Pearl Jam

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Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The band's lineup consists of Eddie Vedder (lead vocals), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), Jeff Ament (bass), and Matt Cameron (drums). Cameron, who is also the drummer for Soundgarden, joined Pearl Jam in 1998. Keyboardist Boom Gaspar has also been a session and touring member with the band since 2002.

History

Formation and Early Years (1990-1991)

Pearl Jam was formed after the demise of Mother Love Bone, a band that included Gossard and Ament. Following the death of Mother Love Bone's lead singer Andrew Wood, Gossard and Ament began working on new material with McCready. They recruited Vedder after he sent them a demo tape with his vocals. The band initially went by the name Mookie Blaylock, after the NBA player, but changed their name to Pearl Jam.

Breakthrough and Success (1991-1994)

Pearl Jam's debut album, Ten, was released in 1991 and became a commercial success. The album included hit singles such as "Alive", "Even Flow", and "Jeremy". The band's success continued with their second album, Vs., released in 1993, which set a record for the most copies of an album sold in its first week.

Mid-1990s to Early 2000s

During the mid-1990s, Pearl Jam became known for their opposition to Ticketmaster, which they accused of monopolistic practices. The band also reduced their music video output and focused on live performances. Albums such as Vitalogy (1994), No Code (1996), and Yield (1998) showcased the band's evolving sound.

2000s to Present

Pearl Jam continued to release albums and tour extensively in the 2000s and 2010s. Notable albums from this period include Binaural (2000), Riot Act (2002), Pearl Jam (2006), and Lightning Bolt (2013). The band's most recent album, Gigaton, was released in 2020.

Musical Style and Influences

Pearl Jam's music is characterized by its fusion of hard rock, alternative rock, and grunge. The band's influences include classic rock artists such as The Who, Neil Young, and Led Zeppelin. Vedder's distinctive baritone voice and the band's dynamic guitar work are key elements of their sound.

Legacy and Impact

Pearl Jam is considered one of the most influential bands of the 1990s and has sold over 85 million albums worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. The band is also known for their activism and support of various social and political causes.

Discography

• Ten (1991)
• Vs. (1993)
• Vitalogy (1994)
• No Code (1996)
• Yield (1998)
• Binaural (2000)
• Riot Act (2002)
• Pearl Jam (2006)
• Backspacer (2009)
• Lightning Bolt (2013)
• Gigaton (2020)

Related Pages

• Eddie Vedder
• Mike McCready
• Stone Gossard
• Jeff Ament
• Matt Cameron
• Mother Love Bone
• Soundgarden
• Grunge music
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame