Light. It has a power all its own—the power to illuminate a concert crowd of 40,000, creating a sense of belonging among individual concert goers who feel—if only for a moment—that they are an integral part of the show.
And it has the power to give one member of a band an almost majestic or ethereal aura as a beam of light focuses solely on him or her for a moment in time.
I'll never forget the night of July 15th, 2006, at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California, when Pearl Jam frontman - Eddie Vedder - radiated in that single beam of light during the song, "Rearview Mirror."
In typical Vedder style—not seeking a desire to be the focus of the spotlight—he lifted his guitar above his head, using it as a tool to deflect the light from himself onto the faces of adoring fans surrounding the stage.
While creating a thousand points of light throughout the audience had been done before, and it would be done again—for me, it was THAT concert when I began to take note of Vedder’s and the band’s relationship with light.
Light isn’t just...well, light for Pearl Jam.
It isn’t used to overpower the music with some sort of ostentatious production, so often witnessed at other musical artists’ concerts. Instead, it is used to highlight the voice and the sound behind the music. Most importantly, it is used to interact with the fans.
And it is one woman and her team who create the magic of light for the band and the fans, night after night.
Kille Knobel, known as “Kille” by many Pearl Jam fans, has been the Lighting Director for the band for 20 years. I feel incredibly blessed to have interviewed and to have met such a gracious and talented woman.
While Kille is normally the woman behind the spotlight, I would like to put in her in the spotlight for this week's "Feature Friday."
"I have a lot of favorite memories with the band; it's hard to pick just one. This isn't a one-off occurrence; it's a quietly touching moment that happens from time to time at our shows with sign language interpreters. Our family is directly impacted by congenital hearing loss, and these interactions, unbeknownst to the band—I am sure—are deeply meaningful to me. Every now and then (the interpreters) will catch Ed's attention if they are near the stage, and he will interact with them in a very spontaneous, unforced way. He's brought them onto the stage and has sung to them, and in one of my most favorite memories - he even slow danced with a very surprised interpreter. I get choked up pretty much every time, as I am reminded of what compassionate and inclusive people we are lucky enough to work with."
Thank you, Kille, for being our light in the darkness. We will miss seeing you, your team, and your amazing light production this year. Stay safe and well, and hopefully, we will see you on the long road next year!
PJ community, please remember to share your positive stories with me at editorial@wishlistfoundation.org. Let's lift each other up during this time of uncertainty and create some positivity in our Pearl Jam community!
*This article has been adapted from Chrissie's interview with Kille in 2018.
*Featured image: Photo by Karen Loria
*"Ed with guitar": Photo by Cory Schwartz @cschwa17
]]>There is something ethereal about music. It has the ability to be timid—to just sit with you and meditate quietly. It also has the ability to empower—as it whispers in your ear, “Sing along and shout my lyrics. I just might soothe your weary soul.”
And while there is power in all music, no other band’s music speaks to us quite like that of Pearl Jam. The sound and the lyrics have stood by our side through the ups and downs of life.
When regrets of the past plague us, the lyrics of “Present Tense” remind us of the importance of focusing on today. When we lose someone too precious to lose, “Come Back” resonates in our hearts. And when we've quit or lost a job, or we have finally said goodbye to a toxic relationship, the lyrics to “Rearview Mirror” ring true.
And it’s the lyrics of “Who Ever Said” that will stand by the side of Krystina Roemer and her brother as they currently seek strength and courage.
I am not the world’s greatest Pearl Jam fan. Not even close. But Pearl Jam has been a vital part of my life ever since I could remember, thanks to big brother, Joe.
My first memory with my brother is him quizzing me in front of his friends. He wanted to show them how well he taught (he would say, “trained”) me, “Who is the greatest band in the world?” Five-year-old me would respond emphatically, “Pearl Jam!”
He took me to my first (and every) Pearl Jam concert following that. My three siblings and I each have our own “thing,” and Pearl Jam has always been Joe's. But his thing was always a little bit different in the way that his love of Pearl Jam was so fierce that it influenced all of us.
But this really isn’t my Pearl Jam story...it is Joe’s. In the midst of all the chaos and fear from the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, my family received news that Joe has a rare cancer...Ewing Sarcoma. He started his first chemo treatment a few weeks ago, which by itself is a nerve-racking experience to watch take place. When you add it to the current climate of our world, it becomes downright terrifying.
But there was Joe...facing his first infusion to help battle his disease. He had his playlist ready to go—which was kicked off with “Alive.” We are all navigating uncharted waters together—with COVID-19 and my family with my brother’s illness. It is beyond difficult to not have fear when there’s a path of uncertainty in front of you, but knowing we have each other provides hope that we will be okay.
When Pearl Jam posted a snippet to one of their new songs, “Who Ever Said,” I immediately sent it to Joe. The caption contained a short lyric from the song, and it couldn’t have been more fitting—
“But I won’t give up. No I won’t give up.”
Short, but powerful words that couldn’t have come at a better time. Joe won’t give up. We won’t give up.
-Krystina Roemer
Thank you, Krystina, for sharing this heartfelt story with us. The Wishlist Pearl Jam community sends positive thoughts to you, Joe, and your entire family during this difficult time.
PJ Community, please don’t forget to share your Pearl Jam stories with me at editorial@wishlistfoundation.org. Let’s lift each other up during this time of uncertainty and create and share some positivity.
]]>Like a kid in a candy store...in the middle of a storm, I suppose...we all focused on one thing as Pearl Jam fans last night—the release of the new Pearl Jam album, Gigaton.
While awaiting a new album since Lightning Bolt’s 2013 release seemed like an eternity, this wasn’t the first time that we bit our nails and twiddled our thumbs as we awaited the next Pearl Jam masterpiece.
Ten hooked us all as fans in ‘91, and “the waiting drove us mad” in between each and every album since then.
But the wait for Gigaton was a different experience. The album became our positive among the current negative situation surrounding us. Even before the pandemic, the scavenger hunt for tour dates and announcements of singles tapped into our youthful side, as clues and teasers were creatively dangled in front of us as we embarked on our journey of waiting.
One of my favorite slow reveals was that of the music video, “Dance of the Clairvoyants.” First, “Mach I.” Then, “Mach II.” And then “Mach III” - the final video directed by Ryan Cory, which included the perfect combination of the band and images of the earth.
Cory, a Seattle-based filmmaker, grew up—like so many of us—listening to Pearl Jam. As today’s “Feature Friday” spotlight, Cory shares his thoughts about the importance of perseverance and determination.
“I’ve been really lucky. I’ve stuck with my creative endeavors, and they have morphed into a career. It has been better than I could have imagined. It’s hard to imagine that the dream can exist...that if you really care about a cause or a group that really resonates with you, you can just stick with what you are already equipped. Some people think, ‘Well, I didn’t go to film school.’ I didn’t. You don’t need to do all these things or have all these tools. We are equipped with what’s in our pocket with the phones these days to create an impact or send a message. I’m just glad that I never quit and that I stuck with my passions creatively because if you would have told me as a 15-year-old, as I was driving around blasting Vitalogy in my Ford Bronco, that I would be directing a video for Pearl Jam, I would have said, ‘No way.’ Don’t quit, just keep fighting your fight. Whatever it is. And keep pursuing the passions that resonate with you.”
Thank you, Ryan, for sharing this important message of positivity with all of us.
Stay tuned for the full interview with Ryan about his career in filmmaking and what it was like to work with the band on “Dance of the Clairvoyants.”
Don’t forget to reach out to me about your Pearl Jam stories at editorial@wishlistfoundation.org. Let's lift each other up during this time of uncertainty and create some positivity in our Pearl Jam community!
Check out my post about "Feature Fridays" at: https://wishlistfoundation.org/blogs/news/its-okay-its-okay.
By Chrissie Ferguson
This week, I had planned to share the interview I conducted with the filmmakers, Nic Davis and Tim Williams, of Enormous: The Gorge Story.
A one-time screening of this official documentary of the Gorge Amphitheater was scheduled to take place in select theaters throughout the country in late April. In the upcoming weeks, Wishlist had planned to provide some lucky Pearl Jam fans with free tickets to the screening.
But as with everything else that has been postponed, unfortunately, fans will have to wait for the screening of this documentary, brought to theaters by Trafalgar Releasing, as well as my behind-the-scenes chat with the filmmakers.
I promise you, though, as with everything Pearl Jam-related this year, this film will be worth the wait.
The documentary shares the story of a Washington winery owned by the Bryan family and the journey they take to create "The Gorge," a concert venue with a breathtaking backdrop that has attracted over 7 million fans and some of the world's most notable musicians.
Davis and Williams not only bring the experience of Mother Nature's Gorge to life through their interviews with audience members, but music icons like Dave Matthews, Mike McCready, Jason Mraz, Dierks Bentley, and Steve Miller paint the perfect picture of the unique venue that one must see in order to believe.
And today, for "Feature Friday," we spotlight Producer, Tim Williams, who shares a favorite moment among his many interviews which took place throughout his five-year production of the film.
"I remember interviewing Mike and us all being really grateful to be there that weekend. There was a sense of appreciation and also of fun. We were having a great time, and it really showed on Mike. He was excited to spend some time with us and to share his story. In the film, Mike talks about the fact that he had given up music when he was younger. But after going to a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert at the Gorge, he said to himself, 'I'm playing the guitar again.' I'm excited to share Mike's story with the fans and the world!"
Just think - maybe Pearl Jam wouldn't be Pearl Jam today if Mike hadn't visited the Gorge when he was younger. What a magical place it must be!
Thanks, Tim, for your thoughts this week. We look forward to the screening of Enormous: The Gorge Story, whenever it might be.
To everyone else, please don't forget to reach out to me about your Pearl Jam stories at editorial@wishlistfoundation.
Check out my post about "Feature Fridays" at: https://wishlistfoundation.
We live in a world where routine rules our lives. It makes us feel normal - a part of the world. But when we face obstacles, sickness, or the death of a loved one, our personal boats are rocked. And it's a horrible, almost numbing feeling.
But nothing could have quite prepared us for our current situation in dealing with the Coronavirus. Whether our communities are overreacting or not, it doesn’t matter. When our routines change, our emotions are fragile.
While I am personally laughing at the toilet paper shortage here in the U.S. and the fact that I have to elbow bump those whom I interview, I wear a figurative mask as I smile in front of my own children and my students - telling them that everything will be okay.
I told my students on Friday that “I will teach you through a virtual classroom for the next month, and I will do my best to keep everything as normal as possible.” But on the inside, I question my smile and every word that passes through my lips, only because -- for the first time -- I feel that I do not really have the answers. And I do not really know what to expect in this situation. It is a horrible feeling to not feel in control.
While I despise the unknown, I do have faith, though, that everything will be okay because we have each other. Many of us have the support of our family. And if we don’t have family nearby, maybe it’s our friends who lift us up.
But one thing I know for sure is that our Pearl Jam community, near and far, is steadfast. Sure, there are always a handful of negative souls lurking about - after all, that’s what makes the world go ‘round. But for the most part, our PJ community is positive and supportive. Our community is family!
A few years ago I wrote an article for HuffPost about my Pearl Jam community. These people whom I have met along the long road are my people. When my world is off-kilter, my Pearl Jam friends are the first friends to reach out to me. There is just something about this community that is like nothing else.
I have the band to thank for my close friendships and the memorable concert experiences. But my stories alone don’t define this band. The long road hasn’t only been my journey; it has been taken by all of you, too.
And so, as a staff writer at Wishlist, I would love to hear your stories. Email me at editorial@wishlistfoundation.org and tell me your story in 300 words or less. Let me know what Pearl Jam and the PJ community means to you. No attachments, please. Just write your story in the body of the email. Then, keep your eyes open each Friday because your story just might be the “Feature Friday” story on Wishlist’s social media platforms.
I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Stay well, be kind, be supportive, and stay “positive, positive.” It's going to be okay.
Photo by Cory Schwartz @cschwa17
]]>On Thursday, March 26, 2020, the past will meet the present as Pearl Jam takes the stage for the first time in Harlem's world-famous Apollo Theater.
The Apollo was brought to life in 1913 by New York architect, George Keister, and was named Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater, after Benjamin Hurtig and Harry Seamon - the two men who had obtained a 30-year lease on the venue.
In an effort to “clean up” New York City, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, banned burlesque in 1933, and the theater was shut down. But in 1934, toward the end of the Harlem Renaissance, Sidney Cohen -- President of the Motion Picture Theater Owners of America -- reopened the theater and became its first owner.
Cohen and his partner, Morris Sussman, who served as the theater’s manager, created a new name and reputation for the theater.
The 125th Street Apollo Theatre, named after the Greek God of music, transformed from a burlesque theater into one of variety revues. Suddenly, as a new sound emerged inside its walls, the Apollo became the first theater to allow African-Americans to perform and to welcome an interracial audience.
Stars were born on the Apollo’s stage when young artists took a chance at showcasing their talents during the theater’s Wednesday evening “Audition Night,” which later became known as “Amateur Night in Harlem.”
Swing, bebop, rhythm and blues, soul, female vocalists, doo-wop, Motown, funk, gospel, and the blues all brought down the house on “Amateur Night.” Legends, such as Ella Fitzgerald (1934), Dionne Warwick and James Brown (1956), Stevie Wonder (1962), Jimi Hendrix (1966), and the Jackson 5 (1969), all made a name for themselves on the stage of the Apollo Theater, which was aptly nicknamed “the place of opportunity.”
Other sensational solo artists and bands, such as Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, U2, and Lady Gaga have performed at the Apollo.
And now, the iconic band, Pearl Jam, has the great opportunity to add its name to the legendary acts who have graced the historical theater’s stage with its presence.
You, too, can become a part of the Apollo’s history as Pearl Jam takes the stage for the first time in the intimate theater that hosts 1,506 spectators.
“I’m just super excited,” says SiriusXM Pearl Jam Radio’s Host and Producer, Rob Bleetstein. “Not only about the intimacy of the location, but that we are actually going to do a live broadcast with Pearl Jam on Pearl Jam Radio. It’s been a ten year goal.”
The concert itself is not the only electrifying part of the evening. “Immediately following the (concert’s) broadcast, Pearl Jam Radio is going to premier the album (Gigaton) in full, about an hour or two before it gets released at midnight, March 27th,” Bleetstein continues.
Tune in to SiriusXM Pearl Jam Radio’s Faithful Forum with Rob on Wednesday, February 26, and Wednesday, March 4, for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Pearl Jam at the Apollo. Call 855-9-PEARL-JAM to chat with Rob about the band, and it might just be your lucky day if you are his 22nd caller.
Another opportunity to win a pair of tickets is through Pearl Jam Radio’s “Song of the Week” contest, which will take place Monday through Friday, from now until Friday, March 6.
Log on to SiriusXM.com/PJrules to learn more about the contests and how to enter to win your pair of Apollo Theater tickets while listening to Sirius XM’s Pearl Jam Radio.
SiriusXM is also offering an online chance to win front-row tickets to the event. This package includes round trip airfare and hotel accommodations. Enter the contest at SiriusXM.com/PJApollo. This opportunity is only open to active SiriusXM subscribers (self-paid or an introductory trial) continuously since January 22, 2020.
Finally, visit Omaze.com and support the Vitalogy Foundation by entering to win the grand prize of two VIP tickets to the Apollo Theater and Madison Square Garden Shows. Flights and hotel accommodations are included, as well as a backstage tour and breakfast with Stone Gossard.
The “Tree of Hope,” a tall elm, which once stood near the Apollo, was a good luck charm in Harlem. After being chopped down in 1934, a part of the stump was purchased for the Apollo Theater. To this day, those performing at the theater continue to rub the stump, located stage right, for a little extra luck on stage.
May that “Tree of Hope” bring us all the luck we need to win tickets to Pearl Jam at the Apollo. And just remember, if you don’t win a pair of tickets, you can still become a part of history in the making as you tune in to the concert from home at SiriusXM’s Pearl Jam Radio.
]]>
Here is our attempt at some unofficial lyrics. What do you think they are?
Superblood Wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
Superblood Wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
I can hear you, singin' in the distance
I can see you when I close my eyes
Once you were somewhere, and now you're everywhere
I'm feeling selfish an' I want what's right
I ask for forgiveness, I beg of myself
Feeling angry, knock it off the scale?
Ahhh.. naa naaa naaaah, naaa
Naa naaa naaaah, naaa naaa
Right now I feel a lack of innocence
Searching for a feel, hypnotonic resonance
I feel...not much of anything
and the cause is life or death
Throughout the hopelessness
Fucks all your focus next
I been hoping and I hoped I'd last
I don't know anything, I question everything
This life I love is goin' way too fast
Move right at her slowly???
Her face is broken
and I'm hopin' that I heard ya
Hopin' that I heard ya
Hopin' that I heard ya say...
She was a stunner, and I am stunned
And my first thought, on second thought
This could be the one
I was a prisoner, her keys in her cuff
An' I was feeling fortunate to be locked up
For the world kept a'spinning
Always felt like it was ending
and look how we're standing we are in reach of it, for
I'm in danger, singin' in the distance
I can see you when I close my eyes
Once you were somewhere, and now you're everywhere
I'm feeling selfish and I want what's right
I ask for forgiveness, I beg of myself
Feeling angry, knock it off the scale?
(Sick Mikey solo)
Superblood Wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
Superblood Wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
Superblood Wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
Superblood Wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
I can hear you, singin' in the distance
I can see you when I close my eyes
Once you were somewhere, and now you're everywhere
I'm feeling selfish and I want what's right
Focus on your focus next?
Throughout the hopelessness
I been hopin' and I hoped I'd last?
I don't know anything, I question everything
This life I love is goin' way too fast
"Superblood Wolfmoon" available everywhere now: https://pearljam.lnk.to/SBWMYD
Stay tuned to Tiny Concert for the amazing new video out soon!
]]>For every pledge received on 2/2 and 2/3, Verizon will donate $1 to a volunteer organization in your community! Pledge #OneMoreSunday to volunteer.
Go RT and help support Vitalogy Foundation!
]]>5G is going to change a lot of things. Luckily for us, it will never replace the courage and compassion of those who serve. RT to pledge #OneMoreSunday and @Verizon will *donate $1 to the @PearlJam #VitalogyFoundation: https://t.co/HX8ygvdngO
— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) February 3, 2020
*Must RT on 2/2 or 2/3 pic.twitter.com/XUqiMrJGI1
Pearl Jam teased this little 8 second video clip of the "next stage" of their debut single "Dance of the Clairvoyants" around 1PM PT today, hinting that "Mach II" will be coming Wednesday, January 29th.
Mach II is twice the speed of sound and also a follow up nod to the original video posted by the band for Dance.
We're guessing another version of the video, or possible interactive element. What do you think?
]]>
Wishlist Foundation, the Pearl Jam fan-run grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is hosting preparty fundraisers in March and April at every city on the band’s 16-date North American tour supporting their much-anticipated eleventh studio album, Gigaton. The tour kicks-off on March 18 in Toronto and wraps with a two-date stint in Oakland April 18-19. The fan fundraiser events will benefit the band’s spotlight charities as well as local charities in each city.
Inspired by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends’ music, philanthropy and activism, Pearl Jam fans volunteering with Wishlist Foundation have been fundraising in their honor for the past 16 years.
“We are incredibly grateful for the decade-plus years of support and inspiration from the Wishlist Foundation's pre-parties,” states Mike McCready, lead guitarist of Pearl Jam. “I think our fans are very proactive in terms of fundraising for events before our shows. They do it of their own volition and they take care of each other and their communities. It always blows me away.”
Conceived in 2004 and officially organized in 2006, Wishlist Foundation has remained a 100% volunteer organization run by fans, raising over 1.3 million dollars for charitable organizations in the arenas of health and chronic illness, environmental causes, arts and education and social change.
A pioneer in fan-based viral activism and leader in the Pearl Jam fan community, Wishlist Foundation sponsored events are the go-to destination for thousands of both diehard and new fans of the band across the globe to gather before Pearl Jam and other related concerts, forge new friendships, all while uniting behind causes important to both the fans and band. Wishlist Foundation is fan-run and not affiliated with Pearl Jam, Ten Club LLC, Pearl Jam’s Vitalogy Foundation, its management or any of its related entities.
Open to the public, attendees of the Wishlist fundraisers can make donations to receive band and fan inspired merchandise and enter raffles for chances to win fan-donated band collectibles. Silent and live auctions will feature donated autographed Pearl Jam posters and other rare memorabilia. All proceeds from the raffles and auctions will benefit local organizations and Pearl Jam’s spotlight charities.
When we hear the term Mach 1 it is easy to assume it is the speed of sound through Earth's atmosphere. This is the loud, cracking sound that is associated with the shock waves that are created by an object traveling faster than the local speed of sound.
Check out our unofficial lyrics here.
Jeff Ament:
Stone Gossard on SiriusXM Pearl Jam Radio about Dance of the Clairvoyants
Dance Of The Clairvoyants (Mach 1)
Produced by: Evolve Studios
Directed by: Joel Edwards
Edited by: Seth Evans
Produced by: Joseph Bastien
Footage by: Filmsupply
Cinematography by: Evolve, Kendall Rittenour, Aaron Seldon, Joel Edwards, Jesse Edwards, Stephen Johnson, Nick Midwig, Dustin Farrell, Enrique Pacheco, Joseph Large, Mike Olbinski , Tomi Rantanen, Tyler McGrath, Brooklyn Aerials, Elevation Film, Variable, Sypher
#PearlJam #DanceOfTheClairvoyants #Gigaton
Music video by Pearl Jam performing Dance Of The Clairvoyants.
© 2020 Monkeywrench, Inc., under exclusive license to Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Pre-order the “Gigaton” album now!
]]>
Unofficial Lyrics:
Confusion is to commotion
What love is to our devotion
Perceptively big, big as the ocean
And equally hard to control
So save your predictions!
And burn your assumptions!
Love is friction, ripe for comfort
Endless equations and entitled persuasion
Doors open up to interpretation
Expecting perfection leaves a lot to ignore
When the past is the present and the future's no more
When every tomorrow is the same as before
The looser things get, the tighter you become
The looser things get...tighter
Not one man can be greater than the sum
It's not a negative thought, I'm positive,
Positive, positive!
Falling down, not staying down
Could've held me up, brother, tear me down
Drown in the river
Expecting perfection leaves a lot to endure
When the past is the present and the future's no more
When every tomorrow is the same as before
Numbers keep falling off the calender's floor
We're stuck in our boxes, windows open no more
Collecting up the forget-me-nots
Not recalling what they're for
I’m in love with clairvoyants
'cause they're out of this world
I know the girls wanna dance
away their circumstance
I know that boys wanna grow
they're fixing ___ ___ things?
I know that girls wanna dance
Clairvoyants in a trance
I know that boys wanna grow
they're _______ fixing vile things?
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back
(lay me down in the river)
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back
(drown in the river)
I know the girls wanna dance
away their circumstance
I know that boys wanna grow
they're fixing ___ ___ things?
(drown in the river)
I know that girls wanna dance
Clairvoyants in a trance
I know that boys wanna grow
they're _______ fixing vile things?
they're _______ fixing vile things?
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back
(coming down in the river)
Dance of the Clairvoyants was released January 22, 2020 at 12:00 AM and is 4 minutes, 25 seconds long.
Jeff Ament:
Stone Gossard on SiriusXM Pearl Jam Radio
Released Wednesday, January 22, 2020, watch the official video now::
Quicklink: https://tinyurl.com/pjdotc
By Laura Trafton
Unofficial lyrics deciphered by: Romy Bianchi, Laura Trafton, Anthony Krysiewicz
]]>
Pearl Jam teased the album on Friday, January 10th via a virtual scavenger hunt using geo coordinates. When viewed via the augmented reality Facebook and Instagram "gigaton" filter / lens, fans were rewarded with the image "Ice Waterfalls" by National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen. Through the filter, the image's clouds and waterfalls became animated and an audio clip looped wind howling, ice fracturing and falling with ambient music.
"Ice Waterfalls" is striking photo capturing the meltwater runoff from an ice cap on the island of Nordaustlandet, in Norway's Svalbard archipelago and also the album art of Pearl Jam's Gigaton. This was not the first time the band used a scavenger hunt to debut their album art.
The Dance of the Clairvoyants single art features a predominantly green aurora, with hues of red, pink, purple orange. An aurora, sometimes referred to as polar lights, northern lights, or southern lights, is a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions. Auroras are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind.
In review, we have:
There's an obvious theme of climate change, ocean conservation and ecoawareness that the band is strongly focusing on. It's no surprise considering they've been allocating a portion of tour profits to invest in environmental projects that serve to offset or mitigate carbon dioxide that has been released into the atmosphere while on their tours since 2003.
This Gigaton album announcement was clearly a very thoughtful, well planned release meant to not only excite, but also engage and educate fans. Every single part of it was executed with a purpose - using social media for good.
This got us thinking: we have the names, the aesthetic and the theme - but are we missing something from the scavenger hunt, like say the ambient music heard using the filter? Could that clip be from Dance of the Clairvoyants or another song off the new album? Can we expect a more ethereal, meta sound on this album, maybe in the vein of Strangest Tribe or Pendulum? Will they be tempered with some heavy bangers expressing the band's outrage that the future of the planet is sitting squarely on our doorstep and we're too busy staring at our screens letting politics and ignorance divide us instead of uniting us towards a common, necessary goal?
Given everything that's gone on with the album announcement, we can't wait to see what Dance of the Clairvoyants and Gigaton has in store - and we don't need to be a clairvoyant to know that the future is now.
Quicklink: https://tinyurl.com/docpred
Written by Laura Trafton
Research provided by: Romy Bianchi, Anthony Krysiewicz, Brad Laing, Rob & Jenny Wallack Schenk, Samia Dillsi, Jen Belle, Allison Goldberg
Pearl Jam will release their much-anticipated eleventh studio album, Gigaton, on Monkeywrench Records/ Republic Records on March 27, 2020 in the US. Internationally, the album will be released and distributed by Universal Music Group International. Produced by Josh Evans and Pearl Jam, Gigaton marks the band’s first studio album since GRAMMY award-winning Lightning Bolt.
“Making this record was a long journey,” explains Mike McCready. “It was emotionally dark and confusing at times, but also an exciting and experimental road map to musical redemption. Collaborating with my bandmates on Gigaton ultimately gave me greater love, awareness and knowledge of the need for human connection in these times."
In support of Gigaton, Pearl Jam will embark on a 16-date North American tour in March and April. The tour kicks-off on March 18 in Toronto and wraps with a two-date stint in Oakland April 18-19.]]>
an album related hunt.
This isn't the first time the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends sent their fans on an album related hunt.
Before the September 20, 2009 launch of Pearl Jam's 9th studio album Backspacer, the band revealed an "Easter egg" hunt built around the album's iconic cover art designed by political satire cartoonist Tom Tomorrow.
“The artwork collaboration between Tom Tomorrow and the band for this album is so compelling, we felt like it deserved its own online gallery showcase,” said Tim Bierman, the manager of Pearl Jam’s Ten Club.
Nine images from Backspacer's cover art were hidden all over the internet for fans to find. Once a fan found and clicked on the image, it took them to Pearl Jam's special Backspacer website. When all nine images were fully assembled, fans were rewarded with a freebie that Pearl Jam promised to be better than the usual free MP3.
Thanks to our heroes, the Indiana Jones-level information gathering archivists at TwoFeetThick.com, we found out that ThisModernWorld and Drowned In Sound hosted images 2 and 6, respectively.
#1 |
#2 @ ThisModernWorld |
#3 |
#4 @ TwoFeetThick.com | #5 | #6 @ drownedinsound.com |
#7 |
#8 @ wired.com |
#9 |
Fun Fact: The album title Backspacer was also used for the name of a leatherback turtle that was sponsored by Pearl Jam for Conservation International and National Geographic's Great Turtle Race.
As part of the "20 Days of Pearl Jam Countdown", Pearl Jam revealed a worldwide scavenger hunt for the tracklist to Cameron Crowe's then upcoming "Pearl Jam Twenty" documentary, on August 17, 2011.
"I don't think we all realized what an undertaking this was until we got into the nitty-gritty of it," Columbia Records then Senior Vice President of Marketing Scott Greer told Billboard.biz. "The question was: 'how can we engage social media to get people finding and posting clues?'"
According to TNW: "fans were asked to use clues released on the Pearl Jam website and Twitter account to figure out locations where the track titles would be revealed. With clues revealed at physical locations, including Times Square and the Taipei Zoo, but also virtual locations, including the Yahoo Answers, Craigslist (and even in a voicemail message), everyone had a chance to take part in the hunt and win one of 29 Pearl Jam Twenty posters by tweeting the track title accompanied by the hashtag #PJ20."
Our friends from TwoFeetThick.com were asked to reprise their roles as co-conspirators:
TNW reported that within 12 hours of their scavenger hunt announcement, Pearl Jam mentions on Twitter had quadrupled to 5.9 million tweets, and Pearl Jam’s website was Columbia’s most viewed page of the day.
The reward from the world wide Pearl Jam Twenty scavenger hunt was the 28 x 38 behemoth poster promoting the documentary soundtrack.
This is poster #29 of 29, found at Universal City, CA. Track: "Rearviewmirror - Universal City, CA." From the collection of kasedoug.
Hosting a scavenger hunt has proved to be lucrative for Pearl Jam and engaging for the fans. Mixing the tantalizing hint of what's to come with the communally competitive elements of online gaming and being "first" on social media make it fun and exciting for people to participate. As we saw from yesterday's "gigaton" example, it's also a chance to create an educational experience for fans as well.
Given their playful history, it's pretty safe (and super exciting!) to assume that Pearl Jam's got some album/tour reveal adventures in store for their fans - and we can't wait to accept the challenge!
Quicklink: https://tinyurl.com/pjhunt
Written by Laura Trafton
Research assistance provided by: Romy Bianchi, Jen Belle, Anthony Krysiewicz, Kathy Davis
]]>
Pearl Jam fans around the globe went on an information gathering scavenger hunt using hints provided by the band via their website, fan club newsletter and social media channels, Friday, January 10, 2020, and ended up learning about climate change in the process. This isn't the first time the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends sent their fans on an album related hunt.
***
The Seattle band initially posted an unexplained image on their social media accounts depicting the band's name in dark red within a wave graph on a navy blue background. Fans speculated the image could be a new logo for a forthcoming album with the waves symbolizing a seismic wave, electrocardiogram, polygraph results or a soundwave.
Later that morning a second vague image was posted on the band's socials that appeared to be three flames in a triangle layout, potentially fitting in with the wave graph from the first hint posted.
One theory is that the top flame represents a candle for hope, the bottom left flame as a heart for love and the bottom right as a peace symbol.
Pearl Jam fans were caught by surprise at 11 AM Pacific, when pearljam.com, its social channels and the Ten Club, (the band's fan club), newsletter came out with an interactive map from MapBox.com, pinning eleven cities around the world with the flame images from the second hint earlier that morning. The cities included are Toronto, New York, Seattle, Mexico City, Los Angeles (Venice Beach), Sao Paulo, Santiago, Berlin, London and Paris.
Sydney was also among the eleven cities, but it's pinned with a heart instead of the flame, likely out of respect for the massive wildfires burning out of control in Australia.
Pearl Jam's message dangled the carrot in challenge, stating, "We have something special for you. Locate the nearest marker and activate the lens once you arrive."
Clicking the pin on each city displays a linked set of Google map coordinates. Intrigued by the challenge, fans around the world went in search of their nearest marker to see what Pearl Jam had in store. Many hoped to find some new album related Geocached prize at the location.
Given the average age of Pearl Jam's fan base resides firmly in the GenX demographic, not all fans had the understanding of geofilters and lenses or just generally lacked the motivation or proximity to go out on the hunt. While frustrating and humorous for some, this caused many in the community to band together, finding "operatives in the field" to hunt down and collect information to disperse to the masses.
Photos started appearing on feeds from fans on site at the geomarkers, all featuring a version of the same image, whether it was a billboard or photo gallery art.
When viewed via the augmented reality Facebook or Instagram "gigaton" filter / lens, the clouds and waterfalls became animated, an audio clip looped wind howling, ice fracturing and falling with ambient music in the background and "gigaton" was written in the seismic wave font.
The image in all of the geomarkers is by polar photographer Paul Nicklen, a striking photo capturing the meltwater run off from an ice cap on the island of Nordaustlandet, in Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
Nicklen, a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist, has documented the beauty and the plight of our planet for over twenty years. As an assignment photographer for National Geographic magazine, Nicklen captures the imagination of a global audience.
The image was used by National Geographic and Nature Conservancy magazine; Al Gore frequently uses it in his talks on climate change. “While I sleep, that image is up there working on behalf of our planet, and that’s exciting to me,” Nicklen says.
As a co-founder of the non-profit, SeaLegacy, Nicklen is opening a fresh, progressive chapter in the story of ocean conservation. Through visual storytelling, Sea Legacy inspires millions of people to stand up and have a voice for the pristine places threatened by climate change.
“Ten years ago I’d say the word ‘climate change’ in a lecture and people would kind of roll their eyes,” Nicklen said in an interview with Bill Moyers back in April, 2017. People were starting to listen — but not fast enough. “The problem with humans is we sort of deny, deny, deny, panic,” he continues. “And right now we’re in the denial phase.”
Now three years later, it seems Nicklen and Pearl Jam have joined forces to help get the message out about climate change.
Greenland has been losing about 280 gigatons of ice per year on average, and Antarctica has lost almost 120 gigatons a year with indications that both melt rates are increasing. A single gigaton of water would fill about 400,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools; each gigaton represents a billion tons of water. (Source: NASA - Sea Level Change Observations from Space, March 28, 2018)
So what does the beautifully tragic Necklen photo of the melting polar ice cap, the word gigaton and Pearl Jam have in common?
Known worldwide for their philanthropy and activism and based on the hints dropped by the band today, the prevailing theory is that Pearl Jam's new album will be eco-political in nature. A call to arms for global citizens to unite and do their part helping to mitigate climate change.
Pearl Jam has been allocating a portion of tour profits to invest in environmental projects that serve to offset or mitigate carbon dioxide that has been released into the atmosphere while on their tours since 2003.
In 2018, Pearl Jam hosted The Home Shows, a massive philanthropic undertaking to fight homelessness in Seattle (King County) surrounding their two concert stint at Safeco Field. They partnered with more than 170 businesses, had over 4500 donors and raised nearly 11 million dollars with the efforts.
Focused on sustainability since 2005, retail megagiant Walmart launched its "Project Gigaton" in 2017, aimed at reducing 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from their supply chain by 2030.
Could Pearl Jam be utilizing their experience of uniting businesses together for a common cause but on a much larger national or global scale by potentially partnering with businesses and organizations like Walmart, Sea Legacy and others?
How would that affect a new album and supporting tour?
Could the eleven pinned cities coordinate to eleven tracks on the new album?
"The waiting drove me mad!"
Pearl Jam promised something special and Necklen's evocative image certainly delivered. Learning the meaning of gigaton and lesson in climate control wasn't necessarily what fans were expecting, but the takeaway is crucial to the future of this planet and all who dwell upon it.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X
Calculate your carbon foot print here.
Quicklink: https://tinyurl.com/Gigatonpj
Written by Laura Trafton
Research provided by: Romy Bianchi, Anthony Krysiewicz, Brad Laing, Rob & Jenny Wallack Schenk, Samia Dillsi, Jen Belle, Allison Goldberg
A variety of VIP auction packages are available through the Wishlist Foundation via eBay at http://ebay.com/usr/wishlistfoundation
]]>After a hiatus in 2018, Flight to Mars, a tribute to 1970s English heavy rockers UFO featuring Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, return play at The Showbox in Seattle, WA on Saturday, May 11th. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's Camp Oasis, as well as the Jennifer Jaff Care Line for People with IBD at Patient Advocate Foundation.
TICKETS
$40 advance tickets are on sale now. Please visit the venue website for tickets and information at ShowboxPresents.com.
VIP PREPARTY FUNDRAISERS
Concert attendees are invited to join fellow fans before the show at an exclusive VIP fundraiser party, hosted by the Wishlist Foundation for the past eleven years. Wishlist Foundation is a grassroots, Pearl Jam fan-run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic goals.
A variety of VIP auction packages are available through the Wishlist Foundation via eBay at http://ebay.com/usr/wishlistfoundation
FLIGHT TO MARS VIP AUCTION PACKAGES
Platinum VIP Preparty Packages
6:00 PM: Arrival
Platinum VIP attendees arrive early at the Showbox for an exclusive pre-concert party where they receive two laminate passes to the shows, catch the sound check while mingling with other fans, enjoy delicious appetizers, a cash bar, pick up their swag bags and have a chance at meeting band members and crew – PLUS a photo opportunity with Mike McCready!
7:45 PM: Viewing Selection
VIP attendees get first choice location for the show before the general admission ticket holders enter.
Package Includes:
Gold VIP Preparty Packages
6:00 PM: Arrival
Gold VIP attendees arrive early at the Showbox for an exclusive pre-concert party where they receive two laminate passes to the shows, catch the sound check while mingling with other fans, enjoy delicious appetizers, a cash bar, pick up their swag bags and have a chance at meeting band members and crew.
7:45 PM: Viewing Selection
VIP attendees get first choice location for the show before the general admission ticket holders enter.
Package Includes:
Satellite VIP Packages
Can’t make it to the show but wish you could? Here’s a chance to feel like you were there! The Satellite VIP winner will receive, by mail:
RULES & RESTRICTIONS
- Wishlist Foundation, HockeyTalkter Records and Ten Club, LLC reserve the right to deny VIP auction participation, VIP entry or item redemption to any individual for any reason at any time.- Auction winners are not guaranteed to meet any members of any band.
- Accommodations, tours and passes are non-transferable.
- London Bridge Studio reserves the right to deny tour participation for any reason at any time. Studio tour is valid one year from auction completion. Console engraving is limited to 20 characters per Platinum VIP Package.
- MoPOP tickets are valid one year from issuance. Winner will receive email with PDF passes.
- We will do our very best to accommodate all t-shirt sizes, but there are no sizing guarantees.
- There are no refunds or returns on your winning auction donation.
- All package items are auctioned in ‘as is’ condition.
- Auction winners must be 21 years or older to attend. Current valid ID is required to enter.
- Auction winners must email their name, address, phone number, email address, guest name and shirt sizes for themselves and their guest to wishlistfoundation (at) gmail.com within five (5) days of auction conclusion.
Visit the Wishlist Foundation eBay profile for package listings: http://ebay.com/usr/wishlistfoundation
For more information regarding the VIP Packages, please contact wishlistfoundation (at) gmail.com.
FLIGHT TO MARS
Flight to Mars is a tribute band honoring 1970s English heavy rockers UFO comprised of Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, Tim DiJulio (guitar), Gary Westlake (bass), Mike Musburger (drums), Ryan Burns (keyboards) and Paul Passarelli (vocals).
With their first show in the Spring of 2003, Flight to Mars' annual Seattle benefit concert has been a celebrated, sold-out event raising nearly $400,000 for CCFA Camp Oasis and other charities focusing on people living with chronic illness. More info: facebook.com/FlighttoMars
TOUR BENEFICIARIES
In 2002, Mike McCready made public his 20-year battle with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis and has since been committed to raising awareness and funding for the cause. Proceeds from the shows will benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Camp Oasis, as well as The Jennifer Jaff Care Line at Patient Advocate Foundation.
CCFA's Camp Oasis is a co-ed residential camp program that's mission is to enrich the lives of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by providing a safe and supportive camp community. More info: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/get-involved/camp-oasis/
The Jennifer Jaff Care Line was set up to assist patients diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The Care Line offers patient-focused services by insurance and healthcare experts at Patient Advocate Foundation. More info: https://jenniferjaff.pafcareline.org/
WISHLIST FOUNDATION
The Wishlist Foundation is a Pearl Jam fan grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic efforts.
Since its inception in 2004, Wishlist Foundation has raised over one million dollars for charitable organizations in the arenas of health and chronic illness, environmental causes, arts and education and social change. A pioneer in fan-based viral activism and leader in the Pearl Jam fan community, Wishlist Foundation sponsored events have become the go-to destination for thousands of fans all across the globe to gather before Pearl Jam and other related concerts, forge new friendships, all while uniting behind causes important to both the fans and band.
Their ongoing mission is to utilize the collective ability of Pearl Jam fans around the globe to affect positive social and charitable change through community action. Together we can do so much more as a group than by each one of us acting individually. Their inspiration comes from the lyrics, music and outstanding philanthropic efforts of Seattle based rock legends and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Pearl Jam.
SPONSORS
Flight to Mars, HockeyTalkter Records and Wishlist Foundation would like to thank the following:
The Showbox
Pearl Jam
The Ten Club
Executive Inn By The Space Needle
London Bridge Studio
VIDEO
We want to take a minute to explain our Wishlist Foundation Pearl Jam Fan Preparty Fundraiser-Seattle 2 Showbox SoDo ticketing with a little more detail because we really want to make sure you can get in if you want to be there.
Showbox SoDo is NOT like other preparties where it's based on occupancy at the time. For example - we're packed, you're waiting on line to get in, so when 5 people leave, 5 people can then enter. It is NOT like this.
This is a finite ticket event. Meaning, we have X number of tickets available and that is all that will be sold. So if you buy a ticket, you get in with in/out privileges. If you don't buy a ticket and we sell out, you can't get in. So we highly recommending you get a ticket now, before the announcements later today and tomorrow.
We have a cover charge at the door to offset the rental fee the venue is charging us. We're doing this so that the rental fee for venue doesn't have to come out of the money we raise at the fundraiser as a cost - which takes away from the overall donation to the beneficiary.
Going forward, we are always going to try to keep the preparty fundraisers free whenever possible.
However, if this "experiment" results in more room to relax and mingle, increases food/beverage service time, moderates the temperature a little better and an all around happier fan experience, we may try to a find bigger venue again in the major cities, which will probably have a rental cost, i.e. door charge, associated with it.
After 12 years of doing this, we're trying to figure out how to grow and accommodate everyone who wants to support the fundraisers and continue to make it an amazing experience for you all.
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Here is link to photos you can download them from the album:
https://carincohen.smugmug.com/EV-wishlist-dublin/n-SrDFqm/i-3VTPvWF
words by Damien and Carin
Photos by Jenni Conway, Monica Alexandru and Carin Cohen
]]>
Please join fellow friends and fans tonight to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Chris Cornell during this online memorial gathering.
- Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1878849349041369
- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/164534450746898
- Social Tag: #chriscornelltribute
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central / 5 PM Pacific, we will have a moment of collective silence to pay tribute to Chris Cornell across all social media channels.. You can participate in any way that brings you comfort; light a candle, say a prayer, focus your thoughts and just "be" present in mindfulness and respect for Chris Cornell.
*** NOTE ***
A second online memorial tribute will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central / 5 PM Pacific to pay respect and sympathy on the day of Chris' private memorial service.
Suggestions of how you can share your grief, express your sympathy and participate in this virtual tribute:
- At 8/7/5 PM on 5/21, pause for a moment of silence
- RSVP at the Chris Cornell Online Tribute Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1878849349041369
- light a candle in his memory
- change your profile photo across all social platforms to one of Chris Cornell
- wear your Cornell, Soundgarden Audioslave shirt
- post and share your favorite Cornell lyric, story, inspiration, photo or memory
- tag #chriscornelltribute in solidarity on other social platforms (Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
- support other fans in our time of grief
- donate to http://chrisandvickycornellfoundation.org/ or other mental health support nonprofit initiatives
- have open, respectful dialogs regarding mental health initiatives, addiction and music as healing
- lurk and know that you are not alone
- SHARE this imitative and event so others are not alone
♡♡♡
I never wanted to write these words down for you, but sadly here we are. Today, family, friends and fans alike awoke to the news that you had left us. You left us with questions and stunned by your sudden absence, you left us saddened, confused and angry, but most of all, you left us to celebrate your light and the legacy that lives on. It hurts today, it will hurt tomorrow and the days to come, you were a voice from the heavens sent to invade our souls and that is not easily replaced or forgotten. You, Chris, were never just another rock star, you were a part of our lives and your words guided us along our journey thru life. We will never forget you and your beautiful spirit.
You and I crossed paths on June 23rd, 1994. It was the Superunknown tour and the band was playing the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia. My friend Rob and I got there early and were on the rail in front of Kim, it was the second time I had be lucky enough to see you guys. Fast forward to the end of the set, Kim points to me and has security bring me on stage, he whispers, “Keep it warm for me” as he straps his guitar around my neck. Frightened and in shock at where I stood, I did the only thing any of us could do, I played every single chord I knew and prayed no one would boo! Minutes felt like hours up there until you walked on stage and put your arms around me and said, “Do you hear that? They’re cheering for you!” I smile with discomfort and handed Kim his guitar back as I was shuffled off to the side of the stage to watch the encore. Once the show was finished, Rob and I were invited to come upstairs and meet the band proper. We met Kim on the steps; he shook our hands and complimented Rob on his UNLV t-shirt. The two struck up a conversation about college basketball as I ascended to the next floor to meet you. I spoke to Ben briefly before sitting next to you on the couch. You asked me how I liked the show and we talked about various songs, the tour so far and my ambition to start a band. We talked about moments like tonight that will never leave our memory and then you offered for me to ride the bus to the next show. I had to decline as I needed to open my Sam Goody’s store the next morning, we laughed about making sure corporate America didn’t drag me down and then we parted ways. A memory engrained forever.
More than two decades later that moment still reminds me of the kindness that seeped from your heart. I was just a kid with stars in his eyes, you could’ve blown me off with a pick and a handshake and I would’ve worshipped at your feet forever, but you treated me with kindness that I never forgot. For a brief moment, we were equals on a couch, and if I didn’t know better, that’s exactly how you liked it. I never had a chance to talk with you again, although I would see you in various forms multiple times over, but I would sometimes wonder what that conversation would sound like. I chose to believe you would remember and we would have a laugh at what has become of Michael Petrelli and his ambitions. Did corporate America drag me down? Did I ever start that band? It doesn’t matter; it would be the laugh we shared that would stick with me anyways. I look forward to that talk. I say goodbye to you for now from that starry eyed boy and I hope that wherever you are, you are at peace.
Photo Credit: Mike Dziama
]]>
31. That’s the number of induction ceremonies that came before this year’s event in Brooklyn. 31 times fans and industry big wigs alike sat in anticipation as the year’s chosen few took the stage to receive their illustrious award and cement their name amongst the greatest of all time. 31 moments of respect and admiration for the bands that influenced generations of musicians and left catalogs worth of hit songs and unforgettable albums for music lovers to cherish for the rest of eternity. 31 induction ceremonies didn’t prepare them for Pearl Jam and the arrival of the Faithful. The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will never be the same again.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of fans gathered to unite with friends, new and old, at the Wishlist pre-party at Kings Beer Hall just a few blocks from the venue. This event and the fan-gathering the night before it, was a wonderful warm up to the ceremony, giving fans a chance to build up the anticipation and support great causes. In the background, a video playing a show from August 5th of this past year at Fenway Park in Boston, the chilling opening of “Release”, and the crowd gathered singing in unity gave a sneak peek as to the excitement in each fan’s heart. We were only hours away, only blocks away, but no one cared, what seemed like an eternity slowly became a reality as the clock continued to tick towards doors opening.
They came from all across the globe. From Boston to Brazil, Los Angeles to London, fans gathered at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY to share in the festivities and welcome the newest members to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. Some came for Yes, others came for Journey, still others came to honor Tupac, but no band was more represented than Pearl Jam. Debbie Wall, a longtime fan from Long Beach, CA, spoke for most in the crowd, “When Pearl Jam was nominated, I knew they would win, and when they were inducted, I knew I would be there.” From the moment Jann Wenner, Rolling Stone publisher, began to announce the names of the induction class in his introduction, the anticipation to those two words being spoken became almost too much for the crowd of 18,000+ to handle. When the time came, the crowd erupted into such a deafening roar that, for a long, wonderful moment, the show came to a halt. The band seemed overwhelmed by the response and the other members of industry looked around in awe as the crowd showed no signs of letting up. Chants of “Eddie!, Eddie!, Eddie!” filled the room as the Faithful opted to allow the show to continue, but really it was to save their voices for the main event. The wait had begun.
Flash forward through almost five phenomenal hours as the other deserving music legends of the Class of 2017 were enshrined into the Hall and which included tributes to the legendary Chuck Berry and the unequivocal Prince. "All of the sudden I was living in Seattle," recalls Eddie Vedder with a laugh. The crowd erupts. It’s 10:55pm and main event had begun. Footage depicting the bands devoted followers and unrivaled live shows scrolled across the screen leading to the appearance of former late night talk show host David Letterman who was there to induct the band. Letterman spoke of the band and his relationship with Eddie, but one particular sentence stands out above all. When speaking about the performances of the evening, Letterman was reminded of all the wonderful bands that graced his stage from his years on late night television, echoing one powerful message, “What a gift live music is. Never take that for granted.”
The band took the stage shortly after and each had their moment to address the crowd, even former drummer Dave Krusen, who joined the band on stage for the first time in decades. Each made heartfelt thanks to those who had helped the band all these many years, thanked the bands that helped shape them in their youth and beyond, and even thanked the “Jamily”, a nod to the millions of dedicated fans both in the building and around the world. Ed spoke of climate change and reminded us that life still existed outside these walls and we needed to continue to fight for the future of mankind, a powerfully sobering message, but a necessary one for sure.
With a thunderous applause, the band took its place, Dave Krusen behind the kit, and “Alive” rang out amongst the masses. The crowd gave Krusen his due as Matt Cameron rejoined to complete the performance. Vedder singled out Michael J. Fox and thanked him for including the song in his book before breaking into “Given to Fly”. The deafening vocals of the crowd continued as Eddie plucked the opening riff of “Better Man” (with "Save It for Later" tag for the diehards in the crowd) without introduction. A set list targeted to appeal to the casual fan and the diehard alike. The band closed with an All-Star performance of “Rockin’ in the Free World” with the other inductees, a perfect ending to a stellar evening. Shannon McGooey, who had come from Fort Worth, TX, told me despite all the chaos of getting to New York, “it was worth all the trouble to get to the greatest five hours of my life.”
25 years this road we traveled together and it leads us to this place. As I sit thinking about the accomplishment and longevity of this band, I am reminded of how special a road it’s been. On the train back from Barclays I had the opportunity to speak to Miles, a fan from New Jersey who said, “The night felt like one big family reunion, overflowing with warmth and pride that one of our own was taking their rightful place in the pantheon of musical legends.” Not many bands make it to the mountain top, many are still climbing, hoping to one day see their names on that wall, but today our boys are standing on top and they stood in front of the world and accepted their accolades with grace and appreciation. Vedder would say that they were, “lucky and grateful” to be accepting this award as he stood with his bandmates on stage glancing out at the sea of people and taking it all in. I am proud to have been part of this moment and I look forward to many more years of gratitude and love for this band from 2,800 miles away who are the catalyst in many of our lives. This chapter has now closed, what comes next is the beginning of our new journey….see you along the way.
Photo by Jason Wright
]]>Seattle-based rock band Thunderpussy will open both shows. The all-female group has garnered much attention since coming onto the scene in 2014 selling out numerous local shows…all without releasing any music. Their debut single, released by McCready’s HockeyTalkter Records, will be premiered at these shows.
TICKETS
General admission tickets are available for $30 in advance and $35 day of show. Visit http://bit.ly/FTM17C for tickets and more info.
VIP PREPARTY FUNDRAISERS
Concert attendees are invited to join fellow fans before the show at an exclusive VIP fundraiser party, hosted by the Wishlist Foundation, a grassroots Pearl Jam fan-run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic goals.
A variety of VIP auction packages are available through the Wishlist Foundation via eBay at http://ebay.com/usr/wishlistfoundation
FLIGHT TO MARS
Flight to Mars is a tribute band honoring 1970s English heavy rockers UFO comprised of Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, Tim DiJulio (guitar), Gary Westlake (bass), Mike Musburger (drums), Ryan Burns (keyboards) and Paul Passerelli (vocals).
With their first show in the spring of 2003, Flight to Mars' annual Seattle benefit concert has been a celebrated, sold-out, community event.
For more information: www.facebook.com/FlighttoMars
TOUR BENEFICIARIES
In 2002, Mike McCready made public his 20-year battle with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis and has since been committed to raising awareness and funding for the cause. Proceeds from the shows will benefit CCFA’s Camp Oasis and The Jennifer Jaff Care Line.
CCFA's Camp Oasis is a co-ed residential camp program that's mission is to enrich the lives of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by providing a safe and supportive camp community. For more information: www.ccfa.org/kidsteens/camp
The Jennifer Jaff Care Line was set up to assist patients diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The Care Line offers patient-focused services by insurance and healthcare experts at Patient Advocate Foundation. For more information: jenniferjaff.pafcareline.org.
WISHLIST FOUNDATION
The Wishlist Foundation is a Pearl Jam fan grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic efforts.
Since its inception in 2004, Wishlist Foundation has raised over one million dollars for charitable organizations in the arenas of health and chronic illness, environmental causes, arts and education and social change. A pioneer in fan-based viral activism and leader in the Pearl Jam fan community, Wishlist Foundation sponsored events have become the go-to destination for thousands of fans all across the globe to gather before Pearl Jam and other related concerts, forge new friendships, all while uniting behind causes important to both the fans and band.
Their ongoing mission is to utilize the collective ability of Pearl Jam fans around the globe to affect positive social and charitable change through community action. Together we can do so much more as a group than by each one of us acting individually. Their inspiration comes from the lyrics, music and outstanding philanthropic efforts of Seattle based rock legends and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Pearl Jam.
For more information, visit wishlistfoundation.myshopify.com
SPONSORS
Flight to Mars, HockeyTalkter Records and Wishlist Foundation would like to thank the following:
FLIGHT TO MARS VIP AUCTION PACKAGES
Platinum VIP Preparty + Upstream HockeyTalkter Stage Package
6:00 PM: Arrival
Platinum VIP attendees arrive early at the Showbox for an exclusive pre-concert party where they receive two laminate passes to the shows, catch the sound check while mingling with other fans, enjoy delicious appetizers, a cash bar, pick up their Goodie Bags and have a chance at meeting band members and crew – PLUS a photo opportunity with Mike McCready!
7:30 PM: Viewing Selection
VIP attendees get first choice location for the show before the general admission ticket holders enter.
Package Includes:
Gold VIP Preparty + Upstream HockeyTalkter Stage Package
6:00 PM: Arrival
Gold VIP attendees arrive early at the Showbox for an exclusive pre-concert party where they receive two laminate passes to the show, catch the sound check while mingling with other fans, enjoy delicious appetizers, a cash bar, pick up their Goodie Bags and have a chance at meeting band members and crew.
7:30 PM: Viewing Selection
VIP attendees get first choice location for the show before the general admission ticket holders enter.
Package Includes:
Silver VIP Early Boarding Pass Package
7:30-7:45 PM approximate. Arrival TBD.Silver VIP attendees arrive earlier at the Showbox where they will receive two laminate passes to the show, enjoy drink tickets, a cash bar, pick up their Goodie Bags and have a chance to select their viewing location for the show before the general admission ticket holders enter.
Package Includes:
Satellite VIP Package
Can’t make it to the show but wish you could? Here’s a chance to feel like you were there! The Satellite VIP winner will receive, by mail:
RULES & RESTRICTIONS
- Wishlist Foundation, HockeyTalkter Records and Ten Club, LLC reserve the right to deny VIP auction participation, VIP entry or item redemption to any individual for any reason at any time.
- Auction winners are not guaranteed to meet any members of any band.
- We will do our very best to accommodate all t-shirt sizes, but there are no sizing guarantees.
- There are no refunds or returns on your winning auction donation.
- All package items are auctioned in ‘as is’ condition.
- Auction winners must be 21 years or older to attend. Current valid ID is required to enter.
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]]>Close your eyes and picture the first time you heard Pearl Jam. For many of us this isn’t hard as that moment was the beginning of a beautiful journey through love, heartbreak, happiness and sorrow, along that dusty road we call life. The last 25 years have been filled with the soundtrack of a band that has helped to enhance the joys and suppress the lows and has brought together a legion of fans, the ‘Faithful’, to a sound that unified millions and lead them to this moment, the coronation of not only a band, but a moment in time that can never be duplicated, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
I struggled to find my identity early in life, spending my early teens in the 80’s listening to variety of different genres, finding punk rock to be the closest interpretation of my teenage angst. As I got older in my youth, that angst began to yearn for something more. Along came Grunge. I was working at Sam Goody’s in high school when Nirvana’s first album, Bleach, came into the store. I was 15 years old and completely blown away by what was coming out of the speakers. I needed to know more about this Grunge! Who is responsible and how can I worship at the altar of Grunge! I would spend the next several years discovering new bands to indulge my new obsession: Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Mother Love Bone, Screaming Trees and a band known as Pearl Jam. The wheels came to a screeching halt when I heard the opening riff of Once on Pearl Jam’s debut album Ten. It was a moment frozen in time, it was the moment the journey I was on finally had a destination.
I would spend much of my senior year of high school engrossed in the lyrics, the distinctive vocals and the enchanting melodies. I had spent time in the past dabbling with the guitar, but it was at this moment that I needed to play guitar, I needed to sing and I needed to be heard. I grew my hair long and yes I wore flannel but for all that was identifiable with a new movement, I self-identified as the real me for the first time. It was high school graduation and the world was unknown, friendships change, loves are grown and lost and life moves on, the music was my comfort zone and helped light the path.
My brother Joe and I were always close. Being 10 years apart, I believe he was put on this Earth early to find good music and teach me as I grew. I remember spinning records in his room while mom made dinner, listening to Bowie, Queen, Dylan, The Beatles, Zeppelin and the Stones. I firmly believe my life would have been different without these moments. Fast forward 17 years and the student becomes the teacher. I bought him a copy of Ten to listen to. We sat down in his living room and he opened the CD player and popped it in, the music began to play and I watched as his eyes widened, no words needed to be spoken. We would spend the next 15 years traveling to see the band, discussing the new albums and changing of drummers. He would get married and welcome two children into the world, we would watch as those children began their own journeys, learning to define themselves and discover life. We would cherish the moments we had, and then, without warning, he would leave this world too early. Camden 2006 would be our last show together.
The next few years would be difficult for the family and we would be at our lowest, but I was fortunate to have found an extended family in the Pearl Jam community. The bond between the band and its fans became more important to me as I learned to exist without my brother. I discovered the Wishlist Foundation, a fan-run nonprofit that raises money for important causes through events like pre-concert fundraisers and it opened up a new way for me to honor my brother. The members of Wishlist opened their hearts to my family and me in a way that I could never repay. This organization helped channel my need to honor my brother into action. Along with my great friend Dave Silver, we organized our own pre-party to raise money for Operation Yellow Ribbon and the Gift of Life Family House in memory of Joe before the final Spectrum shows in 2009. The events were therapeutic in a way and helped me turn my sadness into hope. I always look forward to those pre-concert gatherings, they have become an important part of my life and the ones before the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will no doubt feel like a homecoming.
I also found a willing concert partner in Joe’s son, my nephew, Joey. We continue to travel to see the band. I’ve carried on with new family and friends who were ready to pick me up, hold my hand and continue on my journey with me. Ten years since my brother has passed and those bonds built so long ago are stronger than ever.
It’s 2017 and we’ve reached a milestone for the band: the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction. I have to take a minute and replay the last 25 years in my head because it’s seems like only yesterday I put that CD on for the first time. 25 years and so many memories, so many friendships formed, so many loved ones lost (we love you, April). Quite the long road we’ve traveled together, fans and band, but we’re here. Not many fan bases get to relish in the accomplishments of their beloved band as we do. You can feel that, right? That’s pride pounding from your chest that the world finally “gets it”, not that you needed it. It’s not just a band that is being inducted; it’s a part of each and every one of our lives being encapsulated for all time. It’s seeing the ghosts of our past flash before our eyes and smiling at them all, the good and the bad, because they all brought us here, together, the Faithful and the band, to this, THE MOMENT.
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The Universe has a tendency to send odd pieces of rock n’ roll memorabilia my way. I’m not someone who clamors to meet famous people, and I’m really not a “collector” by any stretch, but once in a while I’m in the right place at the right time, and some of these items are just too good to be true. Like the lemon from Joey Ramone’s drink that I got in high school at my first Ramones show. Like the bottle of Jack Daniels that I swigged with Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian of the Damned. Like the bouquet of dead flowers (well, they were alive when I got them) that Jack White threw to me out of a window in NYC that have lived in that empty Jack Daniels bottle since that night. But, since none of those people are being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame this year, I would like to tell you about the only piece of Pearl Jam memorabilia that I own: a page out of Eddie Vedder’s notebook.
It’s always a pleasure to compare stories with other Pearl Jam fans about how they have acquired unique mementoes from live shows: Ed’s tambourine, Mike’s pick, Jeff’s wristband, for example. These things are almost like badges of honor for fans of this band; something tangible to re-affirm and re-live the incomparable feeling of cathartic euphoria one walks away with from experiencing a Pearl Jam concert.
Cincinnati 2014 was the opening night of that fall tour. I had been ridiculously into the song “Parachutes” for months before that show. It’s just such a quirky, sweet, interesting song. When people would ask me “What song do you hope they play tonight?” I’d say, “Parachutes!” I think they have only played it around 20 times, and they hadn’t played it in years. Until that night.
I heard the opening notes of that song and I was STOKED! I couldn’t believe it. Since they hardly ever played that song, Ed had to look at a cheat sheet he pulled out of his notebook. When he was done with what turned out to be page 1 of 2, he crumpled it up and tossed it to someone in the front row on the rail. I distinctly remember thinking, “Wow, whoever got that piece of paper is so lucky.” He had a 2nd cheat sheet, too, which he also threw out at the end (if you are reading this and you have that 2nd page, let’s talk).
The next day word around the campfire was that a friend of mine, Brian Ruschman, was the one who Ed had tossed that lyric sheet to. I saw Brian at the next show in St. Louis and he confirmed that yes, he had it. I was so happy that someone I knew had it!
Brian shared an image of the lyric sheet, the lyrics were printed out and at the bottom of the paper was the next line of the song, a cue as to what was on the next paper, scrawled in red Sharpie: “I would’ve fallen.” I immediately contacted him to ask if I could get a hi-resolution image of that handwritten line so I could get it as a tattoo. “Sure!” He said.
A week or two later when Brian and I were chatting, he told me he wanted to give me the “Parachutes” lyrics. My response was, “No, I couldn’t; you earned that!” He was first in line the night before, a Rail Warrior. That was his reward. But he insisted. So, Ed threw Brian those lyrics on October 1st and on October 31st I had it in my hot little hands. It was not lost on me that in that moment, hundreds of miles away and a month later, I turned out to be the person who "was so lucky" to get that piece of paper.
I have stated that I will never part with this item unless the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum wants it for an exhibit. Specks of Ed’s blood from his hands are on the back of this paper. It smells like cigarettes and man. I mean, it's a righteous piece of rock n’ roll.
And yes, I got the tattoo and it looks awesome. Brian asked me when I saw him last if I had the lyric sheet framed and hung up or on the mantle or something. And the answer is no. I have it as the cover of my favorite ukulele songbook, because if it wasn’t for Ukulele Songs and the way Ed shows those 4 strings who’s boss, I wouldn’t have fallen back into Pearl Jam in the first place. Seeing it there is a reminder of what I felt in that happy moment I saw it live; almost a jolt back in time to that joyful experience.
Congrats to Pearl Jam on their induction into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. I will be there, toasting you guys for being the real deal for your entire career. Thanks for providing us with so much: from deeply meaningful music to travel and adventure, to friendships to lovelorn 90’s mix tape fodder, to smoky, bloody pieces of paper to playing Ten in its entirety in Philly last year, which was probably the most powerful live experience of my life. We love you. Here’s to 25 more years!
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For Anthony, going to see Pearl Jam isn't just about seeing the band anymore - it's about the life long friends and family he's made over the years. He loves planning a trip to know he'll see certain people in different parts of the country.
One of Anthony's favorite experiences at a Pearl Jam show was singing the chorus to Breath with Eddie and then taking a selfie with him.
We look forward to seeing what Anthony has in store for the Flat Stickman Project!