Contrast between Potter and Vedder (seeking fame)

[Charles]

I saw the new Cameron Crowe documentary "Pearl Jam Twenty" in it's one night only theatrical release last week. (more in some cities). It will be shown on PBS "American Masters" on October 21. Even if you aren't into Pearl Jam, I think most of you will still find it an interesting film. A far bit better than "Behind the Music".

Anyway, as you would expect, there is coverage about how PJ was overwhelmed with it's fame in the early years. I never fully understood this. If in fact, they wanted to be successful, what's with all the posturing about not wanting fame when you get it?

However, as Eddie explained it, I got a much better understanding. He wanted the GPN lifestyle! He thought, quite logically, that Pearl Jam would have to get a van or bus, and tour clubs, be a support act, and otherwise pay the dues almost any band has to go through. Instead, "Ten" turned them into huge headliners almost immediately. I honestly think Eddie feels a little deprived he didn't get to do it the way GPN and just about every other band has to do it.

I gotta think, that as much as GPN seems to enjoy the road, by now, they would prefer flying to headline gigs at large arenas. It's what they are made for IMO.

[wags]

Ah nice thread way to provoke discussion.

Fame....Ah that elusive giant elephant in the room.

I guess from what your saying is that Eddie and the PJ boys wanted the years of touring in cramped van/buses. Instead Ten came out and crushed them due to the massive appeal of that record. Instantly launched into mega stardom. I get though I mean perception is reality right. If your perception (eddie) that you were going to have more time to become a well crafted machine and you don't get that, it has to take you for a loop.

Another example would be of Nirvana. Yes, Kurt wanted the fame before he had it. Yes, he wanted his music to mean something and to have an impact on people. However when he was in the thick of it, when they went nuclear around the world, one can imagine the weight of all those expectations came crashing down on someone who didn't have a support system in place or even thought it would happen like that. I'm pretty sure Nirvana also thought they would have more time to become more seasoned too.

Now as for GPN, yes they are road warriors because that is how their rise has dictated. I think it is better for a band to earn it before massive stardom hits and makes everyone kind of nuts. An example of this would be Wilco, being together for a long time before Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and their assent to mega notice.

I don't think any of us, unless your in a tour band that plays 200 gigs a year can really understand what "being successful" as a band means. What kind of pressure it must have on the people involved. It completely changes many aspects of a person. You don't get to see people, family/friends. You never really get time off, never new years off, and god forbid you ever want to marry or have kids. It changes things and makes everything tougher as the fame rises.

I won't ever feel sorry for Eddie and Pearl Jam, I think they are awesome and always have. Its got to be tough though, for wanting success to happen so bad and then when it does, to be like wait make it stop its way to fast.

[Charles]

Of course Nirvana was part of the same Seattle/Grunge rocket ship that PJ was on. The film gives props to the cooperative attitudes of the Seattle bands in that regard, notwithstanding this so-called rivalry. Supposedly they agreed not to cooperate with Time Magazine and it stuck Eddie on the cover anyway.

Also given his due is Neil Young, who took PJ under his wing for a European tour. They learned a lot about dealing with fame from their "Uncle" Neil, especially that you can't please everyone, and do what you want to do. There is a great scene of Neil playing RITFW with PJ in Dublin.

[wags]

I had the great pleasure of working for Neil Young awhile back.
It was one of those moments when I didn't speak and was in awe of everything that was going on.
I was in sound check and just listening to Neil's speaking voice, the man has an aura that is so huge.

As for GPN, I like where they are heading. I hope they take it in a raw direction next.
However if "Fooling Myself" is any indication as to what's coming up, I can't freaking wait.
I would love to hear more Potter&Popper melodies though.