Pearl Jam made headlines following their recent performance at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 12, where they delivered a notable cover of Ted Nugent's classic track "Stranglehold." During the performance, frontman Eddie Vedder altered the original lyrics to reflect an anti-gun sentiment, passionately 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."
This change in lyrics was emblematic of the band's long-standing opposition to gun violence. Following the cover, Vedder addressed the audience, reiterating Pearl Jam's critical stance on gun issues, which aligns with their history as one of rock's most vocal left-leaning bands. This deliberate modification was seen as a direct provocation towards Nugent, who is known for his conservative views on gun ownership.
In reaction to Pearl Jam's performance, Nugent voiced his displeasure, branding the band's political views as "insane liberal policies." He went further by inviting 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 discussions around gun laws heat up in the United States, particularly with the upcoming presidential debates, Pearl Jam's performance serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of music and politics. Fans can catch footage of this performance along with the cover on the band's official YouTube channel.