Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard Duet In Honor Of Ailing Fan In Indianapolis

The duo performed Hansard’s ‘Song of Good Hope’ during Pearl Jam’s much-anticipated return to the city.

During Pearl Jam’s sold-out show near Indianapolis on August 26, Eddie Vedder paused to honor a longtime fan facing health challenges. He performed Glen Hansard’s “Song of Good Hope” alongside Hansard, marking the first time the song was played at a Pearl Jam concert. “From what we’ve heard, this woman is truly remarkable,” Vedder said, referring to Michele Mintz Menke, a dedicated member of the Pearl Jam fan community. “She’s been confronted with some challenges and is not just fighting, but doing so with incredible courage.”

“Song of Good Hope” was first released on Glen Hansard’s 2012 solo album, Rhythm and Repose. While it had never been performed at a Pearl Jam concert until tonight, Vedder frequently included it in his solo shows between 2017 and 2019.

Tonight’s concert marked the second show of the second leg of Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter tour, promoting their 2024 album of the same name, and included seven tracks from it. In addition to “Good Hope,” a notable rarity was the title track from 2013’s Lightning Bolt, performed for only the third time since 2018.

The band had intended to perform at the Ruoff Music Center in September 2023 but had to postpone the concert just hours before it was set to begin due to illness. Consequently, Pearl Jam had not played at the venue, still locally referred to as Deer Creek despite multiple corporate name changes, since 2010.

Next, the band will head to Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field for performances on August 29 and 31.