Jeff Ament on Pearl Jam’s Future — and Why His Band Actually Enjoyed the Nineties

Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament has unveiled a fresh retrospective look at the band’s evolving history through his recently released photo book, Since Forever. Spanning from the early stages of the group’s formation to later milestones, the collection offers an intimate visual archive curated with the help of his brother, Barry Ament, who encouraged digitization and publication of the long-held images.

The photographs, some never before publicly seen, chronicle Pearl Jam’s rise and creative process, revealing moments both on and off stage. The project was born out of Ament’s longtime hobby of photographing his bandmates, a pursuit that began only after an initial gap in documentation due to financial constraints during his early Seattle years. His involvement in the art department for Cameron Crowe’s film Singles served as a catalyst, providing access to equipment and fostering his artistic expression.

Ament’s reflections extend beyond visuals, touching on the band dynamics, including the uncertain status of Pearl Jam’s drummer position. At their September 2023 performances at the Ohana Festival in California, Abe Laboriel Jr., known for his work with Paul McCartney, stepped in on drums. While Ament indicated the possibility of Laboriel becoming a permanent member, frontman Eddie Vedder later clarified that Laboriel was merely filling in, leaving the future lineup open-ended.

The narrative captured in Since Forever highlights the band's formative years, including rare glimpses from recording sessions for landmark albums such as Ten, Vs., and Vitalogy. These images provide fans and historians alike with an authentic sense of the group’s creative environment, from the legendary London Bridge studio to tours alongside influential acts like Neil Young.

Ament’s journey into photography within the band’s context was pragmatic as much as personal. Faced with the high costs of professional photographers and studio shoots, he took it upon himself to document Pearl Jam’s journey in a raw, DIY fashion. This approach not only preserved candid moments but also contributed to the visual identity of the band’s releases and promotional materials.

The book’s creation was carefully balanced to avoid turning into a conventional memoir. Ament deliberately refrained from overshadowing the images with extensive personal narratives or band gossip, focusing instead on the emotional texture and creative spirit behind the photographs. This approach respects both the band’s collaborative history and his own role as an observer rather than a chronicler.

Revisiting decades-old images brought mixed emotions for Ament, who acknowledges the stress and personal struggles reflected in some of the archived moments. Yet many pictures resonate with the enthusiasm and camaraderie that fueled Pearl Jam’s enduring success. They capture the band’s shared reverence for musical influences and the excitement of breaking into iconic scenes like New York City’s East Village.

The book also revisits Ament’s artistic contributions beyond music, including his early designs for flyers and album art that helped shape the visual culture of Seattle’s music scene. His multifaceted role within and around Pearl Jam underscores the collaborative and creative atmosphere that defined the band’s formative years.

While the future of Pearl Jam’s lineup and projects remains to be fully disclosed, Ament’s photographic tribute not only preserves a significant chapter in rock history but also offers insight into the band’s enduring spirit. Since Forever stands as both a historical document and a testament to the creative bonds that have sustained Pearl Jam through decades of change.