When Eddie Vedder stepped onto the stage at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, he didn’t arrive alone.
The Pearl Jam frontman used the historic occasion to premiere a brand new song called ‘Better Believe’, sharing the spotlight with Guitars Over Guns, a youth focused music and mentorship organisation made up of students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago (Per Loudwire).
Rather than delivering a solo performance, Vedder turned the moment into a celebration of collaboration, before launching into the song he explained how the project came together and why it felt connected to the mission behind the new centre.
‘What an honor for all of us to be here on this day,’ Vedder told the crowd. ‘President Obama was aware that I would be playing music with young musicians from the neighborhood. But when he heard we were writing an original piece, a song just for the occasion, he said, “That might be a lot of work.” And as usual, he was right. But it’s been great work and it’s everything the center stands for — its inclusivity, its access to resources, its mentorship and opportunity. So, we thank you for this opportunity.’
You can check out the performance below:
The track was developed through a partnership between the Obama Foundation and Guitars Over Guns, Vedder co-wrote the song alongside Giselle Castro, Andre ‘Add-2’ Daniels, Jeremiah Fristoe, Mason Harris, Michael ‘Myskie’ Hightower, Naomi Owens, Joy Viltz and Iya Waters.
Daniels, who serves as both a Columbia College Chicago adjunct professor and Guitars Over Guns’ regional director in Chicago, helped guide the project from conception through recording.
A studio version of ‘Better Believe’ has also been released, alongside Vedder and the young musicians involved the recording features longtime collaborator Josh Klinghoffer on keyboards.
Eddie Vedder ‘Better Believe’
Perhaps the most fitting detail is where the song’s proceeds are headed, royalties earned by Vedder and his fellow writers will support Guitars Over Guns, helping the organisation continue its work using music, mentorship and creative arts programs to create opportunities for young people.
The opening ceremony also featured performances from U2’s Bono and The Edge, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder, making for a stacked lineup worthy of the occasion.
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