at NBA Finals

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

2000: Start dating Jill McCormick

In 2000, Eddie Vedder started dating Jill McCormick, who would become his wife in 2010.

2004: Birth of daughter Olivia

In 2004, Eddie Vedder's first daughter, Olivia, was born.

2005: Near-Loss at Sea

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

2007: 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 Chicago Cubs.

2007: 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 a foreword by Eddie Vedder, "Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend", was published in the UK.

October 2008: US release of Pete Townshend Biography

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

2008: Birth of daughter Harper

In 2008, Eddie Vedder's second daughter, Harper, was born.

2009: Vedder Quotes about Cornell in Media

In 2009, the book Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music featured an account of Cornell carrying Vedder onstage at Pearl Jam's second Seattle show, and in an interview with Uncut magazine, Vedder stated that Cornell is the best singer on the planet. The impact Cornell had in Vedder's life was also discussed.

September 18, 2010: Marriage to Jill McCormick

On September 18, 2010, Eddie Vedder married his longtime girlfriend, model Jill McCormick, whom he had been dating since 2000.

September 2011: "Hunger Strike" performance with Chris Cornell

In September 2011, Eddie Vedder performed "Hunger Strike" with Chris Cornell in Alpine Valley, reflecting on the profound impact Cornell had on his life, music, and views on friendship.

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2011: McCormick in "Longing to Belong" 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 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 the genetic skin disorder epidermolysis bullosa.

August 2016: Pearl Jam's Shows at Wrigley Field

In August 2016, Pearl Jam performed shows at Wrigley Field, which served as the backdrop for the concert documentary "Let's Play Two" released in 2017.

2016: Cubs Win World Series with Vedder's Song

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

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May 18, 2017: Death of Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell, the Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman and close friend of Eddie Vedder, died on May 18, 2017.

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

During his solo concert in London on June 6, 2017, Eddie Vedder spoke publicly for the first time about Chris Cornell's death on May 18, 2017, expressing deep affection and admiration for Cornell.

2017: Release of Let's Play Two Documentary

In 2017, the documentary "Let's Play Two" featuring Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam was released. It was directed by Danny Clinch and can be found on Amazon Prime.

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2025: Official Partnership with Vedder for Vedder Cup

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