David Letterman to Induct Pearl Jam Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The retired late-night legend replaces scheduled presenter Neil Young, who fell ill
April 5, 2017
Organizers of Friday’s 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony faced a last-minute issue this week after planned Pearl Jam presenter Neil Young fell ill. Fortunately, an unlikely replacement has been found in retired late-night host David Letterman.
“Due to illness, Neil Young is regrettably no longer able to induct Pearl Jam at this Year’s Induction Ceremony,” the Rock Hall said Wednesday in a statement. “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is thrilled that David Letterman has agreed to induct Pearl Jam this Friday night at the 32nd Annual Induction Ceremony.”
Letterman will induct Eddie Vedder and his bandmates after having featured Pearl Jam on his “Late Show” seven times over the years, including a 10-song performance for the studio audience in 2006. The formerly reclusive, post-retirement late-night host has been popping up more regularly as of late, even visiting Howard this week in the studio.
Letterman joins previously announced presenters and performers, including Lenny Kravitz, Train lead singer Pat Monahan, Pharrell Williams, and Alicia Keyes, among others.
Read more about the ceremony here and check out Pearl Jam’s first performance on Letterman’s “Late Show” in 1996 (below).
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airs April 29 at 8 p.m. ET on HBO.
