Pearl Jam’s unreleased (officially) live album recorded in Melbourne, Australia, is finally set for release on April 22 as part of Record Store Day. The album titled Give Way will feature 17 tracks from the band’s March 5, 1998, show at Melbourne Park. The concert was part of Pearl Jam’s tour for their fifth studio album, Yield.
Pearl Jam initially planned to include it as a free promotion for fans who purchased the Pearl Jam documentary film, Single Video Theory, on VHS at Best Buy, upon its release on August 4, 1998. However, a day before the promotion, the band’s label Epic Records halted the release.
According to Discogs, rumor has it that the promotion was not properly cleared with the label and/or the band, which prompted Sony Music, Epic Records’ parent company and distributor, to order the destruction of all 50,000 CD copies, although a small number escaped destruction. For years, those last few existing CDs of the concert, as well as many bootlegs, have been circulating among collectors.
The title, Give Way, is a reference to the Australian version of the American “yield” traffic sign, as Pearl Jam was touring in support of their album, Yield. Although the concert featured 25 songs, eight of them are omitted on the album. This was also the final tour for drummer Jack Irons with Pearl Jam, who was reportedly dissatisfied with the intensity and demands of touring. Irons’ last show with the band was on March 20, 1998, in Perth, the final show of the Australian tour dates.
Following Irons’ departure, former Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, with very little notice, joined Pearl Jam on a temporary basis. However, he soon became the permanent replacement for Irons.
The long-awaited release of Give Way coincides with the 25th anniversary of Pearl Jam’s album Yield, making it the perfect time for the album to be released. The album will be available on gatefold black double vinyl and CD.
Be sure to visit one of the Seattle area’s fantastic independent record stores that will be participating in Record Store Day to get your copy of Pearl Jam’s Give Way on April 22nd.
Give Way Track List:
Release
Brain of J.
Animal
Faithfull
In My Tree
I Got ID
Corduroy
Even Flow
Spin the Black Circle
Given To Fly
Hail, Hail
MFC
State of Love and Trust
Do The Evolution
Alive
Black
Immortality
About Record Store Day
In 2007, a group of independent record store owners and employees gathered to create an event that would celebrate the culture surrounding independently-owned record stores in the US and around the world. Record Store Day was born and it made its debut on April 19, 2008. Today, this special day is celebrated at brick-and-mortar record stores all over the globe. It is an opportunity for record store staff, customers, and artists to come together and commemorate the unique culture of record stores and the essential role they play in their communities.
On Record Store Day, exclusive vinyl and CD releases, as well as promotional products, are made available for purchase. There are also various festivities throughout the day, including live performances, cookouts, body painting, meet and greets with artists, parades, and DJs spinning records, among other things.
The Official Release List for Record Store Day has grown significantly since its inception, starting with only a small list of titles in 2008. Today, the list includes artists and labels both large and small, spanning every genre and price point. For many years, more than 60% of the Official Release List has come from independent labels and distributors. The list is designed to showcase a wide range of artists and music, reflecting the diverse tastes of record stores and their customers.
Record Store Day has become an important event for the music industry and music fans alike. It highlights the importance of independent record stores and the vital role they play in the music community. So, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the culture and community of record stores on this year’s Record Store Day.
Record Store Day 2023 takes place on April 22nd. Visit the official Record Store Day website for more information.
