Pearl Jam Reboots Ted Nugent Classic "Stranglehold" as Anti-Gun Anthem
A New Kind of "Stranglehold"
During their Baltimore concert on September 12, Pearl Jam put a unique spin on Ted Nugent’s 1975 single "Stranglehold." The iconic rock song, known for its high-energy guitar riffs, was reworked to raise awareness about gun violence prevention. The band’s members, known for their activist stance, used the beloved track to spread a strong anti-gun message.
The Performance
As guitarists Mike McCready struck the familiar opening chords of "Stranglehold," frontman Eddie Vedder joined in, singing words that diverged from Nugent’s original lyrics. Vedder passionately declared:
"I don’t own a gun, I don’t ever want to own a gun / I don’t own a gun, never want to own a gun."
The crowd responded powerfully to the band’s bold statement, and despite the song’s original popularity, the anti-gun chant resonated deeply with Pearl Jam’s audience.
Ted Nugent’s gun advocacy
Ted Nugent, the original artist of "Stranglehold," is a vocal advocate for gun ownership. He believes that the right to own firearms is a fundamental component of American freedom. To further emphasize his stance, Nugent hosted a brief television series, "Ted Nugent’s Gun Country," on the Discovery Channel. In 2021, he released a single titled "Come and Take It," which celebrated America’s gun culture.
On the other hand, Pearl Jam’s views on gun control
Unlike Nugent, Pearl Jam has consistently expressed liberal sentiments throughout their career. Their music often tackles socially significant issues, such as corporate greed, environmental degradation, and social inequality. Specifically, the band has spoke out against former President Donald Trump and warned fans of the dangers of global warming. In 2023, Pearl Jam lent support to Everytown, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence.
Pearl Jam’s anti-gun protest
In a tweet about their anti-gun stance, Pearl Jam emphasized the severity of gun violence: "No one should live in fear of gun violence – in their schools, neighborhoods, or anywhere." The band encouraged fans to learn more about secure gun storage and become part of the solution.
Is this a new trend for Pearl Jam?
Despite their long history of vocal activism, Pearl Jam rarely incorporates overtly political rhetoric into their music. Given the band’s willingness to adapt "Stranglehold" as an anti-gun anthem, it’s worth wondering if this performance foreshadows a new level of political engagement in Pearl Jam’s future music or live performances.
About the song "Stranglehold"
"Stranglehold" was part of Nugent’s eponymous debut album. The song’s guitar work is widely regarded as among the greatest in rock music. Nugent’s raw energy and guitar virtuosity have made "Stranglehold" a hard-rock staple.
Timeline of events
- Sep 12, 2019: Pearl Jam takes the stage in Baltimore during their concert.
- Vedder begins singing anti-gun lyrics, replacing Nugent’s original words.
- The crowd responds to Pearl Jam’s bold statement as the band plays the classic "Stranglehold".
- Pearl Jam tweets anti-gun message, emphasizing its support for Everytown gun violence prevention organization.
Conclusion
Pearl Jam’s reworking of "Stranglehold" as an anti-gun anthem demonstrates their commitment to using their music as a platform for spreading important messages. The 2023 performance marked the band’s latest expression of support for gun violence prevention, further solidifying its reputation as a socially active rock group.
FAQs
Q: Have Pearl Jam and Ted Nugent ever collaborated on music?
A: The two bands have never publicly collaborated on a song, but they have both achieved significant success in the same genre.
Q: What is the significance of "Stranglehold"?
A: "Stranglehold" is recognized as one of the top rock songs of all time, with its iconic guitar solo and energetic vibe driving its enduring popularity.
Q: Is Pearl Jam’s anti-gun stance likely to influence their future songs?
A: Following this performance, it can be inferred that Pearl Jam may incorporate more overt social commentary into their music to raise awareness about pressing global issues.
Q: What is Everytown organization?
A: Everytown is a non-partisan organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans can go to school, work and live without fear of gun violence.
