Do you like music? Sure, you do. Otherwise, why are you reading articles at AudioPhix? And maybe you like hockey as well? Otherwise, why did you open this article about some news Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam gave former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios?
Chelios played for 26 years in the National Hockey League and played for the Chicago Blackhawks from the 1990-91 season until most of the way through the 1998-99 season. In each season with Chicago, Chelios made the All-Star team and twice he was voted the James Norris Memorial Trophy winner for best defenseman in the league. Chelios was inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
Unfortunately, Chelios was a little ahead of his time and while the Chicago Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups fairly recently (2010-11, 2012-13 and 2014-15), they were all after Chelios left the team. That doesn't mean Chelios is not beloved by Blackhawks fans, however. Chelios was born and raised in Chicago.
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam gives Chris Chelios some fantastic news
While Pearl Jam formed in Seattle, Washington, of course, Eddie Vedder was born near Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. Vedder has often been open about his love for the Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs. He's also been good friends with Chelios for many years.
A Blackhawks Legend and Chicago Icon: Cheli is going to the rafters 👏 pic.twitter.com/6fyOeQ34v1
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 8, 2023
While in concert in Chicago on Thursday, Pearl Jam asked Chris Chelios to come on stage. Chelios was unaware of why, it seems. After walking onto the stage, Vedder told Chelios that one of late-Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz's last wishes was that Chelios would have his jersey retired and then the band showed a video of Chelios playing for Chicago after giving the news to Chelios.
Chelios is clearly moved by the video and the news. Vedder clearly loved telling Chelios and the crowd what was happening. In other words, it was a beautiful moment. And a truly human one.