Eddie Vedder is best known as the lead singer and lyricist for the rock band Pearl Jam. He also plays guitar for the band. Before Pearl Jam, he was a guest vocalist for Temple of the Dog, a band that paid tribute to the late singer Andrew Wood.
December 23, 1964: Birth of Eddie Vedder
On December 23, 1964, Eddie Jerome Vedder was born as Edward Louis Severson III in Evanston, Illinois.
1965: Divorce of Parents and Remarriage of Mother
Eddie Vedder's parents divorced in 1965 when he was an infant. His mother soon remarried to Peter Mueller, whom Vedder believed to be his biological father for a time.
1973: Discovering The Who's "Quadrophenia"
At age 15 or 16, Eddie Vedder found solace in music, particularly The Who's 1973 album "Quadrophenia," during a time of feeling alone.
1984: Vedder Begins Dating Beth Liebling
Around 1984, Eddie Vedder began dating Beth Liebling, who he would later marry in 1994.
1984: Move to San Diego and Early Musical Ventures
In 1984, Eddie Vedder moved back to San Diego, where he began recording demo tapes and worked various jobs. He joined several bands, including Surf and Destroy, the Butts, and Indian Style, which featured future Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk.
1988: Joining Bad Radio
Eddie Vedder joined the progressive funk rock band Bad Radio in 1988, influencing their shift towards a more alternative rock sound.
1990: Vedder and Cornell's Paths Cross in Seattle
Eddie Vedder's move to Seattle in 1990 led to a significant encounter with Chris Cornell, the frontman of Soundgarden. This marked the beginning of a deep friendship and musical collaboration between the two musicians.
1990: Formation of Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam, originally called Mookie Blaylock, was formed in 1990 by Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, and Mike McCready. They recruited Eddie Vedder as lead singer and went through a few drummers before settling on their lineup.
April 1991: Release of Temple of the Dog's Debut Album
Temple of the Dog, featuring Eddie Vedder on vocals, released their self-titled debut album in April 1991. The album included the hit single "Hunger Strike."
1991: Signing with Epic Records and Name Change
In 1991, the band signed with Epic Records and changed their name to Pearl Jam, releasing their debut album, "Ten," named after basketball player Mookie Blaylock's jersey number.
1992: Acting Debut in "Singles"
Eddie Vedder made his acting debut in the 1992 movie "Singles," playing drums in the fictional band Citizen Dick alongside other members of Pearl Jam.
1992: "Reclamation" Article and Pro-Choice Stance
In 1992, Eddie Vedder expressed his views on abortion in an article titled "Reclamation" published in Spin magazine. During Pearl Jam's MTV Unplugged performance that same year, he further demonstrated his pro-choice stance.
November 1993: Barroom Brawl with Jack McDowell
In November 1993, Eddie Vedder was involved in a bar fight with White Sox pitcher Jack McDowell in New Orleans, resulting in Vedder's arrest for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace.
1993: Support for Aaron Ahearn
In 1993, Eddie Vedder demonstrated his commitment to environmental activism by supporting Aaron Ahearn, a fellow Surfrider Foundation member who went AWOL from the Navy in protest of their ocean dumping practices. Vedder and Pearl Jam held a benefit concert to help cover Ahearn's legal expenses.
1993: Townshend Encourages Vedder to Continue His Music Career
In 1993, Eddie Vedder received crucial support from The Who's guitarist, Pete Townshend, who discouraged him from stepping away from his music career.
1993: Release of "Vs." and Commercial Success
Pearl Jam released their second album, "Vs.," in 1993, breaking the record for the most copies sold in a week. The album topped the Billboard 200 for five weeks.
August 1994: Dave Abbruzzese Fired from Pearl Jam
In August 1994, Pearl Jam made the decision to fire drummer Dave Abbruzzese from the band. The firing came just four months before the release of their third studio album, "Vitalogy". The band cited political differences as the reason for Abbruzzese's dismissal, including his opposition to their boycott of Ticketmaster.
1994: Performance at Rock for Choice
Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam performed at Rock for Choice in 1994, a concert supporting abortion rights.
1994: Vedder Marries Beth Liebling
Eddie Vedder married Beth Liebling in 1994. They had been dating since around 1984.
1994: Boycott of Ticketmaster and Dealing with Fame
In 1994, Pearl Jam initiated a boycott against Ticketmaster, limiting their touring capacity in the US. The band, particularly Eddie Vedder, grappled with the pressures of fame, leading them to reduce promotional activities.
March 25, 1995: Vedder Rescued While Surfing in New Zealand
On March 25, 1995, while surfing with Tim Finn off the coast of New Zealand, Eddie Vedder found himself in a perilous situation when he was swept 250 feet from the shore. Fortunately, lifeguards were able to come to his rescue.
1995: Vedder Pens "Long Road" in Honor of Mentor Clayton Liggett
Following the death of his high school drama teacher, Clayton E. Liggett, in 1995, a significant mentor in his life, Eddie Vedder wrote the heartfelt song "Long Road," which was featured on Pearl Jam's album "Merkin Ball."
1995: Eddie Vedder Contributes to "Dead Man Walking" Soundtrack
In 1995, Eddie Vedder lent his distinctive vocals to the soundtrack of the film "Dead Man Walking." This marked one of his first notable contributions to film music. He collaborated with renowned Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on the project.
1995: Vedder Tours as Drummer for Hovercraft
In 1995, Eddie Vedder took on the role of drummer for the band Hovercraft, which featured his then-wife Beth Liebling on bass. The band opened for Mike Watt on his U.S. tour.
1995: Grammy Nominations for "Vs."
"Vs." received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 1995, while the songs "Daughter" and "Go" were nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Hard Rock Performance, respectively.
August 6, 1996: Guest Appearance at The Ramones' Final Show
On August 6, 1996, Eddie Vedder made a guest appearance at The Ramones' last show at the Palace in Hollywood.
1996: "Vitalogy" Receives Grammy Nominations
Pearl Jam's album "Vitalogy", released in 1995, earned two Grammy nominations in 1996. The album, featuring Eddie Vedder more prominently on rhythm guitar, was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Rock Album.
1996: Pearl Jam Releases "No Code"
Pearl Jam, continuing their musical journey, released their fourth studio album, "No Code", in 1996. This marked another milestone in their career, following the success of their previous albums.
1998: National Anthem Performance at NBA Finals
Eddie Vedder showcased his vocal talents in 1998 by singing the national anthem at the third game of the NBA Finals held in Chicago.
1998: Pearl Jam Releases "Yield" and Jack Irons Departs
In 1998, Pearl Jam released their fifth studio album, "Yield". The album featured the single "Do the Evolution," which later earned a Grammy nomination. Following the album release, drummer Jack Irons decided to leave the band. Citing dissatisfaction with touring, Irons' departure led to Matt Cameron, formerly of Soundgarden, stepping in as his replacement.
June 30, 2000: Tragedy Overshadows Pearl Jam's Performance at Roskilde Festival
On June 30, 2000, Pearl Jam's performance at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark was marked by a devastating tragedy. Nine fans lost their lives due to a crowd surge during the band's set, casting a dark shadow over the event and deeply affecting the band members.
September 2000: Vedder's Divorce from Beth Liebling
In September 2000, Eddie Vedder and Beth Liebling, his wife since 1994, got divorced.
2000: Vedder Starts Dating Jill McCormick
In 2000, Eddie Vedder began dating model Jill McCormick. They would later get married in 2010.
2000: Pearl Jam Releases "Binaural" and Launches Bootleg Series
Pearl Jam marked the new millennium with the release of their sixth studio album, "Binaural," in 2000. In a move celebrated by fans, the band simultaneously launched an official bootleg series, releasing a staggering number of live albums.
2000: Support for Ralph Nader
Eddie Vedder showed support for Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader in the 2000 election by performing at Green Party rallies.
2001: Eddie Vedder Covers the Beatles for "I Am Sam" Soundtrack
Eddie Vedder's love for music extended to contributing to the soundtrack of the 2001 film "I Am Sam." He delivered a moving rendition of The Beatles' classic track "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," showcasing his versatility as a vocalist.
2001: Pearl Jam Sets Billboard Record with Bootleg Series
The year 2001 saw Pearl Jam making Billboard chart history. Their innovative official bootleg series resulted in a record-breaking achievement: the most albums to debut on the Billboard 200 simultaneously.
April 20, 2002: Vedder Mourns the Loss of Layne Staley with "4/20/02"
Deeply affected by the death of his friend, Alice in Chains' vocalist Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder penned the song "4/20/02" on the day he learned of Staley's passing on April 20, 2002.
2002: Pearl Jam Releases "Riot Act"
Continuing their steady stream of releases, Pearl Jam unveiled their seventh studio album, "Riot Act," in 2002. The album further cemented their place as a leading force in alternative rock.
2003: Eddie Vedder Pens "Man of the Hour" for "Big Fish"
In 2003, Eddie Vedder gifted his songwriting talents to Tim Burton's film "Big Fish," penning the emotionally resonant song "Man of the Hour." This marked another instance of Vedder's music gracing the silver screen.
2003: Pearl Jam Contributes "Man of the Hour" to "Big Fish" Soundtrack
In 2003, Pearl Jam contributed the song "Man of the Hour" to the soundtrack of Tim Burton's film "Big Fish". The heartfelt ballad, penned by Eddie Vedder, added an emotional depth to the film's soundtrack.
2004: Participation in Vote for Change Tour
Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam participated in the 2004 Vote for Change tour, supporting John Kerry's presidential campaign.
2004: Eddie Vedder Contributes to "A Brokedown Melody" Soundtrack
Eddie Vedder's music was featured in the soundtrack of the 2004 film "A Brokedown Melody." His contributions added to the film's emotional landscape, showcasing his ability to create music that connected with storytelling.
2004: Vedder and McCormick Welcome Daughter Olivia
In 2004, Eddie Vedder and Jill McCormick celebrated the birth of their daughter, Olivia.
2004: "Man of the Hour" Nominated for Golden Globe Award
Pearl Jam's contribution to the "Big Fish" soundtrack, the song "Man of the Hour," earned a Golden Globe Award nomination in 2004. The nomination highlighted the song's impact and showcased the band's ability to create music that resonated beyond their traditional rock genre.
2005: Vedder Faces a Near-Death Experience During Outrigger Canoe Trip
An adventurous outrigger canoe trip in 2005 from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu turned into a harrowing experience for Eddie Vedder as he narrowly avoided a potentially fatal accident while at sea.
June 29, 2006: Vedder Opens Up About the Impact of His Divorce from Beth Liebling
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone published on June 29, 2006, Eddie Vedder revealed the profound emotional toll his divorce from Beth Liebling in September 2000 had taken on him.
2006: Pearl Jam Releases Self-Titled Album
Pearl Jam returned in 2006 with the release of their eighth studio album, eponymously titled "Pearl Jam". This self-titled work marked their first studio album in four years and demonstrated their enduring presence in the music world.
2006: Vedder Supports San Dieguito Academy with Concert Proceeds
Eddie Vedder showed his gratitude to his alma mater, San Dieguito Academy, by donating proceeds from a Pearl Jam concert in San Diego in 2006. The funds went towards building a theater named after his former drama teacher, Clayton E. Liggett.
2006: Collaboration with Damien Echols
Eddie Vedder collaborated with Damien Echols on the song "Army Reserve" from Pearl Jam's 2006 self-titled album while Echols was imprisoned as part of the West Memphis Three.
2006: Evolution of Guitar Playing in Pearl Jam
By 2006, Eddie Vedder's guitar playing had become increasingly integral to Pearl Jam's sound, allowing for a more stripped-down style as seen in songs like "Rearviewmirror" and "Corduroy" from their album *Vitalogy*.
September 18, 2007: Eddie Vedder Releases "Into the Wild" Soundtrack
On September 18, 2007, Eddie Vedder unveiled his debut solo album, serving as the soundtrack for the film "Into the Wild." The album, released through J Records, featured a collection of original songs and covers, including interpretations of Indio's "Hard Sun" and Jerry Hannan's "Society."
December 19, 2007: Support for the West Memphis Three
On December 19, 2007, Damien Echols, a member of the West Memphis Three, highlighted Eddie Vedder's support for their case during an interview with Larry King.
2007: Criticism of BP at Lollapalooza
During Pearl Jam's headlining performance at Lollapalooza in 2007, Eddie Vedder used his platform to criticize BP for polluting Lake Michigan, urging the audience to boycott the oil company.
2007: Eddie Vedder Contributes to "Body of War" and "Reign Over Me" Soundtracks
Eddie Vedder's music played a role in two films released in 2007: "Body of War" and "Reign Over Me." For "Body of War," he penned the songs "No More" and "Long Nights," while Pearl Jam, his band, contributed a cover of The Who's "Love, Reign o'er Me" to the latter film.
2007: Vedder Pens Foreword for Townshend's Biography
In 2007, Eddie Vedder put pen to paper to write the foreword for a new biography about Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist of The Who.
2007: Release of "Into the Wild" Soundtrack
In 2007, Eddie Vedder released his debut solo album, serving as the soundtrack for the film "Into the Wild".
2007: First Pitch at Wrigley Field
In 2007, Eddie Vedder threw the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, a few days prior to performing with Pearl Jam at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
March 2008: Vedder's Foreword to Pete Townshend's Biography Published in the UK
Eddie Vedder's foreword to Pete Townshend's biography, "Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend," was published in the UK in March 2008.
April 2, 2008: Eddie Vedder Kicks Off First Solo Tour in Vancouver
On April 2, 2008, Eddie Vedder embarked on his inaugural solo tour, kicking off the "April Fools Tour" in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at The Centre. The tour, primarily focused on the West Coast of the United States, marked a significant step in Vedder's career as a solo artist.
April 2008: Eddie Vedder Embarks on "April Fools Tour"
Eddie Vedder's first solo tour, dubbed the "April Fools Tour," commenced in April 2008. The tour focused on the West Coast of the United States, allowing Vedder to connect with audiences in a more intimate setting.
August 2008: Eddie Vedder Continues Solo Tour with East Coast and Canada Dates
Following the success of his West Coast run, Eddie Vedder extended his solo tour in August 2008. The second leg focused on the East Coast of the United States and Canada, showcasing his solo material to a wider audience.
October 2008: US Release of Pete Townshend's Biography with Vedder's Foreword
The US publication of Pete Townshend's biography, "Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend," featuring Eddie Vedder's foreword, occurred in October 2008.
2008: Eddie Vedder Wins Golden Globe Award for "Guaranteed"
Eddie Vedder's work on the "Into the Wild" soundtrack earned him critical acclaim, culminating in a Golden Globe Award win in 2008 for the song "Guaranteed." The song also received nominations for a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media and a World Soundtrack Award for Best Original Song Written Directly for a Film.
2008: Eddie Vedder's Washington, D.C. Performances Featured in "Water on the Road"
Eddie Vedder's live DVD, "Water on the Road," released in 2011, featured performances from two shows in Washington, D.C. during his 2008 solo tour. The DVD provided fans with a glimpse into the energy and intimacy of his solo performances.
2008: Vedder and McCormick's Second Daughter, Harper, is Born
Eddie Vedder and Jill McCormick expanded their family in 2008 with the arrival of their second daughter, Harper.
June 2009: Eddie Vedder Tours Eastern United States and Hawaii
In June 2009, Eddie Vedder embarked on another solo tour, this time concentrating on the Eastern United States and Hawaii. The tour allowed him to further showcase his solo work and connect with fans in diverse locations.
2009: "Rise" Nominated for Grammy Award
In 2009, "Rise," another track from Eddie Vedder's "Into the Wild" soundtrack, garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo. This nomination solidified Vedder's success as a solo artist.
2009: Vedder Reflects on "Hunger Strike"
In 2009, Eddie Vedder expressed his pride and gratitude for being a part of "Hunger Strike," acknowledging its significance as his first featured vocal on a record.
2009: Pearl Jam Releases "Backspacer"
In 2009, Pearl Jam released their ninth studio album, "Backspacer". The album showcased their evolving sound and continued commitment to creating powerful and relevant music.
2009: Vedder Praises Cornell's Exceptional Talent
In a 2009 interview, Eddie Vedder lauded Chris Cornell's vocal abilities, hailing him as "the best singer that we've got on the planet." This statement underscores the immense respect and admiration Vedder held for Cornell's musical talent.
September 18, 2010: Vedder Marries Jill McCormick
Eddie Vedder and model Jill McCormick, who began dating in 2000, exchanged vows on September 18, 2010.
2010: Eddie Vedder Releases "Better Days" for "Eat Pray Love" Soundtrack
Eddie Vedder's song "Better Days" found a home on the soundtrack of the 2010 film "Eat Pray Love." The song's inclusion marked another instance of his music complementing a film's narrative.
May 31, 2011: Eddie Vedder Releases "Ukulele Songs" and "Water on the Road" DVD
May 31, 2011, marked a two-fold release for Eddie Vedder. He unveiled his second solo album, "Ukulele Songs," a collection of original tracks and covers performed on the ukulele. Simultaneously, he released a live DVD titled "Water on the Road," capturing performances from his 2008 solo tour.
August 19, 2011: Attendance at West Memphis Three Release Hearing
Eddie Vedder and Natalie Maines attended the release hearing of the West Memphis Three on August 19, 2011.
September 2011: Vedder Performs "Hunger Strike" with Cornell, Expressing Gratitude for Their Friendship
In a poignant moment during a concert in September 2011, Eddie Vedder performed "Hunger Strike" alongside Chris Cornell. Prior to the performance, Vedder addressed the audience, sharing his deep appreciation for Cornell's friendship and the significant influence Cornell had on his life and musical perspective.
2011: Vedder Discusses "Hunger Strike" in "Pearl Jam Twenty"
In the 2011 documentary "Pearl Jam Twenty," Eddie Vedder shared his sentiments on "Hunger Strike," calling it one of his favorite and most meaningful songs he's been a part of.
2011: McCormick Stars in Vedder's "Longing to Belong" Music Video
Jill McCormick, Eddie Vedder's wife, appeared in the music video for his solo single "Longing to Belong" in 2011.
2011: Release of "Ukulele Songs" and "Water on the Road"
Eddie Vedder released his second solo album, "Ukulele Songs", along with a live DVD titled "Water on the Road" in 2011.
2013: Pearl Jam Releases "Lightning Bolt"
Pearl Jam, maintaining their steady pace of releases, unveiled their tenth studio album, "Lightning Bolt", in 2013. The album reaffirmed their position as one of the most enduring and influential rock bands of their generation.
October 26, 2014: Final Performance of "Hunger Strike" with Chris Cornell
On October 26, 2014, Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell performed their hit collaboration "Hunger Strike" together for the last time at a benefit concert for Bridge School.
2014: Vedder and McCormick Establish EB Research Partnership
Driven by their commitment to finding a cure for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic skin disorder, Eddie Vedder and Jill McCormick co-founded the EB Research Partnership in 2014.
August 2016: Pearl Jam's Performances at Wrigley Field
In August 2016, Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam performed a series of shows at Wrigley Field, which would later be documented in the film "Let's Play Two."
August 22, 2016: Vedder Pays Tribute to Layne Staley During Pearl Jam Concert
On August 22, 2016, during a Pearl Jam concert in Chicago, Eddie Vedder took a moment to remember his late friend Layne Staley on what would have been Staley's 49th birthday. He dedicated the song "Man of the Hour" to Staley, expressing his continued remembrance.
2016: Cubs World Series Celebration
Following the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series victory in 2016, Vedder's song "All the Way" was featured in a tribute video shared by the Cubs' official Twitter account, celebrating the team's triumph.
May 18, 2017: Chris Cornell Passes Away
Chris Cornell, the frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave, and a close friend of Eddie Vedder, died on May 18, 2017.
June 6, 2017: Vedder Publicly Addresses Cornell's Death
During his solo concert in London on June 6, 2017, Eddie Vedder broke his silence about the passing of his close friend, Chris Cornell, who had died on May 18, 2017. Vedder shared heartfelt words about Cornell, describing him as a brotherly figure and expressing the profound impact their friendship had on his life.
Aug 2017: Cameo Appearance in Twin Peaks
In August 2017, Eddie Vedder made a cameo appearance in season 3, episode 16 of David Lynch's Twin Peaks, where he was referred to by his birth name, Edward Louis Severson.
2017: Bono Acknowledges Vedder's Rage
In 2017, Bono praised Eddie Vedder's "rage," recognizing it as a key element of rock 'n' roll and comparing him to The Who.
2017: Release of 'Let's Play Two' Documentary
The documentary "Let's Play Two," directed by Danny Clinch, was released in 2017. The film centers around Pearl Jam's August 2016 performances at Wrigley Field, featuring Eddie Vedder alongside the band.
2017: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Eddie Vedder was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pearl Jam in 2017.
2019: Gun Control Activism
Eddie Vedder continued his activism in 2019 by performing at benefit concerts advocating for gun control and participating in the Gun Sense Forum.
2020: Vedder Discusses Roskilde Tragedy with Lily Cornell Silver
In 2020, Eddie Vedder engaged in a conversation with Lily Cornell Silver, daughter of the late Chris Cornell, during which he shared his perspective on the tragic events that unfolded at the Roskilde Festival in 2000. Vedder highlighted how the joy of hearing about Lily's birth shortly before taking the stage was shattered by the devastating loss of life during their performance.
2020: Pearl Jam Releases "Gigaton"
Pearl Jam released their eleventh studio album, "Gigaton," in 2020. The album, arriving seven years after their previous release, demonstrated their enduring creativity and ability to remain relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.
September 2021: Eddie Vedder Releases "Long Way" from Upcoming Album
In September 2021, Eddie Vedder offered a taste of his upcoming third studio album, "Earthling," with the release of the single "Long Way." The release marked his first solo album in over a decade.
November 18, 2021: Eddie Vedder Releases "The Haves"
Continuing the rollout of his album "Earthling," Eddie Vedder released the single "The Haves" on November 18, 2021. The song provided another glimpse into the album's sonic landscape.
2021: Eddie Vedder Creates Original Music for "Flag Day" and Collaborates with Daughter
Eddie Vedder poured his creativity into crafting original music for the 2021 film "Flag Day." The film also marked a special milestone: the musical debut of Vedder's daughter, Olivia, who lent her vocals to the lead single, "My Father's Daughter," a collaboration between Vedder and musician Glen Hansard.
January 14, 2022: Eddie Vedder Releases "Brother the Cloud"
On January 14, 2022, Eddie Vedder released "Brother the Cloud," the third single from his album "Earthling." The song showcased his evolving sound and lyrical prowess.
2022: Release of "Earthling"
In 2022, Eddie Vedder's third solo album, "Earthling", was released.
2023: Vedder Ranked Among the Greatest Lead Singers of All Time
In 2023, Eddie Vedder received significant recognition for his vocal talents, securing high rankings on several prominent music lists. Rolling Stone placed him at number 105 on their "200 Greatest Singers of All Time" list, while other publications like Loudwire and Hit Parader also acknowledged his exceptional abilities.