The Pearl Jam song that ripped off a classic Kiss riff
Spearheaded by bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, the grunge movement stormed the music scene in the 1990s, redefining rock with its raw emotion, gritty sound, and unapologetic authenticity. Among these luminaries stood Pearl Jam, a group whose powerful lyrics and unwavering commitment to social justice cemented their status as one of the most influential rock acts of all time.
Pearl Jam’s ascent to stardom was swift and unexpected. The grunge band never anticipated being thrust into the spotlight, and their level of success far exceeded their most ambitious dreams. In a remarkably short period, they transitioned from performing in half-empty clubs to selling out arenas, a dramatic shift that Eddie Vedder needed time to come to terms with.
Following the release of their breakthrough album, Ten, Pearl Jam remained largely under the radar of mainstream attention. However, by the end of 1992, more than a year after its initial release, Ten had become a best-selling record, forever altering the trajectory of their career.
While Ten introduced a number of quintessential Pearl Jam hits, the debut single, ‘Alive’, provided the first piece to a trilogy of songs Vedder deemed a “mini-opera”, completed by the songs ‘Once’ and ‘Footsteps’. Band member Mike McCready was also a devoted fan of Kiss, so much so that he endured endless mocking for his admiration. However, his love for their music became the inspiration behind ‘Alive’ when he endeavoured to replicate a song as significant to him as Kiss’ ‘She’.
Discussing Kiss’ Ace Frehley, McCready explained: “I really gravitated towards his vibrato. My lead for ‘Alive’ is based on ‘She’, and that’s based on ‘Five to One’ by The Doors,” he said. “I remember we were in Surrey, England. I thought about it like, ‘I’m going to approach this like Ace did on ‘She’. And I remember the chord pattern that Stone [Gossard] wrote lent it to that kind of a descending pattern. So I kind for went with it. And then I improvised from there.”
According to Rolling Stone, McCready said he directly “copied” the riff from the iconic Kiss track. Regardless, ‘Alive’ quickly became a fan favourite and a staple of Pearl Jam’s live performances. Its anthemic chorus and infectious energy resonated with audiences, propelling the song to commercial success. It reached the top of the rock charts and received significant radio airplay, helping to establish Pearl Jam as one of the leading bands of the grunge movement.
Beyond its musical impact, ‘Alive’ also holds personal significance for Vedder. The song’s lyrics draw on his own experiences, including his discovery of his biological father’s identity later in life. This added layer of authenticity and emotional depth has contributed to the song’s enduring appeal.
