What do you think is the primary factor in deciding how the band is today?


Do you look at the past and see "glory days?" Do you think you are honestly judging the band in an objective manner? Or is it something else or a mix for you?

For me, I do really enjoy some elements of the past, but I am very glad the band is who it is today. It certainly makes for an interesting future. As the band gets older, I think in many respects, it becomes more cultured and refined. I see this as a great thing. Do I wish there were more balls-to-the-walls rock moments? Absolutely. But the truth is that I find the peppering of Pearl Jam's hard rock in the middle or beginning of sets to be perfectly fine and alright. I think Vedder's solo album was a success and I'd be glad to hear another one.

All in all, this remains my favorite band and I hope for even more moments like The Who tribute concert where Pearl Jam just owned.

Rock,

jrod.

I see their relevance as being more and more as just a live band. I love them and will keep going to see them live but the last album that really excited me was Yield. I've lost faith in them having the collective discipline to make another great album. I'm sure there'll be highlights but I'm expecting anything special.

I am glad eddie realized he was married to a hideous creature and shacked up with a model instead.

the word discipline and highlights were exactly right. A tremendous back catalogue, live shows that are terrific, and consistently good new material (which keeps live shows fresh) that allude to greatness without actually reaching it. But I remain hopeful that another truly GREAT record is in them

ah i like their music as much as i do, and the same will be true to whatever degree on the next album, so that's how i feel about it.

he used the

but anyone who thinks Beth was hideous needs to have their dick cut off...which probably will stop them posting since you can't write without a brain.

yeah look for the freaking . In all seriousness, I think the band is more comfortable with themselves as ever. I am sure the next phase of the band will include more the same. More albums and shows. With the 20th annivesary coming up, It;s gonna be a busy time. not many bands make it to 20 years.

what does mean?

when did this happen/do we have a set list or boot?

it was a vh1 special called "rock honors" or something for the who. a few artists covered the who (incubus, flaming lips, tenacious d). pj did "love reign over me" and "the real me" w/ backing strings and horns, it was bad ass.

Whatever one thinks about the recent years, they definitely haven't sucked. As a live band, they are good and energetic as ever. And very few fans of bands can stick with a band through 9 + albums, so I think I can say, however, the most recent decade appears when we look back, it was pretty strong. We'll see if it can stand up to their 90s past, but I've seen bands really stink it up, and this band has put out high quality material when most bands coast. Classic? Who knows.

I do think there's a shot the next one could come together and bring in some NEW fans, I really think the band and the fanbase needs it.

there's plenty of new fans all the time, I know many.
I'm all for new fans..except if I start getting shut out of ticket sales.

Next time the band rolls through Tampa, they should probably roll back the price of tickets to no more than $40. Too many fairweather fans around here. Even though I think the 2008 show sold more than 2003. But in 2000, the whole arena was sold out -- front and back and behind the stage.

I'm a new fan - joined the bandwagon after Riot Act and enjoyed the ride ever since

True story. I wish the "we try to keep ticket prices low" thing was still an issue for them. The ticket prices for 10c members doubled from the 03 tour to the 08 tour. I don't think they are going to get away with charging 70-80 bucks a ticket during this economy.

As for the band's status, I love how the band has aged and what they try to do musically, but historically I think Pearl Jam will be documented as the hard rocking, crazy live show grunge band form the early 90s. There might be a footnote that says the band lasted over 20 years with a large, cult following of fans.

Oh man, that sucks.

hey we can't all marry australians and be fans from before 2000

And most that do become irrelevant caricatures of themselves. I'd say Pearl Jam has done a good job trying new things to keep it fresh and exciting while staying true to the band's identity. When I think of other older bands than have lasted this long, many are stuck in a time warp and contribute nothing significant to the current musical landscape. I find Pearl Jam at 18 to be quite remarkable. Thankfully, Pearl Jam has followed the trail blazed by the likes of Neil Young and REM as opposed to the Rolling Stones. Don't get me wrong, I love the Stones but I don't think they've brought anything substantive to the table in decades. That band has been on a slow decline ever since Mick Taylor left.