Stone Gossard

Lore & Background

Gossard's musical journey began early in Seattle. He attended The Northwest School, a day and boarding school, where he joined his first band, March of Crimes, which included future Soundgarden bassist Ben Shepherd and novelist Jonathan Evison. Though his time with that band was brief, it introduced him to the emerging Seattle music scene. He formed a close friendship with guitarist Steve Turner (later of Mudhoney), who had also attended The Northwest School, and joined Turner in his band The Ducky Boys. Turner's interest in punk rock had a significant influence on Gossard, and in turn on the ethos of the band. After Green River's dissolution, Gossard established Mother Love Bone in 1988 with former Green River members Jeff Ament and Bruce Fairweather, former Malfunkshun frontman Andrew Wood, and drummer Greg Gilmore. The band signed to PolyGram subsidiary Mercury Records in early 1989 and issued its debut EP, Shine, in March of that year. Only days before the release of their debut album Apple in March 1990, frontman Wood overdosed on heroin and died, effectively ending the band. Gossard later reacquainted himself with childhood acquaintance Mike McCready after watching him jam with a local band called Love Chile. After a few months of practicing together, McCready encouraged Gossard to reconnect with Ament. The trio were attempting to form their own band when they were invited to be part of the Temple of the Dog project founded by Soundgarden's Chris Cornell as a musical tribute to Wood. Gossard described the recording process as a 'non-pressure filled' situation. This project eventually featured vocalist Eddie Vedder, who had arrived in Seattle to audition to be the singer for Ament and Gossard's next band. Vedder sang a duet with Cornell on 'Hunger Strike' and provided background vocals on several other songs. Three of the songs on the final album were musically credited to Gossard, including the single 'Pushin Forward Back'. Gossard asserted that he thought Wood would be 'blown away by the whole thing.'

Reader's Guide

Stone Gossard has been a member of Pearl Jam since its inception in 1990. He plays rhythm guitar and contributes significantly to the band's songwriting process. His tenure spans the entire history of the group, making him one of only two original members remaining alongside Jeff Ament. His playing style is characterized by melodic precision and a supportive rhythmic approach that allows lead elements to shine. Outside of Pearl Jam, Gossard has been involved in various side projects, including Temple of the Dog and Brad, and has released two solo albums: Bayleaf in 2001 and Moonlander in 2013.

Did You Know?

• Stone Gossard was born in Seattle to David W. Gossard Jr. and Mary Carolyn Carpenter. His father was a lawyer and his mother worked in the Seattle city government.
• Gossard testified before a congressional subcommittee alongside Jeff Ament in 1994 during Pearl Jam's dispute with Ticketmaster over prices and surcharges.

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