Pearl Jam sells out...to Corporate America

[Jeangenie]

Ok, I'm a huge Pearl Jam fan, but the reason why I loved them so much isn't only for the music. They believed in standing up for what they believe in (humanitiarian issues, envionment, government and politics, consumer rights, and against Corporate America and the invasion of the taking away of our civil rights). Yes, I'm a bit radical in my intention of fighting back against the "Man behind the curtain". 

I believe in people, living simply, and not supporting corporations. I like the little guy and the ma and pop shops.  So when I heard that Pearl Jam is exclusively partnering with Target to sell their new album??  Blew me away.

On their fan club forums, they've been censoring every thread that has to do with anything to do with the new album or Target relationship because they want want complete control. It's all business now for the once very fan friendly band. "It's all about the fans", they've said often times. Now, they keep us fans at a very good distance. 

In recession times, where other bands like Coldplay have given away free music to their fans, Pearl Jam came out with the Ten Re-Issue packages, looking to hook up fans with merchandise that cost pretty pennies. I couldn't buy any of it, as I'm still out of a job. Now they're touring again, Eddie Vedder is touring again and charging $80 a ticket.  Fan compassionate?  This is not the Pearl Jam that once went to the Supreme Court to sue Ticketmaster for charging so much for tickets.  My days of hero worshipping these guys are OVER.  I still love their music and will probably buy their new album, probably off of itunes, I won't support their corporate partnership. I made the mistake that these guys truly believed in people before profits.

Recently, I found this blogger fan of PJ, and the latest two blogs of hers, explain it all a little better than I can.  A Pearl Jam rep actually contacted her though, and chastized her. 

http://www.fuelfriendsblog.com/2009/05/31/pearl-jams-got-something-new-going-on/

http://www.fuelfriendsblog.com/2009/06/02/theres-a-war-outside-still-raging-it-aint-ours-anymore-to-win/

[aurorabunny]

Jun. 2, 2009 at 10:50 PM

That is VERY disappointing.  I was wondering what happened after I saw your thought bubble yesterday.  Talk about one band that I thought wouldn't sell out.

[racingirl]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 12:14 AM

ya know, it seems every decent band sells out at some point. and most of the time it can be heard in their tunes.....how sad that PJ has become just like all those other money hungry musicians.

[DanaWar]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 4:06 AM

once they started marrying supermodels and having kids.....

[3brainiacs]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 10:37 AM

:(  Very disappointing.

[Metallicamother]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 11:52 AM

Money talks... The Reality  is ... THAT IS AMERICA .  I love our country and I do try to buy local, by American, help the little guy out, but this is the reality.  Sellout is such a strong word...

I like that you are strong in your convictions!  You go girl!

[angelhart322]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 3:25 PM

boo :(  integrity is a lost cause these days. . .

[parrishsky]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 4:32 PM

They are playing a show in Golden Gate Park where the tickets sold for $100 a pop. It's a 3 day festival and that price is just for 1 day. No clue which day PJ is playing either. And who can actually afford or want to pay that price for a festival-type concert? You'd be lucky to hear the band and likely not get close enough to see them.

I was disappointed they're doing this, what changed?

[Jeangenie]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 4:50 PM

I think Dana may be right here...they got married to models, and had kids. Still, I don't think it's a reason to all of a sudden get greedy and start conforming.

(Original Poster)

[science_spot]

Jun. 3, 2009 at 9:01 PM

wow I hadn't heard that.  That sucks!

[jalex]

Jun. 4, 2009 at 7:14 AM

Wow, someone ran out of cash...  :(  that does suck!