Backspacer Reunion

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The band began composing new songs in 2011, with the first recording sessions taking place in early 2012 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles. After recording seven songs in March 2012, the musicians decided to take a break. As guitarist Mike McCready explained, "we had to take some time to figure out what we wanted to do." Guitarist Stone Gossard added that despite productive sessions, the tracks "didn't feel strong enough for a record." Work only resumed in March 2013, with new compositions mostly done separately in each member's home studio. Producer Brendan O'Brien attributed the long break to the band's busy schedule, as members pursued side projects: Eddie Vedder started a solo tour, Matt Cameron returned to Soundgarden, Stone Gossard rejoined Brad, Jeff Ament recorded solo albums 'Tone' (2008) and 'Heaven/Hell' (2018) and started RNDM, and Mike McCready formed Walking Papers and took part in a partial Mad Season reunion. Vedder considered that these diversions helped Pearl Jam place "more importance placed on the records." After six weeks of new recording sessions, the album was mixed at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles.

In Their Own Story

The rehearsal room hummed with a different kind of electricity than usual. No synthesizers blinked in the corner; just five amplifiers glowing warm against the dim light. Eddie tuned his guitar one last time, the sound ringing out clear and unadorned. Jeff nodded, fingers hovering over the keys before settling into a rhythm that felt like an old friend returning home. They didn't need to speak; the chord progression spoke for them all, a reminder of why they started this journey in the first place.

Reader's Guide

Pearl Jam's trajectory during the Lightning Bolt era reinforced their status as industry pioneers who refuse to follow trends. By rejecting over-produced digital sounds, they influenced a wave of modern rock bands to prioritize live instrumentation and songwriting integrity. Their activism remained a cornerstone of this period, with the band continuing to leverage their platform for environmental causes and political awareness. This consistency has fostered a unique bond between the group and their fanbase, creating a community that values ethical engagement as much as musical output. The JamBase phenomenon grew stronger during this time, serving as a direct line of communication that bypassed traditional media gatekeepers. This model empowered fans to organize tours and share experiences, setting a new standard for artist-fan interaction in the digital age. Ultimately, their influence on subsequent generations is evident in how modern indie and alternative acts approach touring and recording. Pearl Jam proved that longevity comes from adaptation without losing one's core identity.

Did You Know?

• The song "Sleeping by Myself" had been previously featured on Eddie Vedder's 2011 solo album Ukulele Songs.
• The track "Pendulum" was originally composed during the Backspacer sessions.
• The album's second single "Sirens" was inspired by a concert in Roger Waters' The Wall Live.
• A special listening party with fans was held by SiriusXM at Seattle's Studio X eleven days before the album's release.