Eddie Vedder Delivers Epic Covers of Devo and Led Zeppelin at Ohana Festival

Eddie Vedder Revives Earthlings, Shares powerful Story at Ohana Festival

Dana Point, CA – Pearl jam’s Frontman Eddie Vedder brought his side project, Earthlings, back to the stage on september 26th, headlining the opening night of his annual Ohana Festival. The performance was marked by the introduction of several new cover songs and a poignant anecdote about the power of music in overcoming personal struggles.

Earthlings Unveil Diverse Setlist

The band, featuring guitarists Andrew Watt, Josh klinghoffer, and glen Hansard, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and bassist Chris Chaney, kicked off their set with a unique rendition of Devo’s “Gut Feeling,” a song Vedder had never performed live previously. Later in the evening, they creatively blended the instrumental introduction of Led zeppelin’s “The Song remains the Same” into Pearl Jam‘s classic, “Rearviewmirror.” Klinghoffer enhanced the performance with a double-necked guitar reminiscent of Jimmy Page’s iconic instrument.

A Story of Resilience and the Power of Music

Before launching into the blended rendition, Vedder captivated the audience with a personal story from his youth. He recounted being bullied by a high school teacher in San Diego, describing how the experience fueled a fear of failure. he revealed that music served as his escape and source of strength during this difficult time. “There was this piece of music, and I’ll never forget where I was or how loud it was,” vedder shared. “It lifted me up. I realized,you no what? Forget that guy. he will mean nothing to you.”

Remarkably, Vedder later learned that his former teacher was still alive and residing in San Diego. He admitted his initial impulse was to confront him, but ultimately chose a different path.”Violence is never the right thing,” he declared. “But, we will play this piece of music and I will let it be the reminder that music is power.”

Expanding the Repertoire and Collaborative Finale

Throughout the performance, Earthlings showcased full-band arrangements of tracks such as “Setting Forth” and “No Ceiling,” originally featured on Vedder’s 2007 Into the Wild soundtrack. Fans were also treated to five songs from his 2022 solo album,Earthling,alongside covers of The Who’s “I’m One,” the Mono Men’s “Watch Outside,” and George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity.”

The set also included a heartwarming collaboration with Vedder’s daughters, Olivia and Harper, who joined him for a medley of The English Beat’s “Save It for Later” and Pearl Jam’s “better Man.” Vocalist sharlotte Gibson and saxophonist James King from Fitz and the Tantrums added to the collaborative spirit, culminating in a finale featuring Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones performing Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

Ohana Festival Continues

the Ohana Festival is scheduled to continue with performances from Hozier, Leon Bridges, Green Day, Cage the Elephant, and Wet Leg over the next two days.

Artist/Band	Song/Album Highlight
Devo	“Gut Feeling” (First-time live performance by Vedder)
Pearl Jam/Led Zeppelin	“rearviewmirror” with “The Song Remains the Same” Intro
Eddie Vedder	“Setting Forth,” “No Ceiling” (Into the Wild)
Eddie Vedder	Songs from Earthling (2022)
Neil Young	“Rockin’ in the Free World” (Finale with Kelly Jones)

Did You Know? Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival was founded in 2016 and has become a celebrated event in Southern California, known for its eclectic lineups and intimate atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Check the Ohana Festival’s official website for set times, festival maps, and data about accessibility and amenities.

The Enduring Power of Music in Overcoming Adversity

Eddie Vedder’s story resonates with countless individuals who’ve found solace and strength in music. Research consistently demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of music,from reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and cognitive function. A study published in the National Library of Medicine highlights the impact of music intervention on mental health outcomes, confirming its role as a powerful coping mechanism. This incident underscores the fact that artistic expression can not only provide personal healing but inspire others.

Frequently asked Questions About Eddie Vedder & Earthlings

• What is Earthlings? Earthlings is Eddie Vedder’s side project band, featuring a rotating cast of talented musicians.
• Where did Eddie Vedder perform with Earthlings recently? They performed at the ohana Festival in Dana Point, California on September 26th.
• What kind of music did Earthlings perform? The band performed a mix of covers and songs from Eddie Vedder’s solo albums, as well as Pearl Jam tracks.
• What was the meaning of the story Eddie Vedder shared? He shared a story about overcoming bullying and finding strength through music.
• Who joined Eddie Vedder on stage during the finale? Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones joined Eddie vedder and Earthlings for the finale.

What did you think of Eddie Vedder’s performance and the story he shared? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What impact did Eddie Vedder’s cover choices have on the popularity of the original artists’ songs?

Vedder’s Unexpected Setlist Shakes Up Dana Point

Eddie Vedder, the iconic frontman of Pearl Jam, surprised and delighted fans at the 2025 Ohana Festival with a stunning setlist featuring unexpected covers of Devo’s “Whip it” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” The performance, a highlight of the Southern California music festival held at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, has quickly become a viral talking point amongst music lovers. Festival attendees and social media users alike are praising Vedder’s bold choices and masterful execution.This wasn’t just a concert; it was a reinterpretation of classics, showcasing Vedder’s versatility as a performer.

Devo’s “Whip It” – A Punk Rock Change

Vedder’s take on Devo’s 1980 new wave hit, “Whip It,” was a especially striking moment. Stripping away the song’s signature synth-driven sound,Vedder and his band delivered a raw,guitar-heavy rendition that leaned heavily into the song’s underlying punk energy.

* The cover featured a driving rhythm section and Vedder’s signature emotive vocals.

* Fans noted the subtle shift in lyrical emphasis, with Vedder injecting a sense of urgency into the already energetic track.

* This wasn’t the first time Vedder has surprised audiences with unexpected covers, but the choice of “Whip It” was particularly lauded for its boldness.

* The performance sparked renewed interest in Devo’s discography, with streaming numbers for “Whip It” seeing a significant boost following the festival.

Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” – A Powerful Homage

Following the energy of “whip It,” Vedder launched into a powerful cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” This rendition wasn’t a simple imitation; it was a respectful homage that showcased Vedder’s vocal range and the band’s instrumental prowess.

* Vedder’s vocals soared during the iconic chorus, capturing the raw power of Robert plant’s original performance.

* the band expertly recreated the song’s driving guitar riff, adding their own subtle nuances.

* The cover served as a reminder of Vedder’s deep recognition for classic rock and his ability to breathe new life into timeless songs.

* Many concert reviews highlighted the seamless transition between the Devo and Led Zeppelin covers, demonstrating Vedder’s curatorial skill.

Ohana Festival: A Platform for Unique Performances

The Ohana Festival, founded by Eddie Vedder himself, has become known for its eclectic lineups and intimate atmosphere. The festival consistently attracts a diverse audience and provides a platform for artists to experiment and showcase their versatility.

* Festival History: Established in 2016, Ohana has quickly grown into a premier Southern California music event.

* Vedder’s Involvement: Vedder’s personal touch is evident in the festival’s curation, which frequently enough features artists he admires and supports.

* Charitable Component: A portion of the festival’s proceeds are donated to various charitable organizations, aligning with Vedder’s commitment to social activism.

* 2025 Lineup: This year’s festival boasted a stellar lineup including the Killers, Khruangbin, and Fleet Foxes, alongside Vedder’s own performances.

The Significance of Cover songs in Vedder’s Performances

Eddie Vedder has a long history of incorporating cover songs into his live sets. These covers aren’t simply filler; they’re frequently enough carefully chosen to reflect his musical influences,pay tribute to artists he admires,or offer a unique perspective on familiar songs.

* Past Covers: Vedder has previously covered artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Neil Young,demonstrating his broad musical taste.

* reinterpretation: He rarely replicates the original arrangements,rather opting to reinterpret the songs in his own style.

* Fan Engagement: Cover songs often generate excitement among fans, who enjoy discovering new music through Vedder’s performances.

* Artistic Expression: For Vedder, covers represent a form of artistic expression and a way to connect with his musical roots.

Beyond the Covers: Other Highlights from Vedder’s Ohana Set

While the Devo and Led Zeppelin covers dominated headlines,Vedder’s Ohana setlist also included a mix of Pearl Jam classics and solo material.

* Pearl Jam Favorites: The set featured beloved Pearl Jam songs like “Alive,” “Jeremy,” and “Better Man,” eliciting singalongs from the excited crowd.

* Solo Work: Vedder also performed tracks from his solo albums, earthling and Matter of Time, showcasing his songwriting versatility.

* Acoustic Moments: The set included several stripped-down acoustic performances, allowing Vedder’s vocals and songwriting to take center stage.