The guitarist recalls recording the Diamond-certified 1991 album and performing its classic tracks live.
Pearl Jam’s 1991 debut album, Ten, celebrates its 35th anniversary on Aug. 27. Guitarist Mike McCready recalled sensing the significance of the record from the first day vocalist Eddie Vedder arrived to work on “Once” with the rest of the original lineup, which also featured guitarist Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament, and drummer Dave Krusen. Before forming Pearl Jam, members of the group had played in several other bands, including Green River, Mother Love Bone, and Temple of the Dog.
The record went on to achieve Diamond certification from the RIAA and produced classic singles such as “Even Flow,” “Alive,” and “Jeremy.” McCready described performing songs from Ten live as a “mythical” and “spiritual” experience, adding that crowds have lifted tracks like “Alive” and “Even Flow” to become bigger than when they were first recorded.
