Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder Says He Now Can't Sing Because of This
Daniel Rodriguez
Updated on February 22, 2026
Pearl Jam fans in Austria got some disappointing news on Wednesday. On July 20, the band had to cancel their concert in Vienna due to lead singer Eddie Vedder losing his voice. According to a statement posted on the band's official Instagram, due to the conditions at their previous concert, the frontman's throat was "damaged" and his vocal cords did not recover in time for the next show. Pearl Jam's earlier performance was in Paris on July 17, and "extreme circumstances" at the venue were the cause of the issue. Read on to find out more about what caused the condition and how Vedder is doing now.
READ THIS NEXT: This Is the Most Hated Album of the Century, According to Data.
Weather conditions were at fault.
View this post on Instagram
According to Pearl Jam's statement, heat, dust, and smoke from wildfires in France are responsible for Vedder's throat and vocal cords being damaged.
"To all those who were anticipating a great Pearl Jam show tonight in Vienna, we were too," the statement begins. "However, due to the extreme circumstances at the last outdoor site outside of Paris (heat, dust, and smoke from the fires) our singer Ed Vedder's throat was left damaged. He has seen doctors and had treatment but as of yet, his vocal cords have not recovered."
France has been experiencing extreme weather.
There has been a major heatwave in Europe this week, which has resulted in wildfires, including in France. As reported by CNN, a government spokesperson said that wildfires have burned 25 times more land this year compared to the same period in 2021.
Pearl Jam's Paris show was part of the French Lollapalooza music festival. It took place on Sunday, July 17 at the Hippodrome de Longchamp.
For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
The band apologized for the cancellation.
"This is brutal news and horrible timing… for everyone involved," Pearl Jam's statement continues. "Those who work so hard to put on the show as well as those who give their precious time and energies to attend…. As a band, we are deeply sorry and have tried to find options to still play. And Ed wants to play. There's just no throat available at this time… So very, very deeply sorry."
The statement also notes that fans can receive refunds for their tickets at the point of purchase.
READ THIS NEXT: The First Sign of the Disease That Ended Linda Ronstadt's Performing Career.
This is not the first time they've had to cancel a show for health reasons.
Pearl Jam has had to cancel a show before because of Vedder losing his voice. In 2018, a concert at The O2 arena in London didn't take place.
"Singer Eddie Vedder has completely lost his voice," the band posted on Twitter (via NME). "He is on vocal rest for the next few days in an effort to heal and perform the remainder of the tour dates."
The statement continued, "It's the first time ever having to postpone a show for this reason. Ed and the band are gutted thinking of all the folks who have travelled and made plans. Sending their biggest apologies out to everyone. And huge gratitude for all their continued support."
Pearl Jam has more shows coming up.
Following the canceled July 20 Vienna show, the next Pearl Jam concert is scheduled for July 22 in Prague. Then, the band is set to play two shows in Amsterdam on July 24 and 25 before taking a month off and then resuming their tour in Canada in September.
Lia Beck Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to Best Life, she has written for Refinery29, Bustle, Hello Giggles, InStyle, and more.Read moreFiled UnderCelebrities • Entertainment • Music • NewsRead This NextThe 140 Best Songs With a Color in the Title
These are the top classic, rock, pop, hip hop and R&B songs with colorful titles.April 23, 2024This Is the Most Hated Rock Band of All Time
We let the numbers do the talking—find out if your favorite band is one other people despise.February 17, 202113 Concerts Every '90s Kid Was Dying to See
From girl groups to grunge rock, these tours were the hottest tickets.September 25, 202010 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017
