Pearl Jam Confirms New Album And North American Tour

Pearl Jam will release its 11th studio album, titled Gigaton, on March 27th. Produced by Josh Evans and Pearl Jam, Gigaton marks the band's first studio album since the Grammy-winning Lightning Bolt, which came out in October 2013. The first single, “Dance Of the Clairvoyants,” will arrive in a few weeks.

Guitarist Mike McCready said, “Making this record was a long journey. It was emotionally dark and confusing at times, but also an exciting and experimental road map to musical redemption. Collaborating with my bandmates on Gigaton ultimately gave me greater love, awareness and knowledge of the need for human connection in these times.”

Bassist Jeff Ament told us a while back that Pearl Jam decided a long time ago to never set a deadline on finishing a new LP: “I think we learned that after the first two records, you know. I think whenever you tell somebody, like, ‘Well, I think, you know, we can get it done by July,’ then July 1st they’re at your door, you know. So we’ve always just said, ‘Well, it’ll kinda be done when it’s done.”

The album cover features Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist Paul Nicklen's photo “Ice Waterfall.” Taken in Svalbard, Norway, this image features the Nordaustlandet ice cap gushing high volumes of meltwater. This same image appeared on billboards around the world over the past weekend as Pearl Jam sent fans on a scavenger hunt for clues about the album release.

In support of Gigaton, Pearl Jam will embark on its first leg of North American tour dates in March and April. The 16-date tour kicks off on March 18th in Toronto, wrapping with a two-date stint in Oakland on April 18th and 19th. The dates are (subject to change):
March 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
March 20 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
March 22- Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre
March 24 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Centre
March 28 – Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena
March 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
April 2 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
April 4 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
April 6 – Oklahoma City, OK – Chesapeake Energy Arena
April 9 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
April 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Gila River Arena
April 13 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
April 15-16 – Los Angeles, CA – The Forum
April 18-19 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena