Pearl Jam releases “Song Of Good Hope” as a tribute to its fans

Photo credit: Danny Clinch

On August 26, during Pearl Jam’s performance at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, Eddie Vedder joined Hansard himself in a rendition of Glen Hansard’s “Song Of Good Hope” in honor of a fan. Vedder dedicated the stripped-down encore to his longtime supporter Michele Menke, whom he spotted in the audience, in recognition of her ongoing battle with cancer. Although Vedder has already performed the track on the 2012 album, Rhythm and calm The August 26 performance was the first at a Pearl Jam event, having previously appeared in solo performances.

Given the relevance of the lyrics, Vedder brought opening act Hansard on stage with acoustic guitar for his own “Song Of Good Hope,” which was an inspiring moment for everyone in attendance. Vedder called Menke “pretty incredible” and explained his decision, sharing TURN that Menke “fights with courage” despite “some challenges.” In her honor, the tour partners sang “And I know where you’ve been / Has really left you in doubt / Of ever finding a harbor” together before calling on the crowd with the song’s final phrase: “May the song of good hope accompany you through everything.”

After the moving duet, Vedder performed another fan request, “Lightning Bolt,” for an encore, also a tour debut and the third performance of the song in five years. The musician dedicated the 2013 song to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, singing “She’s rock ‘n roll / She’s a lightning bolt” with great reverence for the WNBA team and its All-Star player. The boisterous tribute was followed by performances of “Corduroy,” “Setting Sun” and “Alive,” followed by “Baba O’Riley” by The Who and a final “Yellow Ledbetter” to close out the evening of tributes.

Pearl Jam Dark Matter World Tour continues on August 29 at Wrigley Field in Chicago and runs through November. For tickets and more information, visit pearljam.com/tour.