A high school senior from Washington state has had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with rock legends Pearl Jam after the band's regular drummer, Matt Cameron, tested positive for COVID-19.
18-year-old Kai Neukermans, a senior at Camas High School in Camas, Washington, was invited to join Pearl Jam on stage at their concert in Spokane, Washington, on Monday night. Neukermans, who has been playing drums since he was 4 years old, said he was "over the moon" when he received the call from the band.
"I couldn't believe it," Neukermans said. "I've been a Pearl Jam fan my whole life, and I never thought I'd get to play with them."
Young Drummer Takes the Stage with Pearl Jam After Band Member Falls Ill
Neukermans rehearsed with the band for a few hours before the show, and then took the stage with them in front of a sold-out crowd. He played drums on several of the band's biggest hits, including "Alive," "Even Flow," and "Jeremy."
"It was the most amazing experience of my life," Neukermans said. "I'll never forget it."
Young Drummer Takes the Stage with Pearl Jam After Band Member Falls Ill
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder praised Neukermans' performance, saying he was "a natural."
"He played great," Vedder said. "He's got a bright future ahead of him."
Young Drummer Takes the Stage with Pearl Jam After Band Member Falls Ill
Neukermans' story is an inspiration to young musicians everywhere. It shows that anything is possible if you work hard and follow your dreams.
In addition to his performance with Pearl Jam, Neukermans has also played with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. He plans to attend Berklee College of Music in the fall, where he will study jazz performance.
Neukermans' performance with Pearl Jam has been widely praised on social media. Many people have commented on his talent and his poise on stage.
"Kai Neukermans is a star," one person wrote on Twitter. "I can't wait to see what he does next."
"Kai Neukermans is an inspiration to us all," another person wrote. "He shows us that anything is possible if you work hard and follow your dreams."
Neukermans said he is grateful for the opportunity to have played with Pearl Jam, and he hopes to continue playing music for the rest of his life.
"Music is my passion," Neukermans said. "It's what makes me happy."
