When Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder first performed without his bandmates, stage errors left him feeling defeated. However, a chance encounter with Bruce Springsteen changed his perspective on solo performing forever.
Springsteen advised the rock star that solo performances can be frightening, but that exposed vulnerability becomes a strength when properly channeled. Vedder has carried this guidance with him for nearly twenty years.
In October 2023, Vedder applied this wisdom during two completely sold-out solo concerts at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. These intimate performances became the centerpiece of Netflix’s new documentary “Matter of Time.”
“I remember kind of swimming through it and almost having a psychedelic experience,” he said. “I was so emotional, but I had to keep it together just to play properly.”
The Seattle concerts served as fundraising events for epidermolysis bullosa research, a devastating genetic condition that affects the skin. The Netflix film combines footage from these shows with personal accounts from families battling EB.
Eddie and Jill Vedder recently discussed the documentary and their EB Research Partnership with The Associated Press. The couple launched this organization in 2010 to raise funds and awareness for finding a treatment.
Epidermolysis bullosa causes extremely delicate skin that develops painful blisters and open sores from minimal contact. Severe forms of the condition can result in life-threatening complications like skin cancer. Currently, no cure exists, though organizations like the EB Research Partnership support treatment development and research funding.
“The kids are feeling seen and understood,” Vedder said. “They realize they’re not something to fear, and that they’re not contagious. The only thing contagious about these kids is their hope.”
Throughout the Seattle performances, Vedder mainly used acoustic guitar while occasionally switching to electric guitar and piano for musical variety. Though he played numerous Pearl Jam hits including “Better Man,” “Porch” and “Wishlist,” the song “Just Breathe” revealed his most raw emotional state.
As chairwoman of the EB Research Partnership, Jill Vedder’s involvement goes beyond professional duty to personal connection. She has mourned at children’s funerals and supports families through both sorrow and optimism.
“Every time I spend time with these families, I end up in tears because it’s hard to keep it together,” she said.
Jill Vedder spearheaded the foundation after discovering her childhood friend and co-founder Ryan Fullmer had welcomed a son diagnosed with EB. What began as personal support transformed into an internationally impactful cause, with Eddie joining to amplify their message.
Throughout his 35-year Pearl Jam career, Eddie Vedder has consistently championed philanthropic efforts across various social and charitable initiatives.
Alongside Johnny Depp, Natalie Maines, and other advocates, Vedder spent fifteen years working to exonerate the West Memphis Three, teenagers who were wrongfully convicted.
“I thought we could solve it in a few years,” Vedder said, “but it took patience to get three men out, one on death row.”
This experience shaped their approach to EB research advocacy.
“Now we’re using that patience once again… You learn about the science, but also about the scientists, their drive, devotion, and the toll it takes. It’s more than passion; it’s a commitment to care and persevere,” Vedder said.
Foundation CEO Michael Hund, who joined in 2017, describes their impact using the butterfly effect metaphor: “One small but powerful action, like a butterfly flapping its wings, can build enough force to create a monsoon halfway around the world. That’s the journey of this organization.”
During the filmed concerts, Eddie Vedder observed that exactly 33 years earlier, the group that became Pearl Jam had performed their debut show nearby at The Off Ramp venue.
Following their 2024 release “Dark Matter,” Vedder confirmed Pearl Jam will continue creating music. “We really are more of a group now than ever,” he said.
