Pearl Jam Pays Tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at Philadelphia Concert

Pearl Jam honored the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau during their first of two concerts at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday night. The tribute was a poignant moment during the band’s performance, reflecting the deep impact of the Gaudreau brothers’ recent tragic loss.

Pearl Jam: A Heartfelt Dedication

During the concert, Pearl Jam dedicated their song “Given To Fly” to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The band also paid homage by displaying Johnny’s Gloucester Catholic High School ice hockey jersey and Matthew’s Reading Royals jersey on stage. This touching tribute was a highlight of the evening, capturing the emotional weight of the moment.

Pearl Jam: Tragic Loss and Community Outpouring

Johnny Gaudreau, a player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew were tragically killed last week in a car accident caused by an alleged drunk driver in Salem County, New Jersey. According to police reports, 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, struck the Gaudreau brothers while attempting to pass a slower vehicle. Higgins, who admitted to drinking five to six beers before the accident, has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

The devastating news has led to an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, and sports communities across the country. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, teams Johnny Gaudreau played for in the NHL, both held candlelight vigils to honor the brothers. Teammates and fans shared heartfelt memories and stories of Johnny Gaudreau’s impact both on and off the ice.

Remembering the Gaudreau Brothers

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were deeply rooted in the Philadelphia area, having both attended Gloucester Catholic High School and grown up playing ice hockey locally. They were passionate Flyers fans and began their hockey journey with the Little Flyers, a youth hockey organization based in Aston, Pennsylvania.

The funeral for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is scheduled for Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Delaware County. The private service is for close family and friends but will be livestreamed on CBS News Philadelphia and on nhl.com/bluejackets. A public viewing was held on Sunday at the D’Anjolell Memorial Home in Broomall, Delaware County.

Pearl Jam’s tribute serves as a testament to the profound impact of the Gaudreau brothers on their community and the hockey world, offering a moment of reflection and support during this time of grief.

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