That is what many would describe the profession of rock and roll star. Is there any better job…? Milkman or lead singer in a mega band? (Hmmm…well you do get all that free milk.) No question. Best job in the world.

Why is it that so many of those few who get the opportunity to do this for a living bitch and complain? Why is it that the few who are lucky enough to reap the benefits of this dream career revolt against the basic duties and responsibilities of this job?

Better Question: What is Eddie Vedders problem?

The band Pearl Jam, led by singer Eddie Vedder, has refused to conduct television interviews, produce music videos, and pose for group photos. This is just a few of their acts in defiance of the commercialization of music. So I have one question…when hasn’t the music industry been about selling records? Selling tickets to concerts? Selling merchandise?

Now I am not saying that the music shouldn’t be about something. I am not saying that you should sacrifice your artistic integrity. Why can’t you make great music AND try to sell it to as many people that you can get to listen to it? If you didn’t want to sell records then why did you do this in this first place? If you didn’t want to get your music out to as large of an audience as possible, then why don’t you just sing in the shower?

Promotion is the key to all showbiz. It comes with the job. The interviews. The photos. The videos. When bands are starting out and playing in their garage all they want is exposure. So why deny it once you have it? Did poor Ed not know what he was getting himself into when he decided to join a rock band? Must have not read the fine print I guess?

Now granted, there are varying amounts of self promotion a band or artist can do. Maybe Pearl Jam doesn’t need to do a Pepsi commercial. But what Eddie Vedder and the gang are fighting against are responsibilities of the job. If it’s strictly ONLY about the music and nothing else…then pick up a guitar and sing on a street corner. If not, then do your job and enjoy it. Because I guarantee it…there are a lot of street musicians who would be willing to pose for Rolling Stone.

….but that’s just my opinion.

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