Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is an iconic rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The group consists of lead vocalist Eddie Vedder, guitarists Mike McCready and Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament, and drummer Matt Cameron. Rising to prominence as one of the primary acts of the 1990s grunge movement, Pearl Jam's debut album, "Ten," achieved monumental success. With hit singles like "Alive," "Even Flow," and "Jeremy," the band's profound lyrics and gritty sound established them as one of the most influential rock bands of their era. "Ten" has since gone 13× Platinum in the United States.

Building on the success of "Ten," Pearl Jam released their second album "Vs." in 1993, which set a record for the most copies sold in its first week of release. This was followed by albums like "Vitalogy," which further showcased the band’s evolution towards a rawer, more experimental sound. Pearl Jam resisted mainstream fame; they refused to make music videos for much of their early career and boycotted Ticketmaster due to high service fees, which they believed exploited fans. This anti-corporate stance and their socially conscious lyrics positioned Pearl Jam as not just musicians but as cultural icons advocating for authenticity and integrity.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pearl Jam continued to produce successful albums, including "No Code," "Yield," and "Binaural." These projects saw the band experimenting with new sounds and themes, reinforcing their reputation as artists unafraid to take creative risks. As the mainstream grunge wave subsided, Pearl Jam remained relevant, attracting a loyal fanbase drawn to their powerful live performances and the sincerity of their work. So much so, that they were ranked eighth in Rolling Stone's magazine's "Top Ten Live Acts of All Time" issue.

A significant part of Pearl Jam's identity is their activism. The band has supported various social and political causes, including environmental issues, human rights, and voter registration initiatives. They often use their platform to promote progressive causes. In 2018, the band hosted "The Home Shows," two benefit concerts in Seattle that raised millions to combat homelessness in the city. In 2006, they founded the Vitalogy Foundation to help aid in their efforts to create positive social change.

Over three decades into their career, Pearl Jam remains as impactful as ever. With twelve studio albums to their name, including 2020’s "Gigaton" and the most recent "Dark Matter" in 2024, the band continues to explore new musical landscapes while staying true to their roots. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and have sold over 85 million albums worldwide, including nearly 32 million in the United States by 2012.