Pearl Jam made some big changes to how with think about their merchandise. We may see some serious collectors file for bankruptcy before the end of 2014.
We're used to getting a poster specialized for each Pearl Jam show, but in 2013 the band went a step further. A little before each show a big, red truck labelled "Pearl Jam Merch" would roll up outside the venue with a huge selection of Lightning Bolt merchandise, as well as a city-specific, screen-printed poster (with artist statement on the back of each one) and a matching, city-specific sticker and t-shirt. Being that the stickers are two dollars a piece and there was no purchase limit at most venues, this will no doubt spawn a huge fan trading market.
Though the London, Ontario show in July was the first location to get their own sticker, the "fun" really started later that month when Pearl Jam opened up merch stands for three days outside Wrigley Stadium featuring no less than 22 unique, Chicago-themed merchandise items for purchase. Hot, sweaty lines persisted around the block all three days.
Add to this the fact the Pearl Jam now semi-annually dumps 20+ apparel items into their online store or that they come up witch super rare items or random artist collaborations, and you've got one huge market for Pearl Jam goodies that will most likely change the landscape of major collectors.
