Self-Pollution Radio = Real Radio
It should come as no surprise to Pearl Jam fans that when the band does something, they do it on their own terms. Album packaging is prepared with great attention to detail. Tours are organized with hand-picked opening bands. The best tickets at concerts go to fans, not corporate interest. So why should a radio appearance be any different?
In late 1994, it was announced that Pearl Jam was making a satellite broadcast available to any radio station that wanted to pick it up, where what you hear is what you get. No commercials, no glossy DJs, just free-form radio. Not too many people knew what to expect. It's doubtful that Seattle fans would have made the connection of what would happen just from hearing the post-Rockline interview from 1993 that was only broadcast in Seattle, because only two members of the band were present and it was done from the hip. It also would be a stretch to expect more of the post-show Broadcast from April 3, 1994 because only a few stations continued to broadcast that last hour and it was a very simple DJ session with more songs than insightful talk. No one knew what they were in for.
Closer to the date, nearly every major radio market in the United States and Canada picked up the broadcast. Pearl Jam had released Vitalogy just a few months later and was certainly not at a loss for popularity; but, they were in a pivotal period where they were trying to regain control of their band and their lives. You don't have to look much farther than the lyrics of Vitalogy to realize that their world was "restless"; however, the seeds of control were firmly planted. Jack Irons was their new drummer and an unprecedented plan to tour without Ticketmaster was already underway. Although it's easy to see in hindsight, one could have predicted that their first special "Self-Pollution Radio" would be insightful, personal and downright fun.
Combining all the best elements of radio - diverse music selections, live performances, phone-ins and conversation focusing on issue awareness - the first broadcast on January 8, 1995 was a big hit with fans. It felt local, heart-felt and energized. After a complete tour with the Monkeywrench Radio van, Pearl Jam hosted another show on January 31, 1998 to accompany the next week's release of Yield. Please follow the links below for accounts of these events.
Self-Pollution
Broadcasts a few months after the release of Vitalogy. Live performances by Pearl Jam, The Fastbacks, Mudhoney and Soundgarden. Meaningful Dialogue with the Home Alive organization and Krist Novaselic. Killer indie tunes and the always funny Mike Watt. |
Monkeywrench Radio
A.K.A Self-Pollution Radio, Part 2. Broadcasts a week prior to the release of "Yield". Live Performances by Pearl Jam, Zeke, Tuatara, Mudhoney, and Brad. Social awareness with Gloria Steinem and Free to Fight. Still funny: Mike Watt. |
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