Pearl Jam stuck around Thursday night after taping a song for CBS’ “The Late Show With David Letterman” to play a 10-song set inside New York’s Ed Sullivan Theatre for members of its fan club. The performance was cybercast on the “Late Show” Web site and featured six tracks from Pearl Jam’s just-released new self-titled album.
In addition, the band performed oldies such as “Why Go” (just its fourth airing since 1995), “Do the Evolution,” “Present Tense” and “Porch,” which was teased with the Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in a nod to the band’s 1963 historic U.S. television debut in the theatre.
Strokes members Julian Casablancas, Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti were on hand for the taping, with Moretti frequently air-drumming along with Matt Cameron’s beats.
Later in the evening, Vedder joined the Strokes on a version of their own “Juicebox” at Hammerstein Ballroom, as part of Rolling Stone’s 1,000th issue party. The group was also graced by the presence of Lou Reed for a collaboration on his classic “Walk on the Wild Side.”
Pearl Jam will remain in New York for a rare club show Friday night at Irving Plaza. The band’s North American tour kicks off Tuesday in Toronto.