Pearl Jam to Mark 20th Anniversary With Neil Young
Come October, Pearl Jam will have officially been a band for 20 years. They’ll celebrate at a familiar event: Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit concert, happening October 23rd and 24th. Pearl Jam have played the concert, which helps children with severe physical impairments and complex communication needs, eight times before. “It’s perfect [for the anniversary]: not too blown up,” guitarist Stone Gossard [tells Billboard ]. “It’s not about us, it’s about all those kids that are on stage with you, and about Neil Young and his commitment, his influence.” Pearl Jam first performed live as “Mookie Blaylock” on October 22nd, 1990, at Seattle’s Off Ramp.
Photos: Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit 2009
Only Neil Young and Pearl Jam are confirmed for this year’s shows, which will likely be held once again at Mountain View, California’s Shoreline Amphitheatre. Pearl Jam will perform both nights, according to Antiquiet. The band have had plans to reissue their entire discography in time for the anniversary, but so far they’ve only re-released their 1991 debut, Ten.
