Eddie Vedder

Without a doubt the most famous grunge frontman who’s still alive, Eddie Vedder courted a lot of attention in the early ’90s with the baritone heard ’round the world. Unfortunately, his gruff and grungy outpourings via a little band called Pearl Jam also inspired a generation of hulking (yet ultimately flaccid) cock-rock musicians. Vedder’s work on his solo debut sheds light on his old soul often obscured by his main band, a style that lends itself well to the title instrument used on his new follow-up, Ukulele Songs—and we hope you’re into the ukulele, because this tour’s uke-only. Though this might seem affected beyond belief, Vedder utilizes the instrument sparely and well. His unique voice pairs surprisingly well with the higher-register sound, especially on the (many) very spare tracks like a cover of the old standard “Tonight You Belong To Me,” a duet with Chan Marshall of Cat Power. 

Updated 06/14/2011