Pearl Jam is one of the best-selling rock bands in history, with their debut album Ten being a grunge cornerstone and sophomore album Vs. being one of the fastest-selling records of all time. They’ve maintained their fanbase over the years despite changing musical climates and a shifting sound, and have never shied away from speaking out for causes they feel are important. It should be noted that not all of these causes were politically-oriented – namely their raising awareness of Crohn’s Disease and charity shows to support Hurricane Katrina victims.
However, it seems like some of the band’s fans are hearing their music – but not actually listening to some of their messages. The story goes like this. Recently, the band introduced a special Stickman shirt with the band’s name and “Pride” on it. Nothing else, no subliminal messaging, literally just “Pride”. The proceeds for it go to organizations that help fight anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, which is definitely a thing – look at what’s happening in states like Florida, Texas, and elsewhere. Hilariously, a lot of right-wingers and conservatives reacted in shocked surprise when Pearl Jam posted the t-shirt, like the snowflakes they are.
It really shouldn’t be all that surprising. After all, this was the same band who took on Ticketmaster in protest of their damaging and predatory service charges. Also the same band that loudly protested George Bush-era policies, the same band that raised awareness to lower their own carbon emissions, and the one who literally wrote songs referencing George Bush’s presidency. Enough said. This is like when conservatives complain that Rage Against The Machine and other bands similarly speak out on social justice causes. The proof was already there in the lyrics.
The band whose frontman wrote βPRO CHOICEβ on his arm live on MTV, that dedicated an entire song to mocking George W. Bush, and that has a carbon mitigation policy to help protect the environment, have shocked their conservative boomer βfansβ by revealing left-wing politics. https://t.co/6ZZ0ugEDmc
— πππππππππ πππππππππ (@odarodletnilc) June 10, 2023
i've never thought PJ would be on my "Dont play this artist" list on Spotify…. it is what it is π€·ββοΈ
— Daniel Trevino (@Daniel_TreCa) June 9, 2023
Wow, so many people in this comment section didnβt seem to know Pearl Jam was a more liberal leaning band π€£, itβs not like you just changed itβs been this way for PJ a long time
— Cyrus (@Aperson99067940) June 9, 2023
The right wanted a culture war and spent a decade fomenting one, and now theyβre shocked that everyone cool is on the other side? Sorry assholes, we got Pearl Jam and you got Kid Rock. We got staff ace Kevin Gausman and you got DFA Anthony fucking Bass. https://t.co/ulzK7ilRet
— Tyler Shipley (@le_shipster) June 9, 2023
Yeah, who could've known pic.twitter.com/rGRvZkdgBa
— Tommy Boy πΎ (@sublime630) June 9, 2023
For all the homophobic snowflakes having a nervous breakdown in the replies over this shirt, I just had to post this clip from a show back in 1993 π pic.twitter.com/fNVadyYHlj
— Jackie πΉ (@Btrflyinthewind) June 9, 2023
What I love the most about this is not only the fact that the band of my love supports everything I believe in, but also THE FACT THAT PEOPLE ARE LEAVING BECAUSE THEY NEVER REALLY KNEW WHAT PEARL JAM STOOD FOR.
We won't miss you. You never should've been here in the first place.
— Jammer Cruzado Holanista π³ (@JammerCruzado) June 9, 2023
Iβm deleting your music from my playlist.
— Chema (@JosManu86263631) June 9, 2023
