Seattle Jam started as a dream of mine back in Feb 2000. I, Reggae have always been a huge Pearl Jam fan and it dawned on me one day to start up a Pearl Jam cover band, the main reason being I was introduced to a video of MTV Unplugged. It was the most amazing performance I've ever seen! I've always been into music (as mentioned in my bio) and couldn't imagine life without it. I couldn't resist the opportunity to give tribute to the most awesome band in the universe!!

Not til ten months later, Dec 2000 after much thought and planning, I asked a very close and talented childhood friend, Gerard, if he would be interested in starting the band with me.

Gerard was my first choice because of his talent. During his school days he played the trumpet (parent inflicted) but took pride in his music and played at a very high level. Over the years his musical skill continued to present day.

I posed the questions: Do you want to start this and what instrument do you want to play? He replied with "I've always had an interest in drums". I said for him to have a think about it and to let me know in a couple of weeks. One week later, we were out deciding on what kit to get! At the same time I thought it a good idea to get an acoustic guitar. Choices were made, Gerard on drums and myself on vocals and some guitar.

Waiting for the drum kit to arrive, we also decided on converting his garage into a rehearsal studio. The studio was slowly put together over a few months with materials from wherever we could get them including the good old blankets and quilts for sound deadening. Today the studio is at a very high standard and rivals many commercial rehearsal studios. We've lost the blankets and upgraded to waffle foam linings.

Within a week we both taught ourselves to play our instruments and started jammin. During our sessions Gerard's brother Claudio added some bass playing, when he showed up that is (a beginner on a borrowed bass of mine.) After a few months of getting a good hand full of songs down it was time to get the rest of the band happening. We ran an ad for a rhythm guitarist and after several auditions we chose Beau. A few weeks later we landed the talents of our current lead guitarist Jim. Beau lasted only a few months.

From day one Jim impressed us with his talent and we knew he was here to stay. His commitment was and still is something very rare. Gerard, Jim and myself were on the search for the missing two.

Rhythm was replaced by Matt, also a keen Pearl Jam fan. Then came our current bass player Jay (also a long term friend and a beginner.) After much practice Jay came a long way in a short time and now can't get enough of the gigs.

Now getting towards the end of 2001 we finally had our first unofficial gig, a friends birthday party. After a few of these 'gigs' we lost Matt because of work issues and found our current rhythm guitarist Paul. Paul's commitment and with practice, his talents achieved the standard we were looking for.

Now a year later we finally scored our first gig. It was only a support but was official. We supported the Chisel Barnes Show at the Bull and Bush. This was to be the last gig with Gerard as an old motor cross injury didn't agree with him drumming (this being a broken back) WHAT A @#*!!!!! This was a major set back as Gerard's playing was becoming extreme! He's sadly missed.

Soon after this we found Rick. After the first couple of songs in his audition we all knew we finally had the line up for Seattle Jam which still stands today. A few weeks later we had our second gig but a first for the new line up. This was another support gig, this time for the Midnight Oil Show at Molly Maguires Camden. This brought us to the beginning of 2002 of which followed many self supported gigs from here on in. Our gig history can be seen in our 'Gig Guide'.

We are having heaps of fun and want our audience to enjoy it too. Our only goals are to have a great time and deliver the best tribute to Pearl Jam that we can. Hope to relive inspiration in people to the experience of the forever legends Pearl Jam.
 

Thanks to all.
Reggae