Eddie Vedder Gives Tribute To 9/11 First Responders On Recent NY Show

The 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attack at The World Trade Center in 2001 was commemorated. One of the performers who contributed to the show was Pearl Jam who played a 25-song set during the evening.

During the band’s performance, lead singer Eddie Vedder said that he admires the city and honored the first responders and the victims of the tragedy. They closed the show by performing a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and then gave a couple of speeches. The front man said to the crowd [via a press release from Republic Records]:

“9/11 was horrific, traumatic, despicable… But in some ways, 9/12 was awesome. 9/12 people came together as one. We were supported by the rest of the planet. And most importantly in our country, we supported each other.

“There was a time when we supported each other. That’s the part that we cannot forget. We can stay together. We don’t have to wait for another terrorist attack and suffer this thing of being divided.”

Later that night, Vedder stated that there are a lot of first responders in attendance at the show and dedicated the night to them:

“I believe I was told this is the 37th time this band has played in New York City. In perspective, I think we’ve only played Seattle 50… But here’s the thing, and I don’t mind saying it publicly: I don’t remember half of those fucking shows.

“But I feel like we remember every New York City show we’ve ever had. This potentially has the chance to be the most memorable of them all… We are quite honored to be spending this important date with you.”