Pearl Jam, formed in Seattle in 1990, is an iconic American rock band known for their influence on 1990s music. The band's core members include Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, and Matt Cameron, with Boom Gaspar as a frequent collaborator. They've had a rotating cast of drummers, including notable names like Jack Irons and Dave Krusen. Pearl Jam's enduring popularity and impact solidify their place as a leading force in the American rock scene.
1987: Formation of Mother Love Bone
Gossard and Ament formed the band Mother Love Bone with vocalist Andrew Wood in late 1987.
1987: Green River Disbands
Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament's band Green River disbanded in 1987 due to creative differences.
1988: Mother Love Bone Begins Touring and Gaining Recognition
Throughout 1988, Mother Love Bone actively toured and started to garner increasing attention and a growing fanbase.
1989: Mother Love Bone Signs with PolyGram
Mother Love Bone's rising success led to them signing a record deal with PolyGram in early 1989.
July 1990: Release of Mother Love Bone's Debut Album and Andrew Wood's Death
Mother Love Bone, Gossard and Ament's next band with Andrew Wood, released their debut album "Apple" in July 1990. Sadly, Wood died of a heroin overdose just four months later.
October 22, 1990: First Official Show as Mookie Blaylock
The band, under the name Mookie Blaylock, played their first official show at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle on October 22, 1990.
December 22, 1990: Opening for Alice in Chains
On December 22, 1990, Mookie Blaylock opened for Alice in Chains at the Moore Theatre in Seattle.
1990: Formation of Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam, an American rock band, was formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990.
March 1991: Recording of "Ten" Begins
Pearl Jam began recording their debut album, "Ten", at London Bridge Studios in Seattle in March 1991.
May 1991: Dave Krusen Leaves, Matt Chamberlain and Dave Abbruzzese Join
Drummer Dave Krusen left Pearl Jam in May 1991, and was briefly replaced by Matt Chamberlain, who was then replaced by Dave Abbruzzese.
August 27, 1991: Release of "Ten"
Pearl Jam released their debut album, "Ten", on August 27, 1991.
1991: Beginning of Pearl Jam's Career with Epic Records
In 1991, Pearl Jam's journey with Epic Records commenced, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership that spanned over a decade.
1991: Signing with Epic Records and Name Change to Pearl Jam
Mookie Blaylock signed with Epic Records in 1991 and changed their name to Pearl Jam.
1991: Release of Debut Album "Ten"
Pearl Jam released their debut album, "Ten", in 1991, which achieved major commercial success and became one of the highest-selling rock records ever.
1991: Pearl Jam's Debut Album "Ten"
Pearl Jam released their debut album, "Ten," in 1991.
September 20, 1992: Magnuson Park Concert
On September 20, 1992, Pearl Jam held a concert at Magnuson Park in Seattle. This performance was later included as an LP in the 2009 reissue of their album "Ten".
1992: Pearl Jam Supports Abortion Rights
Pearl Jam, particularly Eddie Vedder, actively championed abortion rights. Vedder articulated his stance in a Spin article titled "Reclamation" and made a statement during an MTV Unplugged concert, writing "PRO-CHOICE!" on his arm during the song "Porch." The band's commitment extended to their membership in organizations like Choice USA and Voters for Choice.
1992: Pearl Jam's MTV Unplugged Performance Earns Acclaim
Pearl Jam's 1992 MTV Unplugged performance earned significant recognition, securing the second spot on Rolling Stone's list of its 15 Best Episodes.
1992: Pearl Jam's Last Music Video
In 1992, Pearl Jam released their last music video until "Do the Evolution" in 1998.
1992: "Ten" Achieves Breakthrough Success
Pearl Jam's debut album "Ten" gradually gained traction and, by the latter half of 1992, became a breakthrough success, achieving gold certification and reaching the number two spot on the Billboard charts.
1992: Television Appearances and Lollapalooza
Pearl Jam made appearances on Saturday Night Live and MTV Unplugged, and participated in the Lollapalooza tour in 1992.
October 19, 1993: Release of Vs. and Commercial Scaling Back
On October 19, 1993, Pearl Jam released their second album, Vs., which sold a record-breaking 950,378 copies in its first week. The album, featuring singles like "Go" and "Daughter," surpassed all other Billboard top ten entries combined that week. Following this success, the band decided to scale back their commercial efforts, declining music videos and limiting interviews and TV appearances.
1993: Pearl Jam's Success and Refusal of MTV Awards
In 1993, Pearl Jam achieved significant success, but felt uncomfortable with the weight of their popularity, especially frontman Eddie Vedder. Despite winning four awards at the MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year for "Jeremy," the band refused to make a video for "Black." They believed music videos hindered listeners from forming their own interpretations, a trend they continued in future releases.
1993: Release of Second Album "Vs."
Pearl Jam released their second album, "Vs.", in 1993, which set a record for the most copies of an album sold in its first week of release.
June 30, 1994: Pearl Jam Testifies Before Congress Against Ticketmaster
On June 30, 1994, Pearl Jam members Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament testified before a Congressional subcommittee, alleging Ticketmaster's anti-competitive and monopolistic practices. The band's testimony, prompted by their outrage over inflated service charges at their Chicago charity shows, led to Congressman Dingell proposing a bill for greater ticket pricing transparency. Despite the Justice Department dropping the case, Pearl Jam continued boycotting Ticketmaster, refusing to play at venues with Ticketmaster contracts.
November 21, 1994: Vitalogy Released on Vinyl
Pearl Jam's album "Vitalogy" was first released on vinyl on November 21, 1994.
December 6, 1994: Vitalogy CD and Cassette Release
On December 6, 1994, two weeks after its vinyl release, Pearl Jam released "Vitalogy" on CD and cassette. The album, recorded during breaks from touring for "Vs.," became the second-fastest-selling in history, selling over 877,000 units in its first week.
1994: Pearl Jam's Battle with Ticketmaster
In 1994, Pearl Jam engaged in a public battle with Ticketmaster, accusing the ticket vendor of monopolistic practices and price gouging. The band's commitment to keeping concert ticket prices affordable clashed with Ticketmaster's added service charges. Their efforts to organize a tour without Ticketmaster failed, highlighting the company's control over major venues.
1994: Vitalogy Release
In 1994, Pearl Jam released their third studio album, "Vitalogy," which marked a departure from their earlier sound with the incorporation of more punk influences. The album showcased a rawer and more experimental side to the band's music, featuring unique tracks such as "Bugs," "Aye Davanita," and "Stupid Mop."
1994: Release of Third Album "Vitalogy"
Pearl Jam's third album, "Vitalogy," was released in 1994 and became the second-fastest-selling CD in history at that time.
1994: Internal Tensions and Abbruzzese's Firing
Throughout 1994, Pearl Jam faced growing internal tensions, particularly during the recording of their album "Vitalogy." Drummer Dave Abbruzzese was fired due to political differences, including his stance against the Ticketmaster boycott.
1994: Kurt Cobain's Criticism and Reconciliation
Pearl Jam faced criticism from Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, who accused them of being sellouts. However, they later reconciled before Cobain's death in 1994.
1995: Jack Irons Joins Pearl Jam
In 1995, Jack Irons, who had introduced Eddie Vedder to the band, officially replaced Dave Abbruzzese as Pearl Jam's drummer. He debuted with the band at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit in 1994 but wasn't officially announced until the band's 1995 "Self-Pollution" satellite radio broadcast.
1995: Pearl Jam Boycotts Ticketmaster
In 1995, Pearl Jam continued their boycott against Ticketmaster during their tour for "Vitalogy." This decision, while principled, limited their US performances for the next three years. The band also collaborated with Neil Young on his album "Mirror Ball" that year.
1996: Release of "No Code"
Pearl Jam released their album "No Code" in 1996. It was their last album to reach number one on the Billboard music charts until the release of "Backspacer" in 2009.
1996: "Spin the Black Circle" Wins Grammy Award
Pearl Jam's song "Spin the Black Circle," a tribute to vinyl records from their album "Vitalogy," won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1996.
1996: Release of "No Code" and Chart Success of "Who You Are"
In 1996, Pearl Jam released their fourth studio album, "No Code." The album's lead single, "Who You Are," achieved significant chart success, topping the Billboard Modern Rock chart.
1996: Pearl Jam Releases "No Code"
Pearl Jam released their fourth studio album, "No Code," in 1996. The album marked a departure from their previous sound, incorporating experimental elements and introspective lyrics. Despite debuting at number one, it quickly dropped down the charts. The band's ongoing Ticketmaster boycott continued to limit their touring capacity.
1996: No Code Release
Continuing their exploration of new sonic territories, Pearl Jam released "No Code" in 1996. This album marked a deliberate break from the musical style of their previous releases, incorporating elements of garage rock, worldbeat, and experimentalism.
1997: Pearl Jam Records "Yield"
In 1997, Pearl Jam returned to the studio to record their fifth studio album, "Yield." The album marked a collaborative effort, with each member contributing significantly to the songwriting process.
February 3, 1998: Pearl Jam Releases "Yield"
On February 3, 1998, Pearl Jam released "Yield," their fifth studio album. The album was seen as a return to the band's earlier rock sound.
April 1998: Matt Cameron Joins Pearl Jam
In April 1998, drummer Jack Irons left Pearl Jam due to his dissatisfaction with touring. Matt Cameron, formerly of Soundgarden, stepped in as a temporary replacement, eventually becoming a permanent member.
1998: Garth Brooks Breaks Pearl Jam's Record
In 1998, Garth Brooks' album "Double Live" broke Pearl Jam's 1993 record for the most copies of an album sold in the first week of release, previously held by their album "Vs."
1998: "Live on Two Legs" Tour and Album
In 1998, Pearl Jam embarked on a North American tour, recordings from which were later released as the live album "Live on Two Legs".
1998: Chart Success of "Given to Fly"
In 1998, Pearl Jam's single "Given to Fly" from their fifth studio album, "Yield," reached the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, solidifying their presence in the rock music scene.
1998: Matt Cameron Joins Pearl Jam
Matt Cameron joined Pearl Jam as the drummer in 1998.
1998: Yield Release
Pearl Jam's fifth studio album, "Yield," emerged in 1998, signaling a return to the straightforward rock approach that characterized their earlier work. The album's sound resonated with fans and critics alike.
1999: Pearl Jam Starts Work on "Binaural"
Toward the end of 1999, Pearl Jam began working on their sixth studio album, "Binaural."
May 16, 2000: Pearl Jam Releases "Binaural"
Pearl Jam released their sixth studio album, "Binaural," on May 16, 2000. The album marked drummer Matt Cameron's first studio appearance with the band and introduced a shift in production, with Tchad Blake taking over from Brendan O'Brien. Notably, "Binaural" was the first Pearl Jam studio album not to achieve platinum status.
June 2000: Roskilde Festival Tragedy
In June 2000, a tragic incident occurred at the Roskilde Festival, deeply affecting Pearl Jam. The band's subsequent music and outlook reflected the impact of this event.
October 22, 2000: Pearl Jam's 10th Anniversary Concert
On October 22, 2000, Pearl Jam celebrated the 10th anniversary of their first live performance with a concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Eddie Vedder expressed gratitude to those who helped the band reach this milestone, emphasizing his preference for genuine experiences over awards like Grammys.
2000: Kille Knobel Joins Touring Crew
In 2000, Kille Knobel joined Pearl Jam's touring crew as an operator and programmer for their lighting, eventually becoming their longtime touring lighting designer.
2000: Pearl Jam Releases Live Albums
In 2000, Pearl Jam made the decision to professionally record every concert of their "Binaural" tour, aiming to provide fans with affordable, high-quality recordings of their shows. This initiative resulted in a record-breaking release of 72 live albums between 2000 and 2001.
2000: Roskilde Festival Tragedy
Tragedy struck Pearl Jam's 2000 European tour on June 30th during their performance at Denmark's Roskilde Festival. Nine fans lost their lives in a crowd surge. The band, deeply affected by the incident, canceled their remaining tour dates and even considered disbanding.
2000: Vedder Supports Ralph Nader's Candidacy
Eddie Vedder expressed his support for Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader in the 2000 election.
2000: Eddie Vedder Discusses Pearl Jam's Legacy
In a 2000 interview, Eddie Vedder shared his thoughts on the band's desire to inspire their fans, acknowledging the influence music had on their own lives. He highlighted the challenge of maintaining their artistic growth amidst immense success.
2000: Binaural Release
Pearl Jam's experimentation continued with the release of "Binaural" in 2000. The album showcased the band's exploration of experimental art rock, pushing their musical boundaries once again.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced a series of terrorist attacks, profoundly impacting the nation.
September 21, 2001: America: A Tribute to Heroes Benefit Concert
On September 21, 2001, Eddie Vedder and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, along with Neil Young, performed "Long Road" at the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit concert, raising funds for victims and families affected by the September 11 attacks.
2001: Pearl Jam Breaks Billboard Record
In 2001, Pearl Jam set a record for the most albums to debut on the Billboard 200 simultaneously, a testament to their extensive live album releases.
2001: Spin Magazine Recognition
In 2001, music publication Spin praised Pearl Jam for their authenticity and principles, acknowledging their evolution from a band initially labeled as "synthetic grunge" to a group recognized as one of the most "organic and principled rock bands" in existence.
2001: Pearl Jam Headlines Benefit Concert for World Hunger
Demonstrating their commitment to social causes, Pearl Jam headlined a concert in Seattle in 2001 to support the United Nations' efforts to combat world hunger.
November 12, 2002: Release of Riot Act
On November 12, 2002, Pearl Jam released their sixth studio album, "Riot Act," marking a shift towards a more folk-influenced and experimental sound. The album addresses themes of mortality and reflects the band's experiences, including the Roskilde tragedy.
2002: Riot Act Release
In 2002, Pearl Jam released "Riot Act," an album that incorporated elements of folk rock, adding another dimension to their diverse musical palette.
2002: Boom Gaspar Joins as Touring/Session Member
Keyboardist Boom Gaspar started touring and recording with Pearl Jam as a session member in 2002.
June 2003: Departure from Epic Records and "Man of the Hour" Release
In June 2003, Pearl Jam announced their departure from Epic Records after fulfilling their contract. The band's first independent release was the single "Man of the Hour," created for Tim Burton's film "Big Fish." The song's heartfelt themes and critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination, marked a significant moment in Pearl Jam's career.
July 8, 2003: Live at Madison Square Garden Performance
On July 8, 2003, Pearl Jam delivered a memorable performance at Madison Square Garden, later released as a live DVD, capturing the energy and connection of the band's live shows.
November 2003: Release of Lost Dogs and Live at the Garden
In November 2003, Pearl Jam released "Lost Dogs," a double album of B-sides and rarities, along with "Live at the Garden," a concert film of their Madison Square Garden performance. These releases provided fans with a deeper dive into the band's discography and live prowess.
2003: Riot Act Tour and "Arc" Performances
During their 2003 tour in support of "Riot Act," Pearl Jam performed the poignant track "Arc" a limited number of times as a tribute to the victims of the Roskilde Festival tragedy. The song, a vocal expression of grief and remembrance, was not included on any official bootlegs, adding to its significance.
2003: Start of World Tours Featured on "Live on Ten Legs"
Pearl Jam embarked on a series of world tours in 2003. Live recordings from these tours, spanning from 2003 to 2010, were later compiled for their live album "Live on Ten Legs".
2003: Riot Act Tour and Political Commentary
Pearl Jam embarked on their Riot Act Tour in 2003, featuring performances in Australia and North America. During the tour, Eddie Vedder's use of a George W. Bush mask during the song "Bu$hleaguer" sparked controversy, highlighting the band's outspoken political stance.
October 2004: Pearl Jam Participates in Vote for Change Tour
Pearl Jam actively participated in the Vote for Change tour in October 2004 to support John Kerry's presidential campaign. Vedder's statement in Rolling Stone emphasized the urgency of the situation, prompting their involvement despite his past support for Ralph Nader in 2000.
2004: Release of Live at Benaroya Hall, "Yellow Ledbetter" Licensing, and rearviewmirror
2004 marked several milestones for Pearl Jam. They released the live album "Live at Benaroya Hall" and achieved a first by licensing their song "Yellow Ledbetter" for the finale of the TV show "Friends." Additionally, Epic Records released "rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003)," commemorating the band's successful tenure with the label.
2004: Vote for Change Tour
Pearl Jam participated in the Vote for Change tour in 2004, using their platform to encourage civic engagement and inspire positive change.
April 2005: Live at Easy Street Recording
In April 2005, Pearl Jam's performance at Easy Street Records in Seattle was recorded, later released as the exclusive live album "Live at Easy Street." This intimate recording showcased the band's raw energy and connection with their hometown audience.
September 2005: Canadian Tour and Support for Jon Tester
Pearl Jam embarked on a cross-Canada tour in September 2005, demonstrating their support for political causes with a fundraising concert for Democratic politician Jon Tester. The tour also included notable performances at The Gorge Amphitheatre and as an opening act for The Rolling Stones.
October 5, 2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Concert
On October 5, 2005, Pearl Jam showed their support for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts with a benefit concert at the House of Blues in Chicago, using their platform to make a positive impact.
November 22, 2005: Pearl Jam's First Latin American Tour
November 22, 2005, marked the beginning of Pearl Jam's inaugural Latin American tour, expanding their global reach and connecting with fans in new territories.
2005: USA Today Readers' Poll
Pearl Jam's enduring popularity and influence were evident in 2005 when they were voted the greatest American rock band of all time in a readers' poll conducted by USA Today. The poll underscored the band's profound impact on the American rock music landscape.
2005: Writing and Recording "Pearl Jam"
Throughout 2005, Pearl Jam dedicated their time to writing and recording their self-titled album. The band focused on capturing a sense of immediacy and live energy in the studio.
2005: Pearl Jam Supports Hurricane Katrina Relief
In 2005, Pearl Jam added a performance at the Chicago House of Blues to their tour schedule to contribute to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, with proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and the Jazz Foundation of America.
April 2006: Esquire's Esky Music Awards
In April 2006, Pearl Jam's electrifying live performances earned them the prestigious "Best Live Act" award at Esquire's Esky Music Awards. The accolade highlighted the band's reputation for delivering powerful and unforgettable shows, solidifying their status as one of the most captivating live acts in rock music.
May 2, 2006: Release of "Pearl Jam"
On May 2, 2006, Pearl Jam released their self-titled eighth studio album, marking their debut on J Records. The album garnered critical acclaim for its raw energy and return to the band's earlier sound, reflecting their growth and evolution.
June 2006: Release of Live at Easy Street
June 2006 saw the release of Pearl Jam's "Live at Easy Street," a limited-edition live album recorded at the independent record store in Seattle. The album's exclusivity added to its appeal among fans.
2006: Pearl Jam Establishes Vitalogy Foundation
Inspired by their third studio album, Pearl Jam established the Vitalogy Foundation in 2006. This non-profit organization focuses on supporting other non-profits working in community health, environment, arts, education, and social change, reflecting the band's commitment to social responsibility.
2006: Pearl Jam's 2006 World Tour and Return to Festivals
Pearl Jam embarked on a world tour in 2006, marking their return to Europe after a six-year hiatus. Notably, they headlined the Leeds and Reading festivals, overcoming their previous reluctance to perform at festivals after the Roskilde tragedy. Eddie Vedder's emotional pleas for unity and safety at these events underscored the band's growth and the importance of their connection with fans.
2006: Self-Titled Album Release
Pearl Jam's 2006 self-titled album was widely regarded as a return to their earlier, raw sound. The album's release was met with positive reception from fans and critics, reaffirming the band's enduring appeal.
2006: Rolling Stone Describes Pearl Jam's Relationship with Fame
In 2006, Rolling Stone magazine published an article describing how Pearl Jam had spent much of the previous decade intentionally dismantling their own fame.
2006: Vedder Admits to Fabricating the Origin Story of the Band's Name
In 2006, Eddie Vedder admitted in a Rolling Stone interview that the story behind the name "Pearl Jam" was fabricated.
2006: Evolving Guitar Dynamics
By 2006, the guitar dynamics within Pearl Jam had evolved. Despite having three guitarists, the band found more space within their music, with each guitarist exploring different sonic textures and approaches. Stone Gossard would often strip back to two-note lines, while Ed Vedder added power chords, and Mike McCready navigated the space between.
2006: Vedder Reveals the True Meaning of "Alive"
Eddie Vedder revealed the true meaning behind the song "Alive" during a VH1 Storytellers appearance in 2006, explaining that it was a semi-autobiographical story.
June 2007: Release of "Live at the Gorge 05/06"
In June 2007, Pearl Jam released a CD box set titled "Live at the Gorge 05/06", documenting their performances at The Gorge Amphitheatre.
August 5, 2007: Lollapalooza Performance
On August 5, 2007, Pearl Jam headlined the Lollapalooza music festival in Grant Park, Chicago.
September 2007: Release of "Immagine in Cornice"
Pearl Jam released a concert DVD titled "Immagine in Cornice" in September 2007, showcasing their Italian shows from the 2006 tour.
2007: Pearl Jam's Activism at Lollapalooza 2007
During their Lollapalooza 2007 performance, Pearl Jam, and Vedder in particular, used their platform to criticize BP Amoco's environmental practices, condemn the Bush administration's foreign policy, and advocate for ending the Iraq War. They brought attention to these issues through song lyrics and by inviting Iraq War veteran Tomas Young and musician Ben Harper on stage. The band's criticism of the Bush administration led to censorship in the AT&T webcast of the event, prompting an apology from AT&T.
July 2008: VH1 Tribute to the Who
In July 2008, Pearl Jam participated in the VH1 tribute to the Who, alongside Foo Fighters, Incubus, and the Flaming Lips.
2008: Beginning Work on "Backspacer"
Pearl Jam commenced working on their album "Backspacer", the follow-up to their self-titled album, in early 2008.
March 2009: Reissue of "Ten"
Pearl Jam reissued their debut album, "Ten", in March 2009. This reissue came in four editions, including a remaster, a remix by Brendan O'Brien, a DVD of their 1992 MTV Unplugged performance, and an LP of their Magnuson Park concert from September 20, 1992.
August 2009: Festival Appearances
Pearl Jam had a busy August in 2009, headlining both the Virgin Festival and the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. They also performed five shows in Europe and three in North America.
September 2009: Interview about "Backspacer" Outtakes
In September 2009, Mike McCready, the guitarist for Pearl Jam, revealed in an interview that the band planned to finish working on the outtakes from their album "Backspacer" within six months. He hinted at the possibility of an EP release in 2010 containing these songs.
October 2009: Austin City Limits and Philadelphia Spectrum Performances
In October 2009, Pearl Jam headlined the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Later that month, on Halloween night, they gave a performance at the Philadelphia Spectrum, marking the last-ever concert at the venue.
2009: Backspacer Release
Pearl Jam's ninth studio album, "Backspacer," was released in 2009. The album incorporated elements of pop and new wave, showcasing the band's continued evolution and willingness to embrace different musical influences.
May 2010: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and North American Tour
Pearl Jam kicked off a month-long North American tour in May 2010, starting with a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
May 21, 2010: Madison Square Garden Performance
On May 21, 2010, Pearl Jam concluded their month-long North American tour with a performance at Madison Square Garden in New York.
July 2010: First Performance in Northern Ireland
Pearl Jam performed in Northern Ireland for the first time in July 2010, taking the stage at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast as part of their European tour.
October 2010: Bridge School Benefit Concert
Pearl Jam participated in the 24th Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert in late October 2010. The concert was held at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.
January 17, 2011: Release of "Live on Ten Legs"
Pearl Jam released a live album titled "Live on Ten Legs" on January 17, 2011. The album features a compilation of live recordings from their world tours between 2003 and 2010, serving as a follow-up to their 1998 live album, "Live on Two Legs".
March 2011: Recording Plans for New Album
In March 2011, bassist Jeff Ament revealed in a Billboard interview that Pearl Jam had 25 songs ready and planned to enter the studio in April to begin recording their next album, following "Backspacer".
May 16, 2011: Confirmation of Labor Day Weekend Show and Canadian Tour
Pearl Jam confirmed on May 16, 2011, that they would be performing at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin, over Labor Day weekend. This announcement was followed by the confirmation of a ten-show Canadian tour.
September 8, 2011: Release of "Olé"
Pearl Jam released a new song titled "Olé" on September 8, 2011.
November 21, 2011: First Performance in Costa Rica
On November 21, 2011, as part of their PJ20 World Tour, Pearl Jam performed in Costa Rica for the first time. The concert took place at the National Stadium in front of a crowd of 30,000 fans.
2011: 20th Anniversary and Reissues
Pearl Jam celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2011. This milestone was marked by deluxe reissues of their albums "Vs." and "Vitalogy". Additionally, a retrospective film directed by Cameron Crowe, titled "Pearl Jam Twenty", was released to commemorate the occasion.
2011: Pearl Jam Recognized for Environmental Activism
Pearl Jam was honored as 2011 Planet Defenders by Rock the Earth. This recognition highlighted the band's significant efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and their dedication to environmental activism.
June 2012: European Tour
Pearl Jam embarked on a European tour in June 2012.
2012: Pearl Jam Supports Jon Tester's Re-election Campaign
Pearl Jam performed in Missoula, Montana, during their 2012 tour to show their support for Senator Jon Tester's re-election campaign.
2012: Pearl Jam's U.S. Album Sales Reach 32 Million
Pearl Jam had sold nearly 32 million albums in the United States by 2012.
July 11, 2013: Announcement of "Lightning Bolt"
Pearl Jam announced their tenth studio album, "Lightning Bolt", on July 11, 2013. They also released the album's first single, "Mind Your Manners".
July 2013: Sales Milestone for "Backspacer"
By July 2013, Pearl Jam's album "Backspacer", released in 2009, had sold 635,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
September 18, 2013: Release of "Sirens"
Pearl Jam released "Sirens", the second single from "Lightning Bolt", on September 18, 2013.
October 14, 2013: International Release of "Lightning Bolt"
"Lightning Bolt" was released internationally on October 14, 2013.
2014: Big Day Out Festival Performances
Pearl Jam headlined the final Big Day Out festival in Australia and New Zealand in 2014.
February 2015: Grammy Award Win for "Lightning Bolt"
"Lightning Bolt" won the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2015.
November 2015: Latin American Tour
Pearl Jam embarked on a nine-date tour of Latin America in November 2015.
January 2016: North American Tour Announcement
Pearl Jam announced a tour of the United States and Canada in January 2016. The tour included appearances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and Bonnaroo.
April 2017: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Pearl Jam was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2017. Comedian David Letterman inducted the band at the ceremony.
August 2017: Release of "Let's Play Two"
Pearl Jam released the live album and concert film "Let's Play Two" in August 2017. This release captured the band's performances at Wrigley Field in Chicago from the previous year.
2017: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Pearl Jam was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, their first year of eligibility.
March 2018: South American Tour and Lollapalooza Performances
Pearl Jam kicked off a 2018 tour with performances in South America in March 2018. This leg of the tour included performances at the Lollapalooza festivals in Brazil and Chile.
2018: Pearl Jam's Global Album Sales Exceed 85 Million
By 2018, Pearl Jam had sold over 85 million albums worldwide, solidifying their status as one of the best-selling bands of all time.
2018: Pearl Jam Supports Jon Tester's Re-election Campaign
Pearl Jam continued their support for Senator Jon Tester by performing in Missoula, Montana during their 2018 tour to aid his re-election campaign.
December 2019: European Tour Confirmation
Pearl Jam confirmed their highly anticipated European tour in December 2019, set to take place in the summer of 2020.
January 13, 2020: Gigaton Album Announced
On January 13, 2020, Pearl Jam delighted fans by revealing their eleventh studio album, "Gigaton," would be released later that year on March 27th.
March 27, 2020: Gigaton Release
Pearl Jam's highly anticipated eleventh studio album, "Gigaton," hit the shelves and digital platforms on March 27, 2020.
April 2020: North American Tour Announced
Alongside the "Gigaton" album release, Pearl Jam announced tour dates for North America in March and April 2020.
September 2020: MTV Unplugged Release Announcement
In September 2020, Pearl Jam announced that their iconic "MTV Unplugged" live set would be released for the first time on vinyl and CD the following month.
May 2021: Deep Digital Collection Release
In May 2021, Pearl Jam unveiled "Deep," a comprehensive digital collection encompassing nearly 200 concerts recorded between 2000 and 2013. This treasure trove of 5,404 individual songs was made available exclusively to members of the Pearl Jam Ten Club.
September 18, 2021: Return to Live Performance
On September 18, 2021, Pearl Jam marked their return to the stage after a hiatus since 2018 with a captivating performance at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Notably, this show marked the debut of former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer as a touring member of the band.
May 2022: Rescheduled Tour and Cameron's Absence
Pearl Jam embarked on their long-awaited tour in May 2022, rescheduling shows initially planned for 2020. However, the tour faced an unexpected setback when drummer Matt Cameron had to step aside after testing positive for COVID-19, marking his first absence from shows in 24 years since joining the band. Josh Klinghoffer and Richard Stuverud stepped in to fill Cameron's shoes during his absence.
April 2023: Gigaton Tour Continues
In April 2023, Pearl Jam announced a fourth leg of their extensive "Gigaton Tour," focusing primarily on the Midwestern United States.
September 2023: Noblesville Show Postponement
Pearl Jam faced another setback in September 2023 when their scheduled performance in Noblesville, Indiana, had to be postponed due to illness within the band.
April 19, 2024: Dark Matter Album Release and Tour Announcement
Pearl Jam unveiled their twelfth studio album, "Dark Matter," at a private Troubadour playback in Los Angeles. Produced by Andrew Watt, the album, featuring distinctive light painting art by Alexandr Gnezdilov on its packaging, was met with critical acclaim upon its release on April 19, 2024. The announcement coincided with the release of the title track as the lead single, and the album's arrival preceded a highly anticipated 2024 world tour.
2024: Pearl Jam Supports Jon Tester's Re-election Campaign
Pearl Jam again demonstrated their support for Senator Jon Tester by performing in Missoula, Montana, as part of their 2024 tour to bolster his re-election bid.