1981 Irish hunger strike showdown between the prisoners and the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. One hunger striker, Bobby Sands, was elected as a Member of Parliament during the strike, prompting media interest from around the world. The strike was called off after ten prisoners had starved themselves to death—including Sands, whose funeral was attended by 100,000 people. The strike radicalised Irish nationalist politics, and was the driving force that enabled Sinn Féin to become a mainstream political party. There had been hunger strikes by Irish republican prisoners since 1917, and twelve had previously died on hunger strike, including Thomas Ashe, Terence MacSwiney, Seán
Hunger Strike (song) the crowd to sing Vedder's part. "Hunger Strike" was recorded by Halestorm and released as part of their 2011 "". Seventh Day Slumber also covered "Hunger Strike" on their 2015 "Redline (EP)" with Kevin Young from Disciple singing Eddie Vedder's first verse and then switching to sing Chris Cornell's high parts. In memory of Chris Cornell during his remembrance at Rock on the Range 2017 in Columbus, OH on 5/19/2017 - "Hunger Strike" was performed by Corey Taylor and Christian Martucci, with supporting vocals from the thousands in attendance. "Wish you Were Here" was also performed by the members of