Football season is finally here, and the opening game of the New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks delivered on that excitement before the game even kicked off. Given that the Super Bowl LX matchup is in Seattle, it tracks that the Seahawks would turn to local talent to perform the National Anthem, but Mike McCready, guitarist of Pearl Jam, hit it out of the park. McCready fired up his Fender Stratocaster and let loose a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that was reminiscent of the classic performance by another rock 'n' roll legend from Seattle, Jimi Hendrix.
Social media users were in disbelief at McCready's performance, with some saying they — or dearly departed rock stars — were moved to tears. "I think Jimi shed a tear at that rendition. Thank you Mike McCready,"wrote @festive2018.
"Mike McCready going full Hendrix on the Star Spangled Banner. Epic," wrote @covfefe2500. "Football being back is already a huge win….but to have Mike McCready of @PearlJam LITERALLY kick off the season with his National Anthem was just…I cried.
It's perfect," wrote @CenobiteNoose. "CHILLS: PEARL JAM PERFORMING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ON ELECTRIC GUITAR IN THE ICONIC STYLE OF JIMI HENDRIX TO KICK OFF THE NFL SEASON. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ELECTRIC.
THE NFL HAS NEVER BEEN MORE BACK," wrote @MLFootball. "Having Mike mccready from Pearl Jam play the national anthem was just beautiful," wrote @okhuman04. "Mike McCready doing the Star Spangled Banner on guitar in Seattle is such a flex!" noted @Big_Dobes.
"Mike McCready ripping the National Anthem is about as good a start to the NFL season as I could imagine!!!" wrote @Coach_Yurcich. "Mike McCready shredding the anthem is the most Seattle thing in the world!!!" said @eledetepe. More than anything, though, the performance earned rave reviews as most of the social media reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
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