Pearl Jam sue their own cover band

Based on the legal documents, they were forced to destroy merchandise bearing their name and hand over domain names. Following this, the band responded by changing their name, adopting the ironic Legal Jam.

Speaking to the BBC (in a broadcast later reposted on Pearl Jamm's Facebook page), the band said they'd been asked to destroy merchandise bearing the name Pearl Jamm and to hand over any email addresses and internet domains. A band member also questioned the likelihood of confusion between the two acts, saying: "No one has ever come up to us after a gig demanding their money back because they were expecting to see Pearl Jam play."

In a statement following the broadcast, the band made an emotional appeal to Pearl Jam, writing: "You've known about our band for years, but you waited until a global pandemic to send threatening legal letters. This isn't the Pearl Jam we know and love, the Pearl Jam who stand up for social causes against corporate giants."

"This isn't the Pearl Jam we know and love."

The band also claimed they were told the letters didn't arrive on behalf of any management or record label. The very "Pearl Jam lawyers told us that you, the band, are behind this."

"No one has ever confused us, or our merchandise, with you or your merchandise. So to say confusion is likely is, at the very least, absurd," the cover band's statement continues. "We haven't caused you or your brand any harm — in fact, we've done the opposite."

"Under the pressure exerted by the aggressive wording of the legal letters we received, we've questioned whether we even want to carry on. We know of at least one other tribute band that decided to call it quits the day after receiving one. Perhaps it would have been easier, cheaper, and more effective for one of you to reach out to us personally. We would have done that for you. But not like this."

"Your actions are out of character and unreasonable, but our love for the music endures. We sincerely hope that, despite evidence to the contrary, you are blissfully unaware of the actions taken in your name. We invite you to respond publicly or privately and to withdraw the legal threats that have been made."

The letter concludes: "We would like to thank our fans who have shown us tremendous support since this story broke and who have expressed the same disappointment at Pearl Jam's actions."

Today (January 20), Pearl Jamm announced they will change their name to Legal Jam in order to avoid further confusion.

Writing in a statement on social media, the band said: "We do what we do out of love and respect for Pearl Jam. We were always clear that we would 'give in' to Pearl Jam's demands. Our frustration was only ever about the timing and manner in which these demands were made." 

He also said that under the new name, "they will continue to perform Pearl Jam's music in the most heartfelt and authentic way possible."

Pearl Jam's representatives have been contacted for comment.