Interview:Mike McCready Talks Pearl Jam’s Future, Mad Season

[spike]

I'm pretty sure I read almost all of these above messages, verbatim, between 96-99 on old PJ message boards from Ten/Vs fans who were mad about how the mid-94-98 PJ were going. "They don't even move around on stage anymore" .... "they don't care like they used to" .... "they're phoning it in" .... "what the hell is Who You Are" ... blah blah blah. They hated it. This shit is nothing new, it's just what happens with bands that last this long. Oh, and Backspacer is the shiznit.

That doesn't really mean anything. People always have opinions, usually based on jack shit. But I think there is a strong case based on interviews and actions that they aren't as invested. I mean, they are millionaires with side projects, families, causes, etc; of course they're not as invested! Why would they be!? Saying people were wrong before isn't a good argument.

That said, why be angry about it? They don't owe anybody shit. If they want to play a few shows a year or shit out a few songs every now and then, more power to them I guess. Someone will like it.

they were millionaires with side projects and causes back then too

[BurtReynolds]

I meant to add "old" to that too but I forgot and hoped no one would notice.

[PHATJ]

I'm sorry but someone said they almost hate the band for all the good things they try to do, that has to be the dumbest thing I have heard in a long time.

I didn't say it, but I'm pretty sure that was completely sarcastic.

[BurtReynolds]

I'm sorry but someone said they almost hate the band for all the good things they try to do, that has to be the dumbest thing I have heard in a long time.

I didn't say it, but I'm pretty sure that was completely sarcastic.

i don't know. I think if you can afford a DeLorean, you should definitely buy a DeLorean.

[given2trade]

I'm pretty sure I read almost all of these above messages, verbatim, between 96-99 on old PJ message boards from Ten/Vs fans who were mad about how the mid-94-98 PJ were going. "They don't even move around on stage anymore" .... "they don't care like they used to" .... "they're phoning it in" .... "what the hell is Who You Are" ... blah blah blah. They hated it. This shit is nothing new, it's just what happens with bands that last this long. Oh, and Backspacer is the shiznit.

That doesn't really mean anything. People always have opinions, usually based on jack shit. But I think there is a strong case based on interviews and actions that they aren't as invested. I mean, they are millionaires with side projects, families, causes, etc; of course they're not as invested! Why would they be!? Saying people were wrong before isn't a good argument.

That said, why be angry about it? They don't owe anybody shit. If they want to play a few shows a year or shit out a few songs every now and then, more power to them I guess. Someone will like it.

they were millionaires with side projects and causes back then too

Actually, I don't think they were that rich in 93, 94, 95.

The biz model changed dramatically in the 00's with ticket prices going up huge and churning out posters, fan club memberships, and dog collars - not to mention bootlegs.

[hlniv]

I am comfortable that if this band doesn't put out anything else ever from here on out, I will still be discovering and rediscovering material that they have created for the rest of my life. It may not be as often as it once was, but there are enough great albums, great live performances, and unique listening experiences that the glory days of Pearl Jam will satisfy me for years to come without any new material. I just got on a 94 Dave A kick, for example. There are still about a dozen 93-94 shows that I've got in a mythical list in my head that I want to sit down and revisit when I can. I heard Angel the other day for the first time in a couple years, and damn - that's a good tune.

I'm with KD, there really isn't any point to wondering about the future with these guys any more. I've got plenty in my life with kids, career, hobbies, to keep my forward looking needs satisfied without cluttering them with fruitless speculation about five guys in their 50s. I may have seen my last show, too. I saw 3 shows in '13-'14, and caught myself wishing i was somewhere else a few times. About the only thing that would excite me, I think, is a 8-10 years from now when my son is old enough to maybe grow to like rock music in his own way, that maybe he'll want to go with ol' dad to see an old dad band play some good rock tunes. Then we'll go catch the Pearl Jam nostalgia act on their 5 date tour somewhere and we'll share something together.

There really isn't anything out there that can compare with the output of this group from 91-06. There's enough to keep us all satisfied and re-satisfied. Enough to forget, and then re-remember. Most of us are here because of what we love about those 15 years, not because we are excited about what's to come.

[given2trade]

I am comfortable that if this band doesn't put out anything else ever from here on out, I will still be discovering and rediscovering material that they have created for the rest of my life. It may not be as often as it once was, but there are enough great albums, great live performances, and unique listening experiences that the glory days of Pearl Jam will satisfy me for years to come without any new material. I just got on a 94 Dave A kick, for example. There are still about a dozen 93-94 shows that I've got in a mythical list in my head that I want to sit down and revisit when I can. I heard Angel the other day for the first time in a couple years, and damn - that's a good tune.

I'm with KD, there really isn't any point to wondering about the future with these guys any more. I've got plenty in my life with kids, career, hobbies, to keep my forward looking needs satisfied without cluttering them with fruitless speculation about five guys in their 50s. I may have seen my last show, too. I saw 3 shows in '13-'14, and caught myself wishing i was somewhere else a few times. About the only thing that would excite me, I think, is a 8-10 years from now when my son is old enough to maybe grow to like rock music in his own way, that maybe he'll want to go with ol' dad to see an old dad band play some good rock tunes. Then we'll go catch the Pearl Jam nostalgia act on their 5 date tour somewhere and we'll share something together.

There really isn't anything out there that can compare with the output of this group from 91-06. There's enough to keep us all satisfied and re-satisfied. Enough to forget, and then re-remember. Most of us are here because of what we love about those 15 years, not because we are excited about what's to come.

really well said.

[Tuolumne]

One era (93-96) sees them hitting up the studio, bash out a bunch of songs that some band members don't even play on, some members openly wondering what the overall sound and intention of the albums are, one nearly walking out, and 3 of them (Jeff, Stone, Mike) STILL openly wondering what the heck was going on. (caveat, I like those albums and think they're inspired)

Another era (06-13) sees them running and filtering songs by committee, leaving room for other band members to input their ideas, and spending time editing and skimming the fat (ie. overproducing). (I like these albums too, but yeah some of the material could have been left alone and been better, not backspacer though which kicked ass)

Only in a Fox News-like Trumpian world is the second one considered to be their "lazy fat checked out phase".

I think this has more to do with time, how much material comes out, how many shows, b-sides, etc. There's a fan-base which had it's appetites conditioned to want a constant presence of the band via touring (either through the anticipation of announced tour dates, rumors that they are in the studio, bootlegs, band coming through their region, etc) or release of b-sides or leftover cuts, or just more frequent releases of albums. All of that fan time that used to go to dozens (hundreds for some of you) of shows, bootlegs, albums every other year) etc and nothing to fill that space.

I get it, the band created this monster, but it's not laziness as much as a fanbase that doesn't know what to do with all of that time......

[tragabigzanda]

pearl jam sucks now

[LoathedVermin72]

I am comfortable that if this band doesn't put out anything else ever from here on out, I will still be discovering and rediscovering material that they have created for the rest of my life. It may not be as often as it once was, but there are enough great albums, great live performances, and unique listening experiences that the glory days of Pearl Jam will satisfy me for years to come without any new material. I just got on a 94 Dave A kick, for example. There are still about a dozen 93-94 shows that I've got in a mythical list in my head that I want to sit down and revisit when I can. I heard Angel the other day for the first time in a couple years, and damn - that's a good tune.

I'm with KD, there really isn't any point to wondering about the future with these guys any more. I've got plenty in my life with kids, career, hobbies, to keep my forward looking needs satisfied without cluttering them with fruitless speculation about five guys in their 50s. I may have seen my last show, too. I saw 3 shows in '13-'14, and caught myself wishing i was somewhere else a few times. About the only thing that would excite me, I think, is a 8-10 years from now when my son is old enough to maybe grow to like rock music in his own way, that maybe he'll want to go with ol' dad to see an old dad band play some good rock tunes. Then we'll go catch the Pearl Jam nostalgia act on their 5 date tour somewhere and we'll share something together.

There really isn't anything out there that can compare with the output of this group from 91-06. There's enough to keep us all satisfied and re-satisfied. Enough to forget, and then re-remember. Most of us are here because of what we love about those 15 years, not because we are excited about what's to come.

really well said.

Except it should be 91-03.

[PHATJ]

I am comfortable that if this band doesn't put out anything else ever from here on out, I will still be discovering and rediscovering material that they have created for the rest of my life. It may not be as often as it once was, but there are enough great albums, great live performances, and unique listening experiences that the glory days of Pearl Jam will satisfy me for years to come without any new material. I just got on a 94 Dave A kick, for example. There are still about a dozen 93-94 shows that I've got in a mythical list in my head that I want to sit down and revisit when I can. I heard Angel the other day for the first time in a couple years, and damn - that's a good tune.

I'm with KD, there really isn't any point to wondering about the future with these guys any more. I've got plenty in my life with kids, career, hobbies, to keep my forward looking needs satisfied without cluttering them with fruitless speculation about five guys in their 50s. I may have seen my last show, too. I saw 3 shows in '13-'14, and caught myself wishing i was somewhere else a few times. About the only thing that would excite me, I think, is a 8-10 years from now when my son is old enough to maybe grow to like rock music in his own way, that maybe he'll want to go with ol' dad to see an old dad band play some good rock tunes. Then we'll go catch the Pearl Jam nostalgia act on their 5 date tour somewhere and we'll share something together.

There really isn't anything out there that can compare with the output of this group from 91-06. There's enough to keep us all satisfied and re-satisfied. Enough to forget, and then re-remember. Most of us are here because of what we love about those 15 years, not because we are excited about what's to come.

I come here for the humor.

Getting old is funny.
Aging rock stars are funny.
The youthful notion I had that these guys were gods -- THAT'S funny.

I agree that there is more than enough music in the catalog to make me really happy as a fan, but I don't need an internet forum to help me realize that. I come here to laugh at the pedestal on which I once placed this band, to laugh at my own disappointments with aging, and to laugh at the idea that rock stars are anything other than regular people motivated by ego and income.

Also, the occasional studio leaks and RidleyBradout projects are enough to keep me checking in regularly.

PS hlniv -- Your hopes of sharing in the music with your son one day are really sweet. My wife and I are trying for our first, and I hadn't even considered the potential joys of listening to PJ with my kid.

My family cabin is 2 hours from my home. I go up there with my three kids regularly. During the drives we listen to music. Pearl Jam, The National, Beck, R.E.M., Pink Floyd, ect., etc... My kids can now decipher between many bands within moments of songs starting, it fills this dad's heart with pride . It is one of my favorite times that I spend with my kids and we all love it. There are a lot of cool moments to enjoy as kids grow up.

[Strat]

I like pearl jam.

From the ashes of pearl Jam rises pearl jam inc.

[LoathedVermin72]

I am comfortable that if this band doesn't put out anything else ever from here on out, I will still be discovering and rediscovering material that they have created for the rest of my life. It may not be as often as it once was, but there are enough great albums, great live performances, and unique listening experiences that the glory days of Pearl Jam will satisfy me for years to come without any new material. I just got on a 94 Dave A kick, for example. There are still about a dozen 93-94 shows that I've got in a mythical list in my head that I want to sit down and revisit when I can. I heard Angel the other day for the first time in a couple years, and damn - that's a good tune.

I'm with KD, there really isn't any point to wondering about the future with these guys any more. I've got plenty in my life with kids, career, hobbies, to keep my forward looking needs satisfied without cluttering them with fruitless speculation about five guys in their 50s. I may have seen my last show, too. I saw 3 shows in '13-'14, and caught myself wishing i was somewhere else a few times. About the only thing that would excite me, I think, is a 8-10 years from now when my son is old enough to maybe grow to like rock music in his own way, that maybe he'll want to go with ol' dad to see an old dad band play some good rock tunes. Then we'll go catch the Pearl Jam nostalgia act on their 5 date tour somewhere and we'll share something together.

There really isn't anything out there that can compare with the output of this group from 91-06. There's enough to keep us all satisfied and re-satisfied. Enough to forget, and then re-remember. Most of us are here because of what we love about those 15 years, not because we are excited about what's to come.

I come here for the humor.

Getting old is funny.
Aging rock stars are funny.
The youthful notion I had that these guys were gods -- THAT'S funny.

I agree that there is more than enough music in the catalog to make me really happy as a fan, but I don't need an internet forum to help me realize that. I come here to laugh at the pedestal on which I once placed this band, to laugh at my own disappointments with aging, and to laugh at the idea that rock stars are anything other than regular people motivated by ego and income.

Also, the occasional studio leaks and RidleyBradout projects are enough to keep me checking in regularly.

PS hlniv -- Your hopes of sharing in the music with your son one day are really sweet. My wife and I are trying for our first, and I hadn't even considered the potential joys of listening to PJ with my kid.

My family cabin is 2 hours from my home. I go up there with my three kids regularly. During the drives we listen to music. Pearl Jam, The National, Beck, R.E.M., Pink Floyd, ect., etc... My kids can now decipher between many bands within moments of songs starting, it fills this dad's heart with pride . It is one of my favorite times that I spend with my kids and we all love it. There are a lot of cool moments to enjoy as kids grow up.

I can't wait for your kids to get into Kanye

[E.H. Ruddock]

I like pearl jam.

From the ashes of pearl Jam rises pearl jam inc.

I'm going to sign up and secure PRAMG as a Twitter handle.

[bodysnatcher]

I'm pretty sure I read almost all of these above messages, verbatim, between 96-99 on old PJ message boards from Ten/Vs fans who were mad about how the mid-94-98 PJ were going. "They don't even move around on stage anymore" .... "they don't care like they used to" .... "they're phoning it in" .... "what the hell is Who You Are" ... blah blah blah. They hated it. This shit is nothing new, it's just what happens with bands that last this long. Oh, and Backspacer is the shiznit.

That doesn't really mean anything. People always have opinions, usually based on jack shit. But I think there is a strong case based on interviews and actions that they aren't as invested. I mean, they are millionaires with side projects, families, causes, etc; of course they're not as invested! Why would they be!? Saying people were wrong before isn't a good argument.

That said, why be angry about it? They don't owe anybody shit. If they want to play a few shows a year or shit out a few songs every now and then, more power to them I guess. Someone will like it.

they were millionaires with side projects and causes back then too

Actually, I don't think they were that rich in 93, 94, 95.

The biz model changed dramatically in the 00's with ticket prices going up huge and churning out posters, fan club memberships, and dog collars - not to mention bootlegs.

Agreed. There was an apartment here in Seattle that went on the market a couple of years ago that was being advertised as Jeff's apartment from the early to mid-90s. It was super cool, but obviously updated in recent years. Rent was cheap in Seattle back then and musicians could afford good apartments in the city (not the case anymore, sadly). I don't think they were struggling from 93-95, but they definitely weren't rolling in money. I remember an interview with Mike talking about his apartment in the mid-90s too. Ed bought a place back then, but I think it was only bc it was a privacy thing.

Layne Staley was living in a cheapo apartment when he died. Yeah, that's a totally different story, but you still imagine a guy in a band that big to be in a large house or something.

I think the anti-argument was Cobain's house. That place was PRICEY, even in the early 90s.

[doug rr]

take it to the real estate thread, bodysnatcher

[EJ]

I'm pretty sure I read almost all of these above messages, verbatim, between 96-99 on old PJ message boards from Ten/Vs fans who were mad about how the mid-94-98 PJ were going. "They don't even move around on stage anymore" .... "they don't care like they used to" .... "they're phoning it in" .... "what the hell is Who You Are" ... blah blah blah. They hated it. This shit is nothing new, it's just what happens with bands that last this long. Oh, and Backspacer is the shiznit.

That doesn't really mean anything. People always have opinions, usually based on jack shit. But I think there is a strong case based on interviews and actions that they aren't as invested. I mean, they are millionaires with side projects, families, causes, etc; of course they're not as invested! Why would they be!? Saying people were wrong before isn't a good argument.

That said, why be angry about it? They don't owe anybody shit. If they want to play a few shows a year or shit out a few songs every now and then, more power to them I guess. Someone will like it.

they were millionaires with side projects and causes back then too

Actually, I don't think they were that rich in 93, 94, 95.

The biz model changed dramatically in the 00's with ticket prices going up huge and churning out posters, fan club memberships, and dog collars - not to mention bootlegs.

Agreed. There was an apartment here in Seattle that went on the market a couple of years ago that was being advertised as Jeff's apartment from the early to mid-90s. It was super cool, but obviously updated in recent years. Rent was cheap in Seattle back then and musicians could afford good apartments in the city (not the case anymore, sadly). I don't think they were struggling from 93-95, but they definitely weren't rolling in money. I remember an interview with Mike talking about his apartment in the mid-90s too. Ed bought a place back then, but I think it was only bc it was a privacy thing.

Layne Staley was living in a cheapo apartment when he died. Yeah, that's a totally different story, but you still imagine a guy in a band that big to be in a large house or something.

I think the anti-argument was Cobain's house. That place was PRICEY, even in the early 90s.

are you one of those guys who moved to Seattle because of the band?

[bodysnatcher]

god no

[given2trade]

I am comfortable that if this band doesn't put out anything else ever from here on out, I will still be discovering and rediscovering material that they have created for the rest of my life. It may not be as often as it once was, but there are enough great albums, great live performances, and unique listening experiences that the glory days of Pearl Jam will satisfy me for years to come without any new material. I just got on a 94 Dave A kick, for example. There are still about a dozen 93-94 shows that I've got in a mythical list in my head that I want to sit down and revisit when I can. I heard Angel the other day for the first time in a couple years, and damn - that's a good tune.

I'm with KD, there really isn't any point to wondering about the future with these guys any more. I've got plenty in my life with kids, career, hobbies, to keep my forward looking needs satisfied without cluttering them with fruitless speculation about five guys in their 50s. I may have seen my last show, too. I saw 3 shows in '13-'14, and caught myself wishing i was somewhere else a few times. About the only thing that would excite me, I think, is a 8-10 years from now when my son is old enough to maybe grow to like rock music in his own way, that maybe he'll want to go with ol' dad to see an old dad band play some good rock tunes. Then we'll go catch the Pearl Jam nostalgia act on their 5 date tour somewhere and we'll share something together.

There really isn't anything out there that can compare with the output of this group from 91-06. There's enough to keep us all satisfied and re-satisfied. Enough to forget, and then re-remember. Most of us are here because of what we love about those 15 years, not because we are excited about what's to come.

really well said.

Except it should be 91-03.

yes. what a moron for including 03-06. agree.

[given2trade]

Was an article years ago that said the band didn't even make money off of touring in the first few years. The 1995 tour was huge but ticket prices were low and they tried to bypass TM, etc, etc. I'm sure they made money those shows but they make a fuckload of money now w/ each show, especially the arena shows in South America, Europe.

I wouldn't be surprised if one of those shows makes them as much as an entire tour in 1993, 1994 did.