Search - Pearl Jam :: Aladdin, Las Vegas

The genesis of Pearl Jam lay in Seattle's pioneering grunge act Green River who disbanded in 1987. Former members Stone Gossard (Guitar) and Jeff Ament (Bass) then formed Mother Love Bone, whose career was abruptly terminated in 1990 when singer Andrew Wood died from a heroin overdose. Gossard and Ament then hooked up with guitarist Mike McCready and, finally, vocalist Eddie Vedder from San Diego band Bad Radio (as recommended by Jack Irons of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and drummer Dave Krusen (who had been superseded by Dave Abbruzzese by the time of this broadcast). The band had quickly built up a large fan base as they toured relentlessly. They supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young and U2 and headlined the 1992 'Lollapalooza' Tour. Further widening their exposure, Vedder, Gossard and Ament also found time to play as Matt Dillon's backing band in the movie 'Singles' - a live version of State Of Love And Trust, from the soundtrack, is included here. Of the remaining songs played during this performance, Tremor Christ and Whipping would both remain unreleased until almost exactly a year later when they were included on 'Vitalogy' in 1996. The version of Tremor Christ played this evening is remarkable in that it is the song's debut live performance and differs lyrically to the subsequent studio recording. A diversity of other artists' songs are also referenced - there are elements of the Beatles' Across The Universe, John Lennon's Instant Karma and, from another era, US hardcore icon Henry Rollins' 1992 single Tearing. The closing brace of songs, covers of Green River's Swallow My Pride and the Dead Boys' Ain't Nothin' To Do are also exceptional as they mark a reunion of Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament with the other Green River former members Mark Arm (by now fronting Mudhoney), Steve Turner and drummer Chuck Treece, all of whom join in the onstage celebrations with the Pearl Jam stalwarts.