Pearl Jam announce Home Shows and pledge $1million to homelessness charities
Pearl Jam have confirmed two epic homecoming shows that are being held to fight homelessness in Seattle.
Dubbed The Home Shows, the rock icons will play the 50,000-capacity stadium Safeco Field – home of baseball team Seattle Mariners – on Wednesday 8th and Friday 10th August 2018.
The gigs are Pearl Jam’s first concerts in their native city for half a decade and the largest headlining concert event in Seattle since The Rolling Stones’ two-night stint at Kingdome in 1981.
As well bringting 100,000 Pearl Jam fans together, the gigs will shine the spotlight on efforts in Seattle and King County to fight the region’s homelessness issue.
The band themselves are pledging at least $1million from gate receipts that will go to a wide range of programs that address homelessness in the area.
Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard says: "Seattle is our hometown. When there are challenges here, we want to be part of the solution. It's heartening so many organizations and individuals coming together to do the same. It's going to take all of us."
Mayor Jenny Durkan adds: "We must have everyone in the fight to solve homelessness including our local government, caring philanthropists, community organizations, individuals, and artists — all are dedicated to finding innovative long-term solutions to homelessness. I can't wait to join this iconic Seattle band in August."
John Stanton, Seattle Mariners chair and managing partner, says: "This region nurtured ideas that changed the world. Imagine what we can accomplish by combining that spirit of innovation with collaboration across all segments of our community.
“The Mariners are proud to join with Pearl Jam and partners across King County to help find creative solutions to this region-wide crisis."
Pearl Jam play two completely and utterly sold out shows at London’s The O2 in June.
> In addition to bringing nearly 100,000 fans from around the world together to celebrate two nights of music, #TheHomeShows will spotlight efforts across the city and King County to address the region’s homelessness issue. > > — Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) January 22, 2018
> PJ is pledging a minimum of $1 million toward local homelessness initiatives. They challenge everyone to join them -- with the goal of raising a minimum of $10 million pledged toward addressing homelessness in 2018. #TheHomeShows > > — Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) January 22, 2018
> The band is researching a wide range of programs to address Seattle-area homelessness in varied ways with a plan to announce specific beneficiaries closer to the show dates. #TheHomeShows > > — Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) January 22, 2018