The early ‘90s were a battlefield for rock bands fighting for their place in the industry. The rise of alternative rock, the grunge explosion, and the race to secure major label success—all of it defined a generation.
But now, decades later, a surprising claim from Billy Corgan has surfaced about Pearl Jam’s early days on tour with Smashing Pumpkins and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And not everyone is buying his story.
During a recent podcast episode with Tom Morello, Corgan shared a surprising story from the Pumpkins’ 1991 tour with Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Corgan went on to say that Pearl Jam, who were still in the early stages of their career, were suddenly hit with shocking news behind the scenes.
“We were on the Chili Pepper tour. It was Pearl Jam, Pumpkins, Chili Peppers was the bill. We played about 40 shows on that tour. And during the tour that’s when [the Chili Peppers’ hit single] ‘Under the Bridge’ took off, and that record just blew up like crazy. And Pearl Jam had I think one song out, it would have been ‘Alive’ or something.”
“And I remember coming to one of the gigs, it was about halfway through the [tour], and we were hanging out with them every day, like you do on tour. And they all look like somebody had died. And I said, ‘What’s wrong with you guys?’ Because they’re usually kind of an upbeat bunch.”
Corgan then uncovered a forgotten incident, that could have proven to be a crucial moment in rock history. Especially, considering how popular grunge was becoming worldwide.
Former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abbruzzese commented on this story to Alternative Nation, “Um….nope. That didn’t happen.” A fan commented commented back to Dave, “Bro shush. This is why Pearl Jam kicked you out.” Abbruzzese told the fan to go F himself.
