David Letterman to Induct Pearl Jam Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
It’s just been announced that broadcasting legend David Letterman will induct Pearl Jam into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this Friday (April 7). Letterman was confirmed to bestow the honor upon Pearl Jam after Neil Young became unable to appear at the ceremony.
Pearl Jam were fiercely loyal to David Letterman while he was hosting The Late Show. The Seattle legends performed a staggering seven times between 1996 and 2006 alone, never making an appearance on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, perhaps due to Letterman and Leno’s highly publicized feud. Pearl Jam even played a 10-song concert for the Late Show audience back in 2006.
"Due to illness, Neil Young is regrettably no longer able to induct Pearl Jam at this Year's Induction Ceremony," the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said in a statement. "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is thrilled that David Letterman has agreed to induct Pearl Jam this Friday night at the 32nd Annual Induction Ceremony."
Frontman Eddie Vedder made numerous solo appearances on The Late Show, while Pearl Jam served as a musical guest during Letterman’s farewell episodes in 2015.
This year’s Rock Hall class will also feature Yes, Journey, Tupac Shakur and many others. Jane’s Addiction, the MC5, Depeche Mode and Bad Brains were also nominated for the class of 2017, but didn’t end up making the cut.
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