Roland Mandel, a terminally ill Pearl Jam fan, joined the band on stage as part of his final wishes.
Mandel, who was diagnosed with ALS a year ago and is now in a wheelchair according to a report from Loudwire, has only “a few months to live” and wanted to see the band perform in Berlin as part of his final wishes.
Mandel’s dream of attending a Pearl Jam concert on June 21 in Berlin was about to be cut short when he found out that the 12 – seater, wheelchair accessible stadium was already booked.
His friends and family then wrote to the organizer and venue of the concert to explain Mandel’s case, and in the end he found a place so he could watch the concert from the stage.
During the concert, Pearl Jam performed a version of Ramones’ “I Believe In Miracles” before Mandel walked out on stage to share a moment with the band and the audience.
“He should also be alive on this very special night. He worked his ass out of being here tonight,” Pearl Jam chief Eddie Vedder told the crowd. “We love you Roland,” Vedder said.
Watch the healthy and heartfelt moment as the fans scream with Roland below.
Mandel’s wife told German outlet Taz after the concert: “It was incredible. I was so excited, so positive, so full of adrenaline. This will last forever.”
Earlier this month, Pearl Jam announced October Drift, Fatherson, Johnny Marr, Temples, Petrol Girls, James & The Cold Gun, PEAKS !, Connor Selby and many more as opening acts for their upcoming BST concerts Hyde Park on 8 and 9 July.
The newly announced performances will feature the Pixies, Stereophonics, Imelda May and others previously announced as initial acts for Pearl Jam. Tickets are still on sale for the Pearl Jam concerts at BST Hyde Park.
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