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The band Pearl Jam originally named itself after which NBA player?

Which NBA player did the band Pearl Jam originally name themselves after?

The iconic alternative rock band Pearl Jam was formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The band consists of Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Matt Cameron. However, many people may not know that the band was originally named after a basketball player in the NBA.

Iconic alternative rock band Pearl Jam

The band’s original name was Mookie Blaylock, named after the former NBA point guard who played for the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors. Blaylock was known for his strong defense, quickness, and leadership on the court, and was a fan favorite in many cities.

The band members were reportedly watching the NBA draft on television while trying to come up with a name for their new band. When they saw that Blaylock had been drafted by the Nets, they were struck by the name and decided to use it for their band. The band’s first album, “Ten,” was released in 1991 and was a massive success. It featured hit songs such as “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy,” and helped establish Pearl Jam as one of the biggest bands of the 1990s.

Why did the band change their name?

Despite the success of their first album, the band members began to feel uncomfortable with the name Mookie Blaylock and decided to change it to Pearl Jam.

Mookie Blaylock in action for the Atlanta Hawks

The name was reportedly inspired by a jam that Vedder’s great-grandmother made with a type of pears called “pearl” pears. Since changing their name, the band has continued to release hit albums and tour extensively, building a devoted fanbase around the world. They have also been active in political and social causes, speaking out on a number of social issues.

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To sum it up, Pearl Jam was originally named after Mookie Blaylock, a former NBA point guard who played for several teams in the 1990s. The band members were inspired by Blaylock’s name while watching the NBA draft on television and decided to use it for their new band. However, they later changed their name to Pearl Jam, which has become one of the most iconic names in rock music.

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