Pearl Jam

Grunge

Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The group emerged as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s and became one of the most commercially successful and influential rock bands of that period. Since its formation, the band's core lineup has consisted of vocalist and guitarist Eddie Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, and bassist Jeff Ament. The band employed several drummers during its early years, including Dave Krusen, Matt Chamberlain, Dave Abbruzzese, and Jack Irons. Matt Cameron joined the band in 1998 and remained a member until 2025. Keyboardist Boom Gaspar has performed with the band as a touring and session musician since 2002. Pearl Jam was formed following the breakup of Green River and Mother Love Bone, previous bands involving Gossard and Ament. After Mother Love Bone vocalist Andrew Wood died in 1990, Gossard and Ament began working with guitarist Mike McCready on new material. A demo tape recorded by the trio was passed to San Diego musician Eddie Vedder through drummer Jack Irons. Vedder wrote lyrics and recorded vocals for several tracks, leading to his recruitment as the band's lead singer. The group initially performed under the name Mookie Blaylock, after basketball player Mookie Blaylock, before changing its name to Pearl Jam upon signing with Epic Records. The band's first live performance took place on October 22, 1990, at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle. Pearl Jam released its debut album, Te...