NEWS :: Red Cloud Indian School

Guitarist from Pearl Jam rocks out at Red Cloud in suprise visit
posted on March 18, 2008

Red Cloud Indian School students and teachers were “rock-starred” Monday by a surprise guest to the school, Pearl Jam rhythmic guitarist and vocalist Stone Gossard. While known to the world as a member of one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, people at Red Cloud know him for his contributions to rebuilding homes and making wheelchair ramps for the elderly and handicapped on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

“What a special surprise this was for our students and teachers,” says Fr. Peter Klink SJ, president of Red Cloud Indian School. “It’s not everyday that a rock legend like Stone comes to a school like Red Cloud to meet with and perform for students.”

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Gossard became a life-long friend of local residents John Red Feather and Karen Weasel Bear after he sponsored a home for Red Feather’s mother through Habitat for Humanity. It was this relationship, 13 years ago, that brought Gossard back to Pine Ridge.
During his visit to Red Cloud, Gossard performed an acoustic concert for the students, speaking in between songs about his life and inspiring the students to look toward the future for their own journey. “You can find a path through any of the things you do,” Gossard said. “Whether it be playing music or making something, find out what it is that you ‘do’ and go with it.”

Local band Golden Warrior joined Gossard for a few songs, including Hank Williams’ hit “Mind Your Own Business” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Following the concert, Gossard met with students.

Since its inception, Pearl Jam has consisted of Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, and Gossard. Pearl Jam broke into the mainstream with its debut album Ten. One of the key bands of the grunge movement in the early 1990s, its members became noted for their refusal to adhere to traditional music industry practices as their career progressed. The band has outlasted many of its contemporaries from the alternative rock breakthrough of the early 1990s, and is considered one of the most influential bands of the decade. Throughout their career, Pearl Jam has promoted wider social and political issues.

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