To my brothers in Pearl Jam, to our faithful fans throughout the world, and to every single soul who has walked this path with us,
As I sit to write these lines, I am overcome with thankfulness—an appreciation that has only grown stronger over time. From the first strum of a guitar in a small Seattle basement to the deafening echoes of sold-out arenas around the world, this journey has never been my own. We’ve owned every chord, lyric, stage dive, and moment of genuine, unfiltered passion.
My bandmates, Jeff, Stone, Mike, and Matt, have been more than just musicians. You have been my family. The sort of brothers formed not just via music, but also through quiet. We’ve had highs that shook the rafters and lows that rattled our bones, but through it all, we found harmony in one another. We created something that was driven by truth rather than trends or fame. And in that honesty, we discovered each other.
Our fans—this wonderful, tenacious, and passionate community—are the lifeblood of Pearl Jam. You stood by us when our sound developed, our albums became more introspective, and we chose conviction above convenience. You repeated our lines back to us like hallowed mantras. You transformed concerts into churches, where the gospel was truth and fellowship was connection. Your voices made us louder. Your stories reminded us why we began.
Your belief enabled us to fight Ticketmaster when no one else dared. Your presence in the crowd fuels our fire. And it is your unwavering support that has enabled me to reclaim a voice that was previously shrouded in uncertainty. Your faith instilled bravery in me. Your emails, tattoos, and tears have told us that our music was important. That we mattered. And it makes all the difference.
Every road crew member, sound technician, activist, family member, and foundation partner is the engine that drives the Pearl Jam community. You’ve worked relentlessly, often behind the scenes, to make sure the music reaches the world with integrity and purpose. You’ve helped make our art more than just a performance; you’ve made it important.
We’ve gotten older, but the fire inside is still raging. There is much to sing. There’s more to fight for. There’s more to give. And as long as I have breath, I will sing for you. I will scream for justice. I will whisper for peace. I’ll bear the weight and amazement of the extraordinary life you’ve helped create.
With a heart eternally grateful,
Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam
Always a student.
Forever a brother.
Forever yours.