Pearl Jam Guitarist Delivers Fiery Anthem at Seahawks Season Opener
Pearl Jam's Mike McCready played a Jimi Hendrix-inspired electric rendition of the national anthem before the Seattle Seahawks' NFL kickoff game against the New England Patriots. Later, Soundgarden and Taylor Momsen performed a halftime medley of hits like "Outshined" and "Spoonman" with McCready joining on guitar. The event also included a pregame concert by Luke Bryan and a moment of silence for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The evening's festivities began with a solemn pause to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks before the guitarist's electrifying anthem. The home team ultimately secured a narrow 13-10 victory over the Patriots to open the NFL season.
Momsen's halftime appearance continues her recurring role as a stand-in vocalist for Soundgarden, a duty she previously performed at their Rock Hall induction and a 2019 tribute concert for Chris Cornell. Meanwhile, the band is finalizing an eight-track album of songs recorded with Cornell, while McCready prepares to release a soundtrack for his 'Farewell to Seasons' rock opera next month.
This convergence of rock legends and professional sports could bridge generational gaps, introducing classic grunge to younger NFL viewers while offering nostalgic comfort to longtime fans. The continued presence of Momsen with Soundgarden may help preserve the band's legacy, and the upcoming posthumous album could reignite interest in 1990s rock. Additionally, such high-profile tributes may reinforce Seattle's cultural identity as a music hub, potentially boosting local tourism and streaming numbers for the featured artists.