US rockstar Eddie Vedder had led 50,000 Pearl Jam fans in mourning the death of an Australian woman who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The band took the stage at Sydney's Olympic Park on November 21 shortly after the family of Bianca Jones announced her death.
Ms Jones and her best friend Holly Bowles were hospitalised for more than a week after consuming drinks suspected of containing methanol, a toxic substance often found in bootleg alcohol, in Vang Vieng, Laos.
The Last Kiss singer said the death was "f--king senseless".
"The one young woman Bianca Jones, she's passed," he told the crowd.
"And her friend Holly Bowles is hanging in, and we wish her the best, we are thinking about the parents," he said.
"We are sending you everything we have got today. We are so sorry."
Ms Jones is reportedly one of five people to die from the mass poisoning after a British woman, an American man and two Danish women died after falling ill in the popular tourist town.
The best friends checked into Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng on November 9 and, according to hostel staff, went out two nights later.
By November 13 the pair sought medical attention and were transferred to hospitals in Thailand where Ms Bowles remains on life support surrounded by family.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the Australians on November 21 saying in Parliament that "all Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak".
"Our first thoughts in this moment are with [Ms Jones'] family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss," he said.
"This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure."
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
