Pearl Jam has made headlines after performing a cover of Ted Nugent's classic track "Stranglehold" during a recent concert. The event took place at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 12. Frontman Eddie Vedder altered the lyrics to reflect an anti-gun sentiment, singing, "I don't own a gun, I don't ever want to own a gun, I don't own a gun, never want to own a gun."
Following the performance, which also featured Pearl Jam's own hit "Even Flow", Vedder addressed the audience, further underscoring the band's long-standing opposition to gun violence. As one of the most outspoken left-leaning bands in rock, Pearl Jam's gesture was almost certainly a provocation directed at Nugent, who is known for his conservative beliefs, particularly regarding gun ownership.
Nugent, who supports Donald Trump and has often expressed his views on social media, was not pleased with the band's rendition. He described Pearl Jam's politics as "insane liberal policies" and extended an invitation to Vedder to join him on his right-wing talk show, Real America's Voice.
In a tweet, Nugent stated, "Hey Eddie, join me on my RAV Spirit Campfire to discuss how your insane liberal policies have created an explosion in engineered violent recidivism while you fight to disarm helpless innocent citizens."
As tensions regarding gun laws simmer in the United States, especially in light of the impending presidential debates, Pearl Jam's performance underscores the potent intersection of music and politics. Fans can catch footage of the cover on the band's official YouTube channel.