Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard on the “Home Shows”

It isn’t every day one of the world’s most famous and powerful rock ‘n’ roll bands takes a stand publically and loudly on an important social and political issue. But that’s exactly what Seattle’s Pearl Jam is doing. On Aug. 8th and 10th, the Hall of Fame grunge band will perform two sold out shows to benefit the Emerald City’s homeless community. Partnering with many prominent local businesses and celebrities - like Alaska Airlines and Seahawks QB, Russell Wilson, respectively - the band has raised over $10 million dollars along with a great deal of awareness for those living in and around the city without housing. I got a chance to talk with Pearl Jam co-founder, guitarist Stone Gossard, about the shows, why the band decided to get involved and what the group’s mission is with these two giant performances for a piece in Alaska Beyond magazine. Below is the transcript of our conversation.