Pearl Jam to release their new album 'Gigaton' this March
It's their first album in seven years
Last updated 14th Jan 2020
Pearl Jam are releasing their eagerly awaited eleventh studio album ‘Gigaton’ on Friday 27th March 2020 via Universal Music Group.
Produced by Josh Evans and Pearl Jam themselves, ‘Gigaton’ is Pearl Jam’s first studio album since October 2013’s ‘Lightning Bolt’, which reached number two on the UK album chart and spawned the singles ‘Mind Your Manners’ and ‘Sirens’.
‘Gigaton’ will be preceded by the lead single ‘Dance of the Clairvoyants’ that will be released in the coming weeks.
Pearl Jam announced the record after a series of cryptic social media posts, displaying cardiograph heartbeat blips, and what appear to be fire logos.
They also displayed an interactive map on pearljam.com which, when zoomed in, reveals latitude and longitude coordinates around the world, including one in London, under Westminster bridge.
Fans quickly flocked to the corresponding sites, which turned out to be posters featuring the album artwork. When approached and viewed through a special Pearl Jam filter on a phone, the posters come to life, with water pouring off the glaciers, and an atmospheric piece of music playing.
Lead guitarist Mike McCready says of the album: “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."
The visually striking artwork was taken by acclaimed Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist Paul Nicklen.
Entitled ‘Ice Waterfall’, the photograph was taken in Svalbard, Norway, and features the Nordaustlandet ice cap gushing high volumes of meltwater.
Pearl Jam are embarking on a North American headline tour throughout March and April in support of ‘Gigaton’ before hitting Europe in the summer.
The European trek includes a previously announced headline slot at American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 10th July, with support from the Pixies. It’s their only UK date of 2020 and tickets are on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets right now.
2020 is Pearl Jam’s 30th anniversary as band. Over their distinguished career, the Seattle rockers have sold more than 85 million albums worldwide.
See Pearl Jam at the following European shows this summer:
JUNE 2020
Frankfurt, Germany, Festhalle – Tue 23rd
Berlin, Germany, Waldbuhne – Thu 25th
Stockholm, Sweden, Lollapalooza Festival – Sat 27th
Copenhagen, Denmark, Royal Arena – Mon 29th
JULY 2020
Werchter, Belgium, Rock Werchter Festival – Thu 2nd
Imola, Italy, Autodromo Internazionale Enzo E Dino Ferrari – Sun 5th
Vienna, Australia, Wiener Stadhalle – Tue 7th
London, UK, American Express Presents BST Hyde Park – Fri 10th
Krakow, Poland, Tauron Arena – Mon 13th
Budapest, Hungary, Budapest Arena – Wed 15th
Zurich, Switzerland, Hallenstadion – Fri 17th
Paris, France, Lollapalooza Festival Paris – Sun 19th
Amsterdam, Holland, Ziggo Dome – Wed 22nd