Eddie Vedder marked the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago today (June 18) with an original collaboration with young musicians from Guitars Over Guns.
The Pearl Jam frontman joined members of the Miami-based arts and mentorship nonprofit for “Better Believe,” which debuted live during the dedication ceremony and is now available across streaming platforms. The Obama Foundation brought Vedder and Guitars Over Guns together for the project, which also involved Audio Arts students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago, where the track was recorded.
“What an honor for all of us to be here on this day,” Vedder told attendees. “President Obama was aware that I would be playing music with young musicians from the neighborhood. But when he heard we were writing an original piece, a song just for the occasion, he said, ‘That might be a lot of work.’ And as usual, he was right. But it’s been great work and it’s everything the center stands for — its inclusivity, its access to resources, its mentorship and opportunity. So, we thank you for this opportunity.”
“Better Believe” was co-written by Vedder alongside Guitars Over Guns participants and mentors including Giselle Castro, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Jeremiah Fristoe, Mason Harris, Michael “Myskie” Hightower, Naomi Owens, Joy Viltz and Iya Waters. Vedder also produced the track with Andrew Watt, Daniels and Paul LaMalfa.
The recording features performances from several young artists in the program, with Vedder handling vocals and guitar alongside Josh Klinghoffer on keyboards. Collaboration between the nonprofit and Columbia College Chicago was facilitated by Daniels, who serves as an adjunct professor at the school and Chicago regional director for Guitars Over Guns.
All royalties earned by Vedder and his fellow songwriters will benefit Guitars Over Guns, which uses music, mentorship and the arts to help young people expand opportunities for their futures.
Vedder and Guitars Over Guns were part of a star-studded Obama Center opening also featuring performances from the Roots, Bruce Springsteen, U2’s Bono and the Edge and Christina Aguilera.