Our Two Favorites

The Ten Club, the official Pearl Jam fan club, announced on March 9 that Ed Ved will induct R.E.M. into the rock and roll hall of fame on March 12. The live show will be aired on VH1 Classic and streamed live on AOL. The edited show will start in VH1 rotation on March 16. Click here for more info from pearljam.com.

This makes perfect sense. Both Pearl Jam and R.E.M. toured to drum up votes against Bush in 2004's Vote for Change tour. Both bands also have more staying power and originality than other quickly put together bands that all sound alike (Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, all these other weirdos running around--do I sound old yet?). R.E.M. and Pearl Jam also always have something to stand for and something important to say, so it just makes sense that Eddie Vedder would speak out to induct them to the R&R Hall of Fame. I can see Eddie and Michael Stipe on a big, comfy couch with mugs of herbal tea discussing their latest albums, messages, and favorite books. Martin and I always ruminate on the fact that we have very different musical tastes, yet our favorite bands are two of the most respected of the last 25 years.

Van Halen, the Ronettes, Patti Smith, and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five will also be inducted this year. That means that not only will Kendra get enjoyment out of the induction ceremony, but so will her awesomely cool brothers, Jason and Matt.