Pearl Jam Pays Tribute to Bruce Springsteen With Cover Following Trump’s Online Attack

On May 17, 2025, Pearl Jam performed Bruce Springsteen’s song “My City of Ruins” at their Pittsburgh concert in response to a social media attack by former President Donald Trump against Springsteen. The performance occurred shortly after Trump posted a Truth Social rant, calling Springsteen ‘Highly Overrated’ and an ‘obnoxious JERK,’ following the singer’s politically critical statements during a Manchester concert. Although Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder didn’t directly address the controversy, the context of the performance was clear, especially as the audience chanted ‘Bruuuuuuce!’ at the end. Vedder delivered the rendition solo and acoustic during the encore, a rare move for the band. Springsteen had used “My City of Ruins” in recent shows to highlight concerns about free speech suppression and global inequality. The American Federation of Musicians later issued a statement defending Springsteen and Taylor Swift. The show was also significant for fans as it featured the first time all three of Pearl Jam’s songs with ‘Hand’ in the title were performed together, and marked the return of “Grievance” to the setlist since 2016. Pearl Jam’s action added to a wave of support for Springsteen from the artistic community amid the political tensions.