Pearl Jam are very worthy entrants into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and it made perfect sense for them to be inducted by legendary rocker and long-term pal Neil Young – but that’s not quite what’ll be happening.

While Young would have been an ideal candidate to induct the group, having worked with them several times across the decades, he has sadly had to withdraw due to an undisclosed illness, and will be replaced by former late night TV icon David Letterman, Billboard reports.

With Jackson Browne set to induct Joan Baez, Snoop Dogg honouring Tupac, and members of Rush welcoming Yes into the fold, it’s just a little incongruous to have Pearl Jam’s honours taken care of by a former television host.

Letterman has of course interviewed countless musicians throughout his decade-spanning career, with musical guests a steady feature on his program, so he does have some sort of musical pedigree worthy of the occasion.

Those musical performances included plenty from Pearl Jam, too, so we expect it’ll be a pleasant reunion for all involved.

YouTube VideoPlay

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine