The guys in the band love to give me a hard time about my love for the band Pearl Jam. There’s a special place in my heart from middle school that still gets really excited any time a good 90’s band comes on the radio. I was in the Pearl Jam fan club, I spent all my lawn money on any live cd I could find, and my walls were covered in their posters. When their second album, ‘Vs.’ came out in eighth grade and I knew the record store was only getting a few advance copies, I politely excused myself from American History class right at 10am when the store opened and called from the school pay phone to reserve my copy.
Looking back, I think besides loving the music the thing I was most drawn to about Pearl Jam was their passion. Half the time when Eddie Vedder was singing (the lead singer who my Mom called ‘the howling dog’) I didn’t know what he was singing about. But I knew he was passionate about it and that pulled me in more than anything.
Right now we’re in the middle of this tour but we are also about to start recording our second album. We have written tons of songs and it looks like we are near the end of the writing process and the beginning of recording is in sight. After our show last night Jeff and Travis and I went out and ended up talking about what we were hoping for on this new album. I think Travis said it best when he said he just wants an album of songs that make you feel something and are full of passion.
See we played in Seattle last night and I guess that’s what got me thinking about Pearl Jam and the thing is this – I don’t agree with all the things Pearl Jam’s lyrics say, my personal beliefs are probably very different from theirs, but I know that there is something in their music that draws me in. I think passion is contagious, I think when you see it you want to be near it and you want to know where that passion comes from.
We’re on a plane flying to our next show in Boise, Idaho and going to try and spread a little passion of our own. See ya next time,
-Ryan Gregg
I was at the show last night in Seattle. I have not attented a Christian concert in at least 10 years, in big part because of the cost, and the hype that goes into such performances. But last night I packed up my three kids (10, 7 and 4) and we went. We had such a good time. All of us completely enjoyed your music, and I was especially impressed with the philosophy behind the whole thing. Thank you guys for your passion, for doing what you do day in and day out (even pregnant! Wow was that impressive! I could hardly move the last few weeks, let along sing!). Thanks for helping me to “program” my kids to be spiritually atuned to the things of God.
PS. My husband teaches US History….he would have just let you out of class….as long as you would have done his shopping too!
Ryan – you have only had the site up a little over a week and have already managed to get Back to the Future & Pearl Jam in…..very nice
Love you!!
Ryan,
Much agreed on the Passion of Pearl Jam. Sure you have the live at Madison Square Garden DVD (if not, pick it up). I would say that much of the music from that period was filled with passion (or at least they faked it really well).
Keep up the good work. Glad to see all of you getting in on the blog scene here.
-brymer
what are addison road fans called?
I never really got into Pearl Jam. I do have three of their songs on itunes though, but “Better Man” is the only one that’s not a cover. The other two are “Last Kiss” and “Love, Reign O’er Me”. I do love those songs though.
I’m totally with you on the whole passion thing though. That’s what’s always drawn me to music, and it’s also why I’ve always been a fan of the slower songs. To this day, Jars of Clay’s “Worlds Apart” is my favorite song ’cause when they get towards the end you can truly feel it.
I was actually thinking after the Billings show about all that I saw in Addison Road. I saw passion, but, even better, I thought I saw the heart of passion.
I was thinking about your lives that I have seen so far on this tour and why I am drawn in. After reading this, I just realized it is the passion with which you play. Keep it up. I’m loving it.
Although Pearl Jam has some great tunes and Eddie has a great voice, Psalm 1:1 warns about this kind of stuff. Eddie V is a passionate self righteous hater of all that is good. Sorry Ryan!
I hope some day Eddie and Co. can use their God given talents for good. Until then, I will go with Addson Road and others who share the truth. Can’t wait to see you in Dallas!
Dear Brian . . . WOW, you must know Eddie Vedder personally to know he is a “self righteous hater of all that is good.” Could you get me an autograph?
Good one Chris!
But maybe u shoud read amos 5:5 and reflect on the previous chapter before coming with the sarcasm. James had a lot to say about taming the tounge. Check it. Mffl.