Hail Hail the lucky ones

Twenty years ago this week, Pearl Jam performed for the first time on The Late Show with David Letterman. They played the new song, "Hail Hail" that night—the song that asks the question, "Are you woman enough to be my man?" and a personal favorite of mine. As Dave would say, they blew the roof off the dump. I sat gobsmacked at the awesomeness of this performance that night back in 1996, and I still feel the same amazement when viewing it today. Eddie, wearing a killer suit, in dynamic, yet controlled, command of the song; Stone bopping around while dressed like an Orange Creamsicle; Mike and Jeff looking like young pups while rocking; and Jack bashing away on the drums in the background. Definitely one of the best late night performances by a band ever, and truly a special moment during a very special period in the band's career. I swear I'll stop writing about No Code and the band during those years at some point, but this momentous anniversary deserves to be celebrated.

So, ladies and gentlemen please welcome—and appearing now sponsor-free—Pearl Jam.

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