Sponsored by No One Tour 1995. Sponsored by Verizon Tour 2008.

slightofjeff · June 2008

Perrymasterflex wrote:

I completely agree with the poster... and I too have been thinking a lot about the band's most recent decisions. When I fell in love with Pearl Jam almost four years ago-- it was the music that interested me, but it was the concept that had me enthralled, obsessed even. As a teenager discouraged, and dissatisfied by the music that "my" generation called its own-- I turned to the concept which was Pearl Jam to lean on. It was something that felt intimate, it felt exclusive, as if it was best kept secret. I wont go into what the community has meant to me, how liberating the traveling has been for me, or how the band's ideals have influenced my own. But I feel like this concept is deteriorating (for me), and quite frankly the music alone isn't enough to keep me entangled.

I just don't see what giving away free music downloads has to do with any of this. Sorry. It just sounds to me like you don't like the band as much anymore, and there's no crime in that.

andrew the legend · June 2008

If it cuts our ticket prices who cares?
I have never been to a show where the band didnt deliver.
Period
the end.

Perrymasterflex · June 2008

I think i got a little ahead of myself... i was just running on emotion after seeing that Verizon website... but I found my senses after seeing pics of last nights show. Stone with the beard was enough to calm me down.

aNiMaL · June 2008

I_Got_Shit wrote:

Why do those statements not convince me? Because I learned not to believe everything I read in a press release -- a valuable skill in this world. I think it's obvious I'm in the vast minority when I say I'm bothered by the Verizon deal. But lets just remember that Pearl Jam is being used to promote Verizon just as much as Verizon is being used to deliver music. You have to have a Verizon account and a phone with V-cast to hear these tracks, right? So lets stop with this bullshit about bringing the music to as many fans as possible.

If you're OK with the Verizon deal, that's fine, but at least acknowledge that the real reason for this partnership is money. It might be that the only reason we're getting boots at all this tour is because the Verizon deal made it financially possible. If that's the case, I wish the Ten Club would tell us the truth. I think we've earned that much.

I call bull shit on the only reason is money. Sure, since the inception of the bootleg program in 2000, part of the reason has always been to make some money. So, your revelation now is meaningless. Pearl Jam has always wanted to make money, and I see nothing wrong with that. Make money, yes; make all the money remotely possibly, not at all. Adding the options of physical CD's and V-Cast adds more choices which then does yes, get there live music to a larger audience, hence, bringing their music to as many fans as possible. If you do not have Verizon, then you still have 2 more options.

You say Pearl Jam is promoting Verizon, but not that Verizon is also promoting Pearl Jam. Give credit both ways. Verizon is not just simply delivering music, they are advertising for PJ just as much as PJ is for Verizon.

Ledbetterman10 · June 2008

andrew the legend wrote:

If it cuts our ticket prices who cares?

it's cutting ticket prices?

rrivers · June 2008

Solat13 wrote:

Why do I think if this article came out today instead of three years ago, that many people on here would disagree with it:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/popcandy/2005-07-05-pop-candy_x.htm

This is humorous to me that this issue is still being discussed.

Unless PJ becomes an underground band playing dive bars with no publicity they are always going to have to work with corporations whether it be record labels, distribution centers, etc. to get their music to the people. I mean Ten Club itself is a corporation.

I just don't understand how the term selling out applies her unless it's being used to say Pearl Jam has sold out MSG.

The day they do something like Target sponsors the Pearl Jam Reunion tour I'll change my tune, but if people are really upset that they are giving out a free song download to people over a mobile phone - they need to stop being so high and mighty and get over it.

My problem with it, as I have said numerous times, is that Ed is "so high and mighty" and it is hypocritical to do this when he has been on his soap box about this type of thing so many times.

Ledbetterman10 · June 2008

rrivers wrote:

My problem with it, as I have said numerous times, is that Ed is "so high and mighty" and it is hypocritical to do this when he has been on his soap box about this type of thing so many times.

so he's changed his views. I'm sure you've changed some of your views over the past 15 years....though I'm sure people aren't analyzing every move you make with your life and posting disdain for them on the internet

rrivers · June 2008

Ledbetterman10 wrote:

so he's changed his views. I'm sure you've changed some of your views over the past 15 years....though I'm sure people aren't analyzing every move you make with your life and posting disdain for them on the internet

I would put you in the "Ed and PJ never do anything wrong" group. So I can't comment that it is hypocritical. I guess you want this board to just be "I love PJ" and "Pics where Ed Looks hot".

Ledbetterman10 · June 2008

rrivers wrote:

I would put you in the "Ed and PJ never do anything wrong" group. So I can't comment that it is hypocritical. I guess you want this board to just be "I love PJ" and "Pics where Ed Looks hot".

you couldn't be further from correct. in fact, I hate to admit that I guess I'm like you; the "I hate you people who have man-crushes on the bandmembers and defend their every move" type of guy. I just disagree with this comment:

rrivers wrote:

My problem with it, as I have said numerous times, is that Ed is "so high and mighty" and it is hypocritical to do this when he has been on his soap box about this type of thing so many times.

I've never got the "high and mighty" vibe from Ed and thus I don't know what you're talking about. so what are you referring to?

jxchamb · June 2008

There's a difference between a partnership and a sponsorship.
Pearl Jam has partnered with Verzion so fans can download three songs from each show onto their cell phone. I don't think that is anywhere near selling out or anything close to that. Eddie did the same thing for his solo tour and evidently it didn't leave a sour taste in his mouth or they wouldn't be doing it for this tour.
Personaly, I'm crossing my fingers and praying that I'll get a chance to download Parachutes as a ringtone.

decides2dream · June 2008

Indian Summer wrote:

Maybe after the whole At&T thing at Lolla last year, they decided to partner up with Verizon???? just a thought.

It doesn't bother me though, I'm in it for the music. They keep putting out great music, and I'll keep coming back for more. I don't give a shit about selling out/integrity or any of that shit....I'm here for the tunes.

that's kinda what i was thinking...a fuck you to AT&T. yes, either way it definitely is going for corporate partnership no matter how you slice it....something the band, and most notably ed always seemed dead set against. is it hypocritical? perhaps...in as much as i am sure ed won't stop his rants on such. however, i look at it more as.....people change. it doesn't bother me in the least. however, if others see it as 'selling out'...hypocritical.....a bad thing...i can't fault them for holding such an opinion. that's what happens when one is VERY vocal about things, and then changes their stance down the road. c'est la vie.

*corrected sponsorship for partnership..but either way, in bed together.

rrivers · June 2008

Ledbetterman10 wrote:

I've never got the "high and mighty" vibe from Ed and thus I don't know what you're talking about. so what are you referring to?

Look at his rant against Celine Dion for her show in Vegas, the Jewel rant posted by the original poster for examples of him being "high and mighty". He also spoke against Counting Crows doing a commercial for Coke during their "Hard Candy" album.

Say what you want, but this site: http://pearljamconcerts.com/index.html advertises Verizon with Pearl Jam associated with it. For a band that his been so "anti-commercials, sponsors, etc." it is hypocritical for them to do this. I actually have more respect for a young band coming up and doing this because maybe they see it as their only chance to make a lot of money so they are striking while the iron is hot. No one in Pearl Jam has to work a day more in their life ever, so their is no need to partner with Verizon especially after all the obnoxious rants, etc. over the years.

It is a pretty lame partnership anyway with them selling three songs to a show. Who wants three songs of a show? It's not that hard to get a live version of "Why Go?", which is the free song offered from WPB.

I also have to agree with, I believe, I_Got_Shit, who wondered who was clamoring for the mobile service Verizon is offering with regards to PJ.

rrivers · June 2008

decides2dream wrote:

however, if others see it as 'selling out'...hypocritical.....a bad thing...i can't fault them for holding such an opinion. that's what happens when one is VERY vocal about things, and then changes their stance down the road. c'est la vie.
*corrected sponsorship for partnership..but either way, in bed together.

My point exactly, decides2dream.

zappa99 · June 2008

At no point during the Palm Beach show was did eddie mention Verizon and in no way did the show say it was sponsored by Verizon, it was just a way to get a few songs from the show, big deal.I actually took the 4' x 6' Verizon/Pearl Jam banner from the side of the bus to hang in my room cheaper than the 25 dollar poster I bought or the 8 dollar beers.

chromiam · June 2008

rrivers wrote:

Look at his rant against Celine Dion for her show in Vegas, the Jewel rant posted by the original poster for examples of him being "high and mighty". He also spoke against Counting Crows doing a commercial for Coke during their "Hard Candy" album.

Say what you want, but this site: http://pearljamconcerts.com/index.html advertises Verizon with Pearl Jam associated with it. For a band that his been so "anti-commercials, sponsors, etc." it is hypocritical for them to do this. I actually have more respect for a young band coming up and doing this because maybe they see it as their only chance to make a lot of money so they are striking while the iron is hot. No one in Pearl Jam has to work a day more in their life ever, so their is no need to partner with Verizon especially after all the obnoxious rants, etc. over the years.

It is a pretty lame partnership anyway with them selling three songs to a show. Who wants three songs of a show? It's not that hard to get a live version of "Why Go?", which is the free song offered from WPB.

I also have to agree with, I believe, I_Got_Shit, who wondered who was clamoring for the mobile service Verizon is offering with regards to PJ.

Again you seem to confuse the words partnership and sponsorship. I've yet to see Pearl Jam doing a commercial for or sponsor anything. And yet I've heard a radio commercial from Verizon about PJ and the tour and the downloads (thus promoting the band), its not the same as PJ doing the commercial for Verizon. In this music climate (internet, file sharing, satellite radio) a band has to be creative in holding on to and capturing new fans. I see this as just that, an attempt to capture new tech saavy fans as well as giving those who have been fans for years a new way of showing their love for the band.

You ask who would want 3 songs from a show on their cell phone... the answer is someone who would want to either listen to live music on their phones or use that music as a ringtone or callback tone or anyone who uses ringtones on their phone.

Lastly, I the reasons why a young band would do something like this is to get their music out there, build a fanbase and in that way make tons more money than any commercial deal could pay them.... kinda seems the same for PJ, just instead of installing a fan base, they are trying to to expand it to a younger audience.

Cosmo · June 2008

meme wrote:

Would that last line be such an inaccurate description of Ed himself in his worst moments?

...
You are absolutely right. Sometimes, Ed can be a judgemental prick... just like anyone one else in the world. The guy is not infallible... he is not someone who needs to be hoisted up on a pedestal... he's just a fucking human... like the rest of us.

decides2dream · June 2008

chromiam wrote:

Again you seem to confuse the words partnership and sponsorship. I've yet to see Pearl Jam doing a commercial for or sponsor anything. And yet I've heard a radio commercial from Verizon about PJ and the tour and the downloads (thus promoting the band), its not the same as PJ doing the commercial for Verizon. In this music climate (internet, file sharing, satellite radio) a band has to be creative in holding on to and capturing new fans. I see this as just that, an attempt to capture new tech saavy fans as well as giving those who have been fans for years a new way of showing their love for the band.

You ask who would want 3 songs from a show on their cell phone... the answer is someone who would want to either listen to live music on their phones or use that music as a ringtone or callback tone or anyone who uses ringtones on their phone.

Lastly, I the reasons why a young band would do something like this is to get their music out there, build a fanbase and in that way make tons more money than any commercial deal could pay them.... kinda seems the same for PJ, just instead of installing a fan base, they are trying to to expand it to a younger audience.

excellent points.

i have already stated that i couldn't care less about this partnership and it in no way diminishes my view of the band, ed, etc....but i also never really held them to some real 'standard' in any case. they ARE a rock band afterall

...i give em kudos for going above and beyond in many ways...and forgive their humanity as with anyone.

thing is though....you really can't fault some from thinking HUH?! when seeing pj/verizon making ANY kinda deal. i totally agree with all the 'reasons' behind it, makes excellent sense all the way round....but whoever started the thread, yea....1995 ed would say no way. however, i don't fault 2008 ed/pj for realizing, it CAN be good for them. also, cool for them b/c i am sure they realize some will take them to task over it, and yet again...ture to their roots...they say fuck it, this is what WE want to do now. seems that has always been the pearl jam way...follow their own thoughts/desires. good for them.

High Fidelity 2000 · June 2008

Wow. Jesus Christ.

People around here don't take sarcasm very well. Look, I will say it.

THE TOUR IS NOT SPONSORED BY VERIZON.

Are you fucking happy? *I* knew it wasn't sponsored by Verizon. *You* knew it wasn't sponsored by Verizon. In the words of our fearless president, "That's one of those ex-agg-er-ations."

And just so you know, "fearless president" should also be read with sarcasm.

I love that nothing changes amongst so many of the message board fans. For years, anytime someone complains, there are so many lynch mobs that jump on them and say "If you don't like it stay home! Don't renew your membership! Let us all get closer seats! Shut your face and go listen to Creed!" etc etc.

Well guess what? I still love Pearl Jam. I will NOT stay home (actually I will this tour but was planning on it all along since the closest concert was a $400 plane ticket away). To the poster that said next time Pearl Jam played in my neck of the woods, stay home...not a problem, sir, as they haven't played my neck of the woods since 2000. I've had to travel to see THEM, which I will still do when I can. And I will not go listen to Creed (although this may be the first thread where someone did not actually tell the original poster to do so).

And guess what? I'll likely be sitting in front of you with my Ten Club number in the 100,000s from joining up 13 years ago. Ha. (again, since you people don't pick up on it very well, that's sarcasm...and yeah I don't need you to explain to me about the random tickets for certain rows...I got it).

I know Verizon is not a "SPONSOR" of the tour. What I was trying to get at though is that the Verizon 'DEAL" is (to borrow some words of a friend of mine) in stark contrast to everything the band publicly said since their inception. Yes, there are tons of bands who sell songs, who do "exclusives" with their music and cell phone companies. I just never thought I'd see Pearl Jam's name next to a cell phone company's name in press releases, websites, articles (Billboard article had Pearl Jam and Verizon in the fucking headline... the fact that the majority here obviously don't care just kind of tells you something). And yes, you do have to bring AT&T into this.

To the people who say that Verizon is the only way they could do bootlegs, that is highly doubtful. It may be the only way they could do bootlegs ON YOUR PHONE, but it's not the only way they could have done bootlegs.

To the people that say we should be excited about getting a free download after every concert...well great! Give me my free download!!!

Wait, I don't have Verizon though. Can I still get it? No? Well damn.

Do you see how this works? Each party is definitely "getting" something out of this deal. Verizon and Pearl Jam. It's just a little shocking and unexpected to have read that a couple days ago. So no, I'm not going to boycott the band and quit listening to them. However, unlike most of you 2 days ago, I will boycott the Verizon deal and not switch my service over to get a few free songs. Thanks anyway, I think I've got enough live Pearl Jam in my library.

To the people that say "Pearl Jam needs to find new ways to support their families" and "They don't want to lose money on the tour." Etc. Do you seriously believe this? Do you really think Ed and the guys are a mortgage payment away from having to move their families to the projects? Do you really believe that the price on your ticket DOESN'T cover the expenses and create a profit on their tour? If they rented out those amphitheaters and arenas and charged $20 a head, yeah they'd probably lose a lot of money. But that $60 or $70 or whatever tickets cost this tour...THAT is the price set by the band and their promoters to make sure that things like trucks and staging and crew members and fuel and hotels and all that shit is paid for, and that there will be profit and all the band members' babies will have a roof over their head. Tours generate millions of dollars. Seriously, people.

To the people who said "Well then they shouldn't have signed with Sony in 1991." Again, seriously? Sony is a record label. When you're in a band, and you want to put out a record, you sign with a record company to do it. At least you did, that has changed in the past year thanks to RAdiohead and NIN etc. So now ESTABLISHED bands may need no record label at all. Verizon is not a record label. McDonalds is not a record label. Gillette razors (or whatever) is not a record label. So it really is not the same thing as saying "Well if you're against the Verizon thing, you should be against Sony and everything else." Had Pearl Jam not signed with Sony and wanted to keep it local and independent in 1991, none of us would be here talking about it right now.

I worked a 13 hour day yesterday, so I just got caught up on all you crazies (and last night's setlist) today.

And by the way, I prefer Luke Skywalker to Han Solo. Thanks, though.

(again, that's sarcasm)

High Fidelity 2000 · June 2008

rrivers wrote:

Look at his rant against Celine Dion for her show in Vegas, the Jewel rant posted by the original poster for examples of him being "high and mighty". He also spoke against Counting Crows doing a commercial for Coke during their "Hard Candy" album.

Say what you want, but this site: http://pearljamconcerts.com/index.html advertises Verizon with Pearl Jam associated with it. For a band that his been so "anti-commercials, sponsors, etc." it is hypocritical for them to do this. I actually have more respect for a young band coming up and doing this because maybe they see it as their only chance to make a lot of money so they are striking while the iron is hot. No one in Pearl Jam has to work a day more in their life ever, so their is no need to partner with Verizon especially after all the obnoxious rants, etc. over the years.

It is a pretty lame partnership anyway with them selling three songs to a show. Who wants three songs of a show? It's not that hard to get a live version of "Why Go?", which is the free song offered from WPB.

I also have to agree with, I believe, I_Got_Shit, who wondered who was clamoring for the mobile service Verizon is offering with regards to PJ.

Amen to that. So they're putting up posters (guy above mentions taking a Verizon/PJ poster) at the show? Smells fishy to me.

And exactly, who wants 3 songs form a show? You want to hear the whole show!

All of this with Verizon and Pearl Jam together on all these websites etc to get a free cell phone download of Why Go. TOTALLY worth compromising one's past beliefs for.

Ledbetterman10 · June 2008

High Fidelity 2000 wrote:

Wow. Jesus Christ.

People around here don't take sarcasm very well. Look, I will say it.

THE TOUR IS NOT SPONSORED BY VERIZON.

Are you fucking happy? *I* knew it wasn't sponsored by Verizon. *You* knew it wasn't sponsored by Verizon. In the words of our fearless president, "That's one of those ex-agg-er-ations."

And just so you know, "fearless president" should also be read with sarcasm.

I love that nothing changes amongst so many of the message board fans. For years, anytime someone complains, there are so many lynch mobs that jump on them and say "If you don't like it stay home! Don't renew your membership! Let us all get closer seats! Shut your face and go listen to Creed!" etc etc.

Well guess what? I still love Pearl Jam. I will NOT stay home (actually I will this tour but was planning on it all along since the closest concert was a $400 plane ticket away). To the poster that said next time Pearl Jam played in my neck of the woods, stay home...not a problem, sir, as they haven't played my neck of the woods since 2000. I've had to travel to see THEM, which I will still do when I can. And I will not go listen to Creed (although this may be the first thread where someone did not actually tell the original poster to do so).

And guess what? I'll likely be sitting in front of you with my Ten Club number in the 100,000s from joining up 13 years ago. Ha. (again, since you people don't pick up on it very well, that's sarcasm...and yeah I don't need you to explain to me about the random tickets for certain rows...I got it).

I know Verizon is not a "SPONSOR" of the tour. What I was trying to get at though is that the Verizon 'DEAL" is (to borrow some words of a friend of mine) in stark contrast to everything the band publicly said since their inception. Yes, there are tons of bands who sell songs, who do "exclusives" with their music and cell phone companies. I just never thought I'd see Pearl Jam's name next to a cell phone company's name in press releases, websites, articles (Billboard article had Pearl Jam and Verizon in the fucking headline... the fact that the majority here obviously don't care just kind of tells you something). And yes, you do have to bring AT&T into this.

To the people who say that Verizon is the only way they could do bootlegs, that is highly doubtful. It may be the only way they could do bootlegs ON YOUR PHONE, but it's not the only way they could have done bootlegs.

To the people that say we should be excited about getting a free download after every concert...well great! Give me my free download!!!

Wait, I don't have Verizon though. Can I still get it? No? Well damn.

Do you see how this works? Each party is definitely "getting" something out of this deal. Verizon and Pearl Jam. It's just a little shocking and unexpected to have read that a couple days ago. So no, I'm not going to boycott the band and quit listening to them. However, unlike most of you 2 days ago, I will boycott the Verizon deal and not switch my service over to get a few free songs. Thanks anyway, I think I've got enough live Pearl Jam in my library.

To the people that say "Pearl Jam needs to find new ways to support their families" and "They don't want to lose money on the tour." Etc. Do you seriously believe this? Do you really think Ed and the guys are a mortgage payment away from having to move their families to the projects? Do you really believe that the price on your ticket DOESN'T cover the expenses and create a profit on their tour? If they rented out those amphitheaters and arenas and charged $20 a head, yeah they'd probably lose a lot of money. But that $60 or $70 or whatever tickets cost this tour...THAT is the price set by the band and their promoters to make sure that things like trucks and staging and crew members and fuel and hotels and all that shit is paid for, and that there will be profit and all the band members' babies will have a roof over their head. Tours generate millions of dollars. Seriously, people.

To the people who said "Well then they shouldn't have signed with Sony in 1991." Again, seriously? Sony is a record label. When you're in a band, and you want to put out a record, you sign with a record company to do it. At least you did, that has changed in the past year thanks to RAdiohead and NIN etc. So now ESTABLISHED bands may need no record label at all. Verizon is not a record label. McDonalds is not a record label. Gillette razors (or whatever) is not a record label. So it really is not the same thing as saying "Well if you're against the Verizon thing, you should be against Sony and everything else." Had Pearl Jam not signed with Sony and wanted to keep it local and independent in 1991, none of us would be here talking about it right now.

I worked a 13 hour day yesterday, so I just got caught up on all you crazies (and last night's setlist) today.

And by the way, I prefer Luke Skywalker to Han Solo. Thanks, though.

(again, that's sarcasm)

if for nothing else, at least I respect you for reading through this entire thread of bullshit and noting my Han Solo action figure comment.

but I still think you're getting you "panties in a bunch" so to speak over all this verizon stuff. you say that doing this verizon thing is "a stark contrast to everything the band publicly said since their inception." to that I say "so what?" so they changed their mind. or WE WERE LIED TO!!!!! Oh my god eddie vedder lied to me. all this time I thought he was against cooperations but he's really not. okay....so? how does that change anything for YOU?

Sponsored by No One Tour 1995. Sponsored by Verizon Tour 2008.

Comments

Categories