Pearl Jam paid tribute to NBA legend Bill Walton during their hometown show in Seattle on Wednesday night by dedicating their performance of “Man of the Hour” in his honor.
“We woke up yesterday to the sad news that somebody that we had met a number of times and every time we saw him it made such a huge impression,” frontman Eddie Vedder remarked. “He was a big man with a huge heart and cut a wide path of peace and love behind him.”
Pearl Jam then flashed a photo of Walton attending the band’s concert in San Diego, eliciting a cheer from the crowd.
“Goddamnit Bill, we miss you already. I just want to state our love for you in public,” Vedder added. “Thanks for all of the good energy. Wish us luck down here. I know you’re fine.”
Along with Pearl Jam, members of Walton’s all-time favorite band, Grateful Dead, also paid tribute to the NBA Hall of Famer, who passed away on Monday, May 27th at the age of 71 following a battle with colon cancer.