What band did Eddie Vedder play in before Pearl Jam?

Before joining Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder played in the San Diego band Bad Radio.

Bad Radio formed in 1986 as a funk-rock group, originally featuring vocalist Keith Wood, guitarist Dave George, bassist Dave Silva, and drummer Joey Ponchetti. Vedder joined as lead vocalist in 1988, bringing a more alternative-rock influence to the band’s sound.

Vedder remained with Bad Radio until 1990. Although the group became a popular live act in Southern California, it never released an album on a major record label. Its limited recorded legacy makes it easy to overlook, but the band is an important part of Vedder’s musical history.

After leaving Bad Radio, Vedder received a demo from Seattle musicians Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament through his friend Jack Irons. He recorded vocals for songs that became “Alive,” “Once,” and “Footsteps,” then moved to Seattle and joined the group that initially performed as Mookie Blaylock before becoming Pearl Jam. A common mix-up is confusing Bad Radio with Temple of the Dog, which Vedder joined after Bad Radio but before Pearl Jam’s debut album.