The ‘90s produced an immense quantity of one-hit-wonders, but a number of artists have managed to take hold of the music industry and never let go.
Über grunge band Pearl Jam performed their 20th anniversary concert this past Labor Day weekend, alongside musical pals Queens of the Stone Age and The Strokes.
Despite multiple years of hibernation, they appear to be just as big as they were back in 1993. During the majority of the month of September, they have been promoting 20 Days of Pearl Jam in support of their anniversary film, soundtrack and book, all titled Pearl Jam Twenty.
The music and video bundle, which went on sale Sept. 20, allows fans to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action. Pearl Jam wants their audiences to know that they have been rocking the stage for two decades and will continue to do so.
“I think that, in order to keep progressing, there should be some benefits to looking back, to help you determine what your future course may be,” said frontman Eddie Vedder during an interview with the San Diego Union Tribune. Vedder also released a solo album and concert DVD on May 31.
Kings of the late ‘90s alternative rock scene, Creed ruled arenas around the country during their reunion tour in 2009. Lead singer Scott Stapp told Rolling Stone magazine that he was “thrilled to have a second chance to make a first impression.” The band broke up in 2004, each of the members going their own musical directions, but the Florida natives couldn’t stand the separation.
“I missed my boys and wanted to create music with them again,” said Stapp.
Creed expects that their fifth album should be set to release later this year or in early 2012.
Even the pop sensations of the late ‘90s, the Backstreet Boys, toured with the ‘80s boy band, New Kids on the Block, in June and July. Member Nick Carter released a solo album, I’m Taking Off, earlier this year in hopes that it will be more successful than his Now or Never solo album of 2003.
Concerning their comeback in 2007, Carter told PopJustice that, “it’s nice [for the fans] to have something that sounds familiar.”
Every other member of BSB besides Kevin Richardson has also released solo albums, Howie D being the last of the group to do so. His album, Back to Me, will be released this upcoming November.
Representing the hip-hop and R&B genres, singer and rapper Lauryn Hill is currently in the midst of her comeback after an eight-year hiatus. During an interview with NPR, Hill said, “I think it’s just time.” She returned to live shows last year and played numerous festivals this year including the Coachella Valley Music Festival in Indio, Cal.
Hill confirmed her stardom at the 1999 Grammys, taking home a whopping five trophies, although soon after, she silently flew under the radar with her longtime partner, Rohan Marley. R&B lost a chart-topping female, but, thankfully, she decided to return to her passion.
“I’m starting to get excited again…People got exposed to my passion through music and song first…and I think that can be infectious,” explained Hill.
Other bands that are a part of this blast from the past are Bush, No Doubt, Limp Bizkit, The Pixies and Rage Against the Machine.
Thankfully, unfortunate hits like “Macarena” and “I Like Big Butts” will remain in the 90s…Let’s cross our fingers.
Natalie Hicks can be reached at natalie.hicks@spartans.ut.edu