Pearl Jam Endures Beyond Changing Fads And Times

Away from the band, members of Pearl Jam have each taken free rein in seeking out whatever esoteric side projects may interest them. “I think a lot of it is not hanging around each other when we’re off the road,” guitarist Mike McCready says of the band’s longevity. “We talk some but don’t really hang out. When we get back on the road we’re excited to see each other.” Also helping was frontman Eddie Vedder outgrowing his introvert phase. “Early on he was definitely not ready for the explosion of fame,” McCready said of Eddie. “Neither was anyone else in the band, but he was the focal point. That was a real burden to him. I think where he’s at now, he’s a lot more mellow now.”