In a recent engaging interview, Pearl Jam’s talented guitarist Mike McCready shared insights about his favorite songs to perform live, revealing his secrets on how he keeps their classic tracks feeling fresh and exhilarating over the years. His passion for music shines through as he discusses the intricate dynamics of live performances that connect with audiences worldwide.

The iconic Seattle rock band, known for their relentless touring schedule over the past few decades, often finds that some of McCready’s most cherished songs to play hail from their groundbreaking debut album, Ten, released in 1991. This album not only defined a generation but also solidified Pearl Jam’s place in rock history.

“I absolutely love performing ‘Black’ and ‘Even Flow,’” McCready expressed enthusiastically. “My role during these performances allows me to showcase my solos, and I truly enjoy experimenting with them every night. This spontaneity adds an element of thrill to my playing, ensuring that I can avoid monotony. Those classic tracks are always a blast to play,” he explained during his appearance on New Zealand’s The Rock.

According to data from Setlist.fm, “Even Flow” holds the title as Pearl Jam’s most frequently performed song live, with an impressive 937 performances between 1990 and 2024. Meanwhile, “Black” ranks fifth among their most-played tracks, having been performed 626 times. This remarkable statistic clearly illustrates that some artists genuinely cherish playing their signature hits, even three decades later, proving the timeless appeal of these songs.

In addition to the classics, McCready has developed a fondness for several newer tracks, especially from their 2024 album Dark Matter. He remarked, “Performing the title track ‘Dark Matter’ is incredibly enjoyable; it translates into a fantastic live experience. Another one I enjoy is ‘Waiting for Stevie.’ There are numerous great songs, but those stand out prominently in my mind—representing both the beginning and the latest chapters of our musical journey!”

As of now, Pearl Jam has performed “Dark Matter” live 29 times and “Waiting for Stevie” 16 times. It will be fascinating to observe how these songs evolve in their setlists as they continue to tour and connect with fans.

READ MORE: The Most Played Song Live by 15 Grunge Bands

Later in the conversation, McCready delved into the profound emotions he experiences while playing solos in tracks like “Black” and “Even Flow,” articulating why these moments hold significant meaning for him. He shared, “When I gaze upwards, letting my mind drift away, that’s when I feel the music most intensely. This sensation occurs during ‘Even Flow’ and ‘Black,’ and I find that trying to force it detracts from the experience, making it overly ‘technical’ for me.”

“It has to come from my soul or from a source beyond me. I often feel like I channel this energy, but I can’t simply will it to happen. It’s a beautiful process that transcends mere technique and taps into something deeper,” he concluded passionately.

Watch the full conversation below.

Mike McCready of Pearl Jam Shares His Top Live Performance Songs