Eddie Vedder Details Pearl Jam Members' 'Frightening' Illness That 'Felt Like a Near-Death Experience'

Eddie Vedder is getting candid about the illness multiple Pearl Jam members recently experienced.

After the rock band canceled multiple European tour dates over the last month due to an unspecified health issue, the 59-year-old lead vocalist gave fans an explanation as they returned to the stage at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on July 6.

"Let me just say that last week almost felt like a near-death experience. It was very uncomfortable, and it got frightening. It felt like chest bronchitis," said Vedder on stage, according to fan-filmed videos shared to social media.

"It felt like maybe you couldn’t breathe, and maybe you wouldn’t make it through the night, and maybe you’d have to go to the hospital," added the singer-songwriter. "A few of us had it."

Vedder then spoke about how the illness altered his perspective. "You just realize how precious this life is, how lucky we are to have been living on a planet where we could go around and play to incredible people like the people in this room tonight," he said.

"So, it was a poignant experience. I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. And we won’t be forgetting tonight anytime soon," continued Vedder.

Pearl Jam recently canceled three shows across London and Berlin, releasing a statement via social media on June 30 about the concerts in the latter city.

"We are sorry to share that the Pearl Jam concerts scheduled for Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd in Berlin are canceled. Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Thank you for continued understanding and support, it means the world," wrote the band.

The statement continued, "Despite everyone’s best efforts, the band has yet to make a full recovery. The impacts of this decision are not lost on us. We feel deeply that so many people spend their time, money and emotional energy to get tickets and then to come see the band, and it is heart-wrenching to have to disappoint you. We also appreciate the many people whose hard work goes into making these shows happen."

The members added that they never "take these decisions lightly and try to do everything possible to show up" for fans.

“We wish a reschedule had been possible for this tour leg and hope to come back soon. Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Thank you for your continued understanding and support. It means the world," the note concluded.

Pearl Jam's tour continues with two more European dates in July, before the band heads to the United States for shows in August and September. The trek will conclude with an Oceania leg in November.