Earlier this morning, Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready helped raise the band’s flag up the iconic Space Needle to officially announce both their upcoming series of Seattle performances, dubbed “The Home Shows,” as well as their pledge of at least $1 million to help Seattle’s homeless.
Pearl Jam will play Safeco Field, home of the MLB‘s Seattle Mariners on August 8th and August 10th, confirming the dates leaked late last week on their website (the “away” shows that were leaked have yet to be officially announced. According to the announcement release for “The Home Shows,” these two performances mark Pearl Jam’s first appearances in their native Seattle in five years, as well as the largest headlining concert event in Seattle since the Rolling Stones‘ two-night run at the Kingdome in 1981.
In addition to the performances, Pearl Jam is pledging a minimum of $1 million toward local homelessness initiatives. They challenge everyone to join them in giving, with the goal of raising a minimum of $10 million pledged toward addressing homelessness over the course of this year. 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.
Watch the official announcement video below:
Stone Gossard explains in a statement, “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.”
Adds recently sworn-in Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, “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, the Seattle Mariners’ Chair and Managing Partner, notes “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.”
[Cover Photo – KOMO News]