Saturday was amateur night at the Apollo.
Pearl Jam took the stage at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater on Saturday for a private SiriusXM show that was hampered by sound problems.
“I’m pretty sure they didn’t say this when John Coltrane played here. They need us a minute to reboot the computer,” vocalist Eddie Vedder announced from the stage.
While “one minute” lasted a little longer, the accomplished frontman kept the guests, including Heidi Klum, John McEnroe, Megyn Kelly and Robin Quivers, entertained by sitting on the edge of the stage and playing a soulful, mic-free version of Warren. Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart.”
Vedder was also sure to make it clear that the sound problems weren’t the Apollo staff’s fault.
After the sound system was settled, the band took the stage again for a rocking show – which was streamed on SiriusXM. The performance included their classics such as “Better Man” and newer hits from 2020’s “Gigaton”.
Vedder sprinkled the set with stories and paid tribute to blues singer Bessie Smith, who played at the venue in 1935.
The musician recalled a moment that happened at the beginning of his career when a girl approached him at an airport and said, “I don’t want to bother you,” to which he replied, “Then don’t.”
The interaction, he said, still haunts him to this day.
“I’ve lived with this for 33 years,” he explained. “If you’re there, I was a rude person at the time… All apologies.”
Many fans shouted that they were the offended party.
“That was me,” a voice shouted.
“That was my mother!” exclaimed another.
“F–k you,” Vedder replied jokingly.