The Deadhead community has been mourning the loss of NBA star and music superfan Bill Walton, but the Grateful Dead was not the only band on whom the towering figure made a sizable impression: last night, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder took time to remember Walton’s impact before dedicating the song “Man of the Hour” to the gregarious basketball hall of famer at the band’s hometown show at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
“We woke up yesterday to the sad news that somebody that we had met a number of times and every time we saw him it made such a huge impression,” Vedder said to the crowd towards the end of the band’s set. “He’s a big man with a huge heart and cut a wide path of peace and love behind him.”
Photos of Walton’s smiling face poking out above the crowd at a Pearl Jam concert last summer adorned the screen as Vedder told stories of meeting Bill and being astounded by the size of the crutches he used after having surgery.
“He loved music. He loved the Grateful Dead,” Vedder said. “Thanks for all the good energy, and wish us luck down here. I know you’re fine.”
Pearl Jam then played “Man of the Hour” with an image of Walton displayed behind the band during parts of the song.
Watch fan-shot footage of Pearl Jam paying tribute to “Man of the Hour” Bill Walton in Seattle below.
Pearl Jam – Bill Walton Tribute, “Man Of The Hour” – 5/28/24
[Video: NotAWalkYaKnow]
h/t JamBase
The post Pearl Jam Remembers Bill Walton, Dedicates “Man Of The Hour” To Late NBA Star & Music Superfan In Seattle [Video] appeared first on L4LM.
