Jack Irons‘ run with Pearl Jam only lasted for four years, but it can be concluded from what he disclosed to VWMusic that he had played an important role in the act by recruiting Eddie Vedder. The drummer recollected the first time he met the singer and how he introduced him to Pearl Jam.
“I met Eddie Vedder on the Joe Strummer tour at a club in San Diego,” said Irons recalling his initial encounter with Eddie. “We became very friendly, played lots of basketball, and had regular hangs.”
“One day, I met with Stone and Jeff about starting a new band, and they gave me a tape of new material,” continued the drummer, talking about his former Pearl Jam bandmates’ search for recruits. “I wasn’t ready to start a new life, but they also asked if I knew any singers.”
“I had seen Eddie play with his band, and he could really sing great,” added Jack on how impressed he was with Vedder’s singing, which led him to make a quick decision to introduce him to Pearl Jam members. “So, I passed that tape on to him. Time, life changes, and friendships ultimately led me to be able to join Pearl Jam some years later.”
Irons did play a key role in not only Pearl Jam’s formation but he was also the founding drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers. The rocker also worked with Neil Young and Joe Strummer, whom he was touring with when he met Eddie Vedder. Jack currently pursues a solo career and released his latest EP, ‘Koi Fish in Space,’ on March 4, 2022.
