Pearl Jam frontman pauses Sydney show to pay tribute to Laos drink-spiking victims

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder paused his Sydney show to send a message to the families of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles after the Australian teenagers were poisoned by methanol-spiked drinks in Laos.

Jones, 19, died in a Thailand hospital on Thursday while her best friend Bowles, also 19, remains in hospital fighting for life.

Vedder took a moment between songs at his concert at Sydney Olympic Park to share his dismay at the “senseless” tragedy.

“The one young woman Bianca Jones, she’s passed, and her friend Holly Bowles is hanging in, and we wish her the best, and we are thinking of the parents,” he said.

Vedder said he didn’t want his well-wishes to come off empty but said, “It can’t be empty if there’s 50,000 of us” to a cheering crowd.

“We are sending you everything we’ve got your way. We are so sorry.”

Bianca Jones (left) and Holly Bowles.

Five people have now died from drinking the methanol-contaminated liquor in Vang Vieng, Laos. British woman Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from south-east London, is the latest woman to lose her life, British media reported.

Two Danes and an American man have also died.

Bianca Jones’ family said in a statement that their daughter died “surrounded by love”.

“We are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” her parents, Mark and Michelle, and brother, Lachlan, told the Herald Sun in a statement.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia. The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.”

The two Australians were supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime, which Jones’ family described as a “dream getaway”.

“They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them,” the family said in a statement released earlier this week.

The two teenagers played together at the Beaumaris Football Club in Victoria. Club president Nick Heath said the club will be raising funds for both families.

“Bianca’s infectious charm and tenacity made her a fondly regarded teammate and friend. Her smile, exuberance and happy nature made her a delight to be around,” he said.

“Bianca’s fellow premiership player teammate, bestie, and travel companion, Holly Bowles, is still fighting for her life. We continue to send all the positive Sharks energy we can muster … as Holly continues her valiant fight.”

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