Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder said the group's recent health scare felt like a “near-death experience.”
The Alive rock band were forced to cancel a series of shows in Berlin and London due to illness among band members, and while performing in Barcelona, Spain over the weekend, the 59-year-old singer opened up about the “terrifying” ordeal which left him and other band members short of breath and fearing they might not make it out alive.
He told the audience: “Last week I felt like I was dying. I was very uncomfortable and scared. It felt like I had chest bronchitis. I felt like I might not be able to breathe, I might not make it through the night, I might have to go to hospital.”
He continued, “It makes you realise how precious this life is. How lucky we are to be alive on this planet where we get to travel and play for such incredible people, like the people who are in this room tonight. So this was an emotional experience. I won't forget it anytime soon, and we won't forget this night anytime soon.”
There have been rumors circulating online that the grunge legends have cancelled shows due to poor ticket sales, but fans have come to the band's defence after hearing his speech.
One X user wrote: “I just listened to the audio of Ed's speech where he talked about his illness. I haven't seen it on YouTube yet but will share it when I do. If after hearing this you're still convinced it was cancelled due to ticket sales then I have nothing more to say.”
In a statement apologizing for canceling their Berlin show last week, the band said: “We understand the impact of this decision. We are acutely aware that so many people have acquired tickets and invested their time, money and emotional energy to see the band, and it is heartbreaking to have to disappoint you all.”
The band had already cancelled their June 29 show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London due to illness.
Eddie has previously had to cancel shows due to damage to his voice and throat.
The group still has tour dates remaining in North America, Australia and New Zealand.