Eddie Vedder Revives Earthlings, Covers Devo and Led Zeppelin at Ohana Festival

Eddie Vedder’s Earthlings delivered powerful Devo and Led Zeppelin covers, blending new material and heartfelt stories at Ohana Festival.

A Night to Remember: Vedder’s Earthlings Reignite the Ohana Festival

There’s nothing quite like the electric buzz of seeing Eddie Vedder bring his side project, Earthlings, back to life. After a two-year hiatus, Vedder and his stellar band returned to close the first night of the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California on September 26th. And what a night it was!

The Earthlings lineup reads like a dream team: alongside Vedder, you’ve got guitarists Andrew Watt, Josh Klinghoffer, Glen Hansard, the unstoppable Chad Smith on drums (yes, from Red Hot Chili Peppers), and bassist Chris Chaney. This collaboration alone hints at something special, but it was the mix of fresh covers and originals that really lit up the crowd.

Eddie Vedder commanding the stage with Earthlings at Ohana Festival

Kicking Off with Devo’s “Gut Feeling” – A First Ever Live

The night’s opener was a revelation—Vedder and the band launched into Devo’s “Gut Feeling,” a track Vedder had never played live before. For fans of both rock and quirky new wave, this was a delightful surprise. Devo’s offbeat energy mixed with Vedder’s raw vocal presence created a fresh vibe that felt both nostalgic and invigorating.

A Zeppelin Tribute Like No Other

Later in the set, the band shifted gears into rock royalty territory. Vedder seamlessly fused the instrumental intro of Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same” with Pearl Jam’s iconic “Rearviewmirror.” The highlight? Josh Klinghoffer wielding a Jimmy Page-style double-necked guitar, paying homage to the legendary guitarist’s iconic look and sound.

Before this powerful moment, Vedder shared a deeply personal story about a tough high school teacher who once haunted his San Diego days. Music, he revealed, was his salvation—a “liftoff” that helped him shake off fear and doubt.

"There was this piece of music... it was like a drug. It lifted me up. I realized, you know what? Fuck that guy. And someday, he will mean nothing to you." — Eddie Vedder

The story took a wild turn when Vedder’s friend found out the teacher was still alive, sparking a humorous but heartfelt reflection on the power of music to overcome hardship without violence. That moment underscored the night’s theme—music as a force that empowers and heals.

Earthlings Bring Vedder’s Solo and Soundtrack Gems to Life

The set wasn’t just covers and stories; Vedder and Earthlings treated fans to full-band renditions of songs from Vedder’s solo career. Tunes like “Setting Forth” and “No Ceiling” from Vedder’s 2007 Into the Wild soundtrack got their first full-band live treatment, giving these cinematic tracks a new, electrified pulse.

Five songs from Vedder’s 2022 solo album Earthling made appearances too, showcasing the evolution of his songwriting. And to sprinkle in more variety, the band covered The Who’s “I’m One,” the underground gem “Watch Outside” by the Mono Men, and George Harrison’s soulful “Isn’t It a Pity.”

A Family Affair and Star-Studded Finale

One of the most touching moments came when Vedder invited his daughters Olivia and Harper onstage for a medley combining the English Beat’s “Save It for Later” and Pearl Jam’s “Better Man.” This reversal of the usual order added a playful twist, highlighting Vedder’s tender connection to family and music.

Vocalist Sharlotte Gibson and Fitz and the Tantrums saxophonist James King also joined in, creating a communal feel that carried into the finale. The night’s closing number, Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” featured special guest appearances, including Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones—an epic send-off for an unforgettable evening.

Ohana Festival’s Star-Studded Lineup Continues

If you missed the first night, fret not. Ohana Festival rolls on with incredible acts like Hozier, Leon Bridges, Green Day, Cage the Elephant, and the ever-buzzworthy Wet Leg. The festival continues to be a celebration of music’s power to unite and inspire.

• What is Earthlings and who plays in the band?
  Earthlings is Eddie Vedder’s side project featuring a rotating lineup of talented musicians including Andrew Watt, Josh Klinghoffer, Glen Hansard, Chad Smith, and Chris Chaney.
• What covers did Eddie Vedder perform at Ohana Festival?
  Vedder covered Devo’s “Gut Feeling,” Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same” intro combined with Pearl Jam’s “Rearviewmirror,” The Who’s “I’m One,” George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,” and others.
• Did Vedder perform any solo material?
  Yes, Earthlings played full-band versions of Vedder’s solo tracks from Into the Wild and his 2022 album Earthling.
• Who joined Vedder on stage for the finale?
  Besides his daughters Olivia and Harper, vocalists Sharlotte Gibson, James King, and Kelly Jones from Stereophonics joined for the finale performance of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
• When and where does the Ohana Festival take place?
  Ohana Festival is held annually in Dana Point, California, with multiple days of performances by headline artists across various genres.

Feeling inspired by Eddie Vedder’s blend of past and present at Ohana? Bring that festival magic home by shopping your favorite album cover posters at our store here. It’s the perfect way to keep the music alive on your walls.