Eddie Vedder has never been shy about his love for Pixies, and at Ohana Festival on Sunday, September 27, he got to show it in person. During Pixies’stripped-back 16-song set at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California, Frank Black introduced“Wave of Mutilation”as“a little nautical song”before welcoming“the host with the most”to the stage. Cue Vedder, cue chaos, cue one very happy beach crowd.
The moment was years in the making. Vedder has called“Surfer Rosa”one of his all-time favorite records and credited Frank Black’s unhinged vocal freedom with shaping his own approach to singing. So this wasn’t a random festival cameo. It was a lifelong fan getting to share a microphone with the band that helped define his sound.
Ohana Festival, which Vedder curates, also featured Pearl Jam this year, with new drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. stepping in after Matt Cameron’s departure following 27 years. It all added up to a weekend that felt like a passing of the torch and a victory lap at the same time.
What’s the best surprise guest you’ve ever witnessed at a live show? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.