Pearl Jam Kicks Off Oceans, Kicks Out the Jams

It's week-old news, but I'd be remiss not to relate Pearl Jam's latest philanthropic charge, Oceans, an aptly-named, regrettably necessary effort to "look after" the planet's "one Ocean for everyone and everything." The band launched a new page, http://pearljam.com/oceans/, which includes eleven ways to help our singular sea survive ungodly tragedies, provide a healthy environment for life, and more. That reverent video, for H2O-appropriate Backspacer track "Amongst The Waves," tops the page. Watch it again. And again. On your i-device. Proceeds (via iTunes download) benefit Conservation International's Ocean Campaign.

As usual, Pearl Jam’s tour schedule is as serious as its activism, and the band is currently in Europe, close to wrapping a multi-week stint. And while you were enjoying rain-soaked fireworks, they were playing the Werchter Festival in Werchter, Belgium—where old-school colleague Dave Grohl joined the band for a blazing, encore-ending cover of "Kick Out The Jams."

That's Them Crooked Vultures' Alain Johannes sharing shredding duties with Mr. Guitar-Behind-My-Back Mike McCready.

Yes, these guys have been playing together—with unflappable intensity—for nearly twenty years. Thank 'em by tossing a buck fifty into the wishing well that is our Ocean.