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Dark Matter by Pearl Jam is out!

Eddie Vedder

Dark Matter is the latest album by Pearl Jam, their twelfth one to be exact. It came out just today, on April 19, 2024.

While individual songwriting credits haven’t been revealed yet, we can glean some insights into Dark Matter’s creation process.

The news surrounding the album highlights the band’s collaborative spirit. They retreated to a studio in Malibu and focused on jamming together, with producer Andrew Watt at the helm. This approach suggests a strong emphasis on collective energy and interplay, where each member’s contributions would be woven into the final product.

On the touring front, Pearl Jam is currently on the road for their Dark Matter World Tour. The tour kicked off today and spans across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. They’ll be playing a mix of arenas and outdoor venues, with special guests varying depending on the leg of the tour.

For die-hard fans, this tour promises a chance to experience the new material live alongside Pearl Jam’s extensive catalog of classics.

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Members

Eddie Vedder scheduled to perform for the Teenage Cancer Trust

Eddie Vedder is scheduled to perform on Sunday, 24th at a charity event organized by the Teenage Cancer Trust, in the UK, where he performed with The Who a few days ago.

This organization works to improve the lives of young people facing cancer. Vedder’s participation in this event highlights his commitment to charitable causes. He has a history of supporting various charities throughout his career, and his involvement brings star power and public attention to the Teenage Cancer Trust’s important work.

While specific details about Vedder’s set or what songs he might perform remain unknown, his presence at the event signifies his dedication to supporting this worthy cause.

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Members

Who did a surprise Performance with The Who? Yes, Eddie Vedder

On March 20th, 2024, Eddie Vedder, the iconic frontman of Pearl Jam, surprised audiences in London by joining legendary rock band The Who onstage.

This unexpected collaboration saw Vedder lending his vocals to a performance of “Quadrophenia,” a classic track from The Who’s 1973 rock opera of the same name. While details are scarce about how this collaboration came about, it certainly generated excitement for fans of both bands.

Videos of the performance have been circulating online, showcasing Vedder seamlessly integrating his powerful voice with The Who’s signature sound. This surprise appearance has fueled speculation about potential future collaborations or even a one-off concert featuring both bands.

Eddie Vedder has declared in many occasions that The Who is one of his all-time favorite bands, so he would probably enjoy that.

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Members

Andrew Wood bronze statue at the MoPop in Seattle

Nestled within the vibrant city of Seattle, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) stands as a testament to the artistic and musical heritage that has shaped the Pacific Northwest. Among its treasured exhibits and memorabilia, one particular attraction captivates the hearts of music enthusiasts and fans alike—the magnificent bronze statue of the iconic musician, Andrew Wood. Serving as a poignant reminder of Wood’s profound influence on the grunge movement, the statue immortalizes his spirit, talent, and lasting impact on the world of music.

Andrew Wood, best known as the charismatic frontman of Mother Love Bone, left an indelible mark on the music scene in the late 1980s. Known for his magnetic stage presence and distinctive vocal style, Wood’s music resonated deeply with fans and helped define the burgeoning grunge genre. Sadly, his promising career was cut tragically short due to his untimely death in 1990, leaving a void in the music world that still echoes today.

Recognizing Wood’s immense talent and contribution to the music industry, the Museum of Pop Culture decided to pay homage to this legendary figure by commissioning a bronze statue. Standing tall within the museum’s halls, the statue captures Wood’s essence, freezing a moment of his captivating performance for eternity. The sculpture’s meticulous attention to detail beautifully reflects Wood’s distinctive features, from his tousled hair and enigmatic smile to the intensity of his stage presence.

Beyond being a tribute to Andrew Wood himself, the bronze statue serves as a gateway into the rich musical heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Wood’s musical journey acted as a catalyst for the grunge movement, which exploded onto the global stage in the 1990s. As visitors stand before the statue, they can almost feel the energy and passion that Wood infused into his performances, gaining a deeper appreciation for the immense impact he had on the music that emerged from Seattle during that era.

While the bronze statue commemorates the life and talent of Andrew Wood, its significance extends far beyond the realm of nostalgia. It serves as a reminder that music has the power to touch souls, break barriers, and inspire generations. As visitors to MoPop encounter Wood’s statue, they are reminded of the timeless nature of artistic expression and the profound influence one individual can have on an entire movement.

The bronze statue of Andrew Wood at MoPop in Seattle stands as a lasting testament to the brilliance of a musician whose legacy continues to resonate with music lovers around the world. Through his indomitable spirit and contributions to the grunge genre, Wood’s impact on the music industry will forever be remembered. The statue not only pays tribute to his extraordinary talent but also invites visitors to delve into the rich cultural history of Seattle and the transformative power of music. As we stand before this striking sculpture, we are reminded of the timeless connection between art, music, and the human experience.

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History Members

Malfunkshun, Andrew Wood before Mother Love Bone

Malfunkshun

Malfunkshun was a Seattle-based rock band formed in the early 1980s, credited as one of the pioneers of the grunge movement. The band was formed by brothers Kevin Wood and Andrew Wood, who were both passionate about music from a young age.

Malfunkshun’s music was a fusion of hard rock, heavy metal, and punk, with influences from bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and the Stooges. The band’s sound was characterized by Andrew Wood’s powerful vocals, which had a distinctive range and were often compared to those of Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant.

The band released a few demo tapes and played local gigs, but they never managed to record a full-length album before dissolving in 1988, but their work was later edited in Return to Olympus by Loosegroove, a label launched by Gossard and Ament, band-mates of Andrew Wood in Mother Love Bone that formed Pearl Jam.

Andrew Wood died of a drug overdose in 1990. The loss of Wood was a huge blow to the Seattle music community, and his death is often cited as one of the reasons why grunge became so popular in the early 1990s, with Temple of the Dog being a tribute album to him, among other things.

In the years since Andrew Wood’s death, Malfunkshun’s legacy has continued to grow. The band’s music has been reissued on several occasions, and Kevin Wood has continued to play and record music under various names. Malfunkshun’s influence on the grunge movement can still be heard in the music of bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and of course, Pearl Jam.

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Members

Jeff Ament

Jeff Ament

Jeff Ament is an American musician, songwriter, and artist, best known as the bassist and founding member of the Seattle-based rock band Pearl Jam. He was born on March 10, 1963, in Havre, Montana.

Ament’s early musical influences came from the punk rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly the bands Black Flag and the Minutemen. He played bass in various punk bands throughout his youth, including Deranged Diction and Rottweiler.

In 1987, Ament moved to Seattle and became involved in the city’s emerging music scene. He formed the band Green River with future members of Pearl Jam, Mark Arm and Stone Gossard, and contributed bass and songwriting to the band’s two EPs and one full-length album. After Green River disbanded in 1988, Ament and Gossard formed the band Mother Love Bone with vocalist Andrew Wood, which released one album, “Apple,” in 1990.

Following Wood’s death from a drug overdose in 1990, Ament and Gossard formed Pearl Jam with vocalist Eddie Vedder and guitarist Mike McCready. The band released their debut album, “Ten,” in 1991, which became a commercial and critical success and helped to popularize grunge music in the early 1990s.

Ament has continued to play bass and contribute songwriting to Pearl Jam throughout their career, which has spanned over three decades and produced over ten studio albums. He is known for his melodic basslines and innovative use of effects pedals, which have helped to shape the sound of alternative and grunge rock.

In addition to his work with Pearl Jam, Ament has also been involved in various side projects and collaborations over the years. He formed the band Three Fish with musician Robbi Robb in the mid-1990s, which released two albums. He has also released several solo albums and worked as a producer for other artists, including the Afghan Whigs and Joseph Arthur.

Outside of music, Ament is also a visual artist and has created numerous album covers, concert posters, and other artwork for Pearl Jam and other bands. He is a co-founder of the skateboarding company Skate Mental and has designed skateboards and other merchandise for the company.

Ament has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health and has been an advocate for various social and political causes over the years. He has been involved in various charity events and benefit concerts and has spoken out in support of issues such as environmentalism and gun control.

In summary, Jeff Ament is a highly respected and influential bassist, songwriter, and artist who has played a significant role in the success of Pearl Jam and the Seattle music scene. His bass playing is characterized by melodic and innovative lines, and his songwriting has helped shape the sound of alternative and grunge rock. He is also a talented visual artist and has been an advocate for various social and political causes over the years.

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Eddie Vedder

Eddie Vedder

Eddie Vedder is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic Seattle-based rock band, Pearl Jam. He was born on December 23, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois.

Vedder first gained widespread recognition in 1991, when he was recruited to join Pearl Jam, who were then known as Mookie Blaylock. He quickly became a key member of the band, contributing his unique vocal style and poignant lyrics to their signature sound. Pearl Jam went on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 1990s and beyond, with over 85 million records sold worldwide.

In addition to his work with Pearl Jam, Vedder was also a key figure in the creation of the tribute album “Temple of the Dog.” The album was recorded in 1990, prior to the formation of Pearl Jam, and was a collaboration between different close friends of Andy Wood in the notable Seattle music scene, including Mother Love Bone members as well as Soundgarden. Eddie Vedder had just moved to Seattle and was in the new band from Gossard and Ament. The album was created as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the lead singer of the band Mother Love Bone, who had passed away earlier that year from a drug overdose.

Vedder contributed vocals to several tracks on the album, including the hit single “Hunger Strike,” which became a radio staple and helped to introduce Vedder’s distinctive voice to a wider audience. The album was a critical and commercial success, and is now widely regarded as a classic of the grunge era.

Vedder continued to work on various side projects and collaborations over the years, including the soundtrack for the film “Into the Wild,” which he released as a solo album in 2007. He has also been an outspoken advocate for various political and social causes, including environmentalism and human rights.

In summary, Eddie Vedder is a highly respected and influential musician, singer, and songwriter who has played a significant role in the success of Pearl Jam and the broader Seattle music scene. His work on the “Temple of the Dog” album helped to establish him as a rising star in the industry, and his powerful and emotive vocal style has continued to captivate audiences around the world. Vedder is also known for his activism and philanthropy, and has been a vocal supporter of various social and political causes throughout his career.