Pearl Jam Pays Tribute To ‘Man Of The Hour’ Bill Walton In Seattle

Pearl Jam honored Bill Walton last night during their first of two hometown concerts at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Frontman Eddie Vedder dedicated a performance of “Man Of The Hour” to Walton one day after the basketball hall of famer and music superfan died from cancer at age 71.

“Man Of The Hour” was one of seven tour debuts to make last night’s setlist. Vedder wrote the song for inclusion in director Tim Burton’s 2003 film, Big Fish. Pearl Jam last performed “Man Of The Hour” back on September 6, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario.

“We woke up yesterday to the sad news that somebody that we had met a number of times and every time we saw him he made such a huge impression,” Vedder told the crowd of Walton. “He’s a big man with a huge heart who cut a wide path of peace and love behind him.”

Eddie Vedder then pointed out a picture of Bill Walton at the band’s 2022 concert in San Diego. “He loved music. He loved the Grateful Dead,” Vedder added and shared the story of the first time he met Walton. “Thanks for all your good energy and wish us love down here,” the vocalist concluded before starting up “Man Of The Hour.” An image of Bill Walton was displayed as part of the backdrop behind the band during portions of the song.

Check out fan-shot video of Pearl Jam dedicating “Man Of The Hour” to Bill Walton below:

Earlier in the night, Pearl Jam kicked off the show with the classic “Release.” Next came the tour’s first version of “Thin Air” off the band’s 2000 studio album Binaural. The main set was also highlighted by six songs from the recently released Dark Matter LP, a take on “Daughter” that included elements of Bruce Springsteen’s “My City Of Ruins” and tour debuts of “I Am Mine,” the aforementioned “Man Of The Hour” and “Satan’s Bed.”

Eddie Vedder went solo on “Just Breathe” to get the encore underway on Tuesday. The rest of the band then returned for the tour debut of Gigaton cut “River Cross.” Pearl Jam also dusted off Ten track “Deep” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower” for their first plays in 2024 as part of the encore. Members of opening act Deep Sea Diver joined Pearl Jam on “Watchtower.” The show ended with a “Yellow Ledbetter” that gave way to nearly a full version of Hendrix’s “Little Wing” and usual tour closer “Setting Sun” from Dark Matter.

Pearl Jam returns to Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday, May 30 to wrap the first North American leg of their Dark Matter World Tour. View a full list of upcoming dates by scrolling below.