Culture
21 Jul 22

Pearl Jam forced to cancel show after Eddie Vedder's throat is damaged by French wildfires

Pearl Jam at BST Hyde Park 2022 - Photo by: Danny Clinch

Vedder damaged his vocal cords from dust, smoke, and heat inhalation at a recent concert in France, where wildfires are tearing across the country.

Seattle band Pearl Jam were forced to cancel their show in Vienna last night (July 20) due to problems with frontman Eddie Vedder's throat.

The singer allegedly damaged his vocal cords after inhaling too much smoke, heat, and dust from the wildfires in France at a recent show in Paris.

The band took to social media, saying in a statement: "To all those who were anticipating a great Pearl Jam show tonight in Vienna, we were too. However, due to the extreme circumstances at the last outdoor site outside of Paris (heat, dust, and smoke from the fires) our singer Ed Vedder’s throat was left damaged.

"He has seen doctors and had treatment but as of yet, his vocal cords have not recovered. This is brutal news and horrible timing…for everyone involved. Those who work so hard to put on the shows as well as those who give their precious time and energies to attend.

"As a band, we are deeply sorry and have tried to find options to still play. And Ed wants to play. There’s just no throat available at this time… So very, very deeply sorry. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. Thank you for understanding."

(1/3) To all those who were anticipating a great Pearl Jam show tonight in Vienna, we were too. However, due to the extreme circumstances at the last outdoor site outside of Paris (heat, dust, and smoke from the fires) our singer Ed Vedder’s throat was left damaged. pic.twitter.com/Aa3LWclluB

— Pearl Jam 🇺🇦 (@PearlJam) July 20, 2022

Eddie Vedder and crew are currently touring Europe before returning to the States for their North American tour. The group recently played Hyde Park, which you can read about here.

This cancellation comes just months after the band were forced to cancel the tail end of their US tour, after bassist Jeff Ament tested positive for COVID.

The week before this, drummer Matt Cameron was diagnosed with the virus, leaving the band to enlist stand-in drummers.The band were joined by a fan on drums at their Oakland show on May 12, with an 18-year-old friend of Eddie Vedder’s daughter stepping up at the same venue on May 14.

Hopefully Vedder's voice will hold up for the last three dates of their European tour before the band take a well deserved break on the lead up to their North American tour.

Check out some footage of the band's tour below.