Pearl Jam Lyrics - Discography
"Pearl Jam", an iconic American rock band hailing from Seattle, Washington, emerged onto the music scene in 1990, boasting a lineup comprising founding members Jeff Ament (bass guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), Mike McCready (lead guitar), and Eddie Vedder (lead vocals, guitar). Matt Cameron joined as the drummer in 1998, solidifying the core lineup. Additionally, keyboardist Boom Gaspar has been an integral touring/session member since 2002. Noteworthy former drummers include Jack Irons, Dave Krusen, Matt Chamberlain, and Dave Abbruzzese.
The band, a product of the disbandment of Gossard and Ament's previous musical ventures, Green River and Mother Love Bone, skyrocketed to fame with their debut album, "Ten," in 1991. This record achieved remarkable success, lingering on the Billboard 200 chart for almost five years and earning a prestigious 13× Platinum certification in the United States. Their sophomore effort, "Vs.," released in 1993, made history by selling over 950,000 copies in its debut week. The subsequent album, "Vitalogy" (1994), not only became the second-fastest-selling CD in history at the time but also demonstrated the band's enduring popularity with over 877,000 units sold in its first week.
Considered pivotal in the grunge movement, Pearl Jam challenged conventional industry practices, steering clear of music videos and interviews. The band even took on Ticketmaster in a legal battle, accusing it of monopolizing the concert-ticket market. A Rolling Stone article in 2006 described Pearl Jam as actively deconstructing their own fame in the preceding decade.
By 2018, Pearl Jam had surpassed 85 million albums sold globally, with nearly 32 million in the United States alone by 2012. Their remarkable achievements led to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, during their first year of eligibility. Not confined to musical pursuits, the band actively addressed social and political issues throughout their career, with Eddie Vedder serving as a prominent spokesperson on matters ranging from pro-abortion rights to opposition against George W. Bush's presidency.
