Are Pearl Jam Releasing a New Record?

They are teasing something but so far it's a total mystery

BY Allie GregoryPublished Jan 10, 2020

What are Pearl Jam up to?

At 12:01 a.m. today, Pearl Jam posted an image of a cardiac rhythm sequence stylized to spell out "pearl jam" to their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts. None of the posts offered any explanation — and no caption accompanied the cryptic posts.

Then, this morning they posted yet another image — this time even more cryptic — of three shapes, perhaps meant to depict hearts or, uh, maybe fire? Footprints?

UPDATE (1/10, 4:02 EST): Pearl Jam's website now displays a map with 11 of those aforementioned shapes on the globe and a message that reads "We have something special for you. Locate the nearest marker and activate the lens once you arrive."

Each point leads to an interactive augmented reality installation that Instagram and Facebook users can activate with their phone. See the band's instructions and a video captured at the Toronto location below.

 

Fans have begun speculating what all of this mysterious activity may mean, from a new album to a North American tour to possible new merch designs.

Back in November, guitarist Mike McCready did tell Rolling Stone that the band were "busy toiling in the studio." Could this be what they've been working on?

The band have plans for a European tour this summer. Could the tour extend to North America in the fall?

So far the band have yet to confirm any of these speculations. Stay tuned for more details as they arise.

See Pearl Jam's cryptic messages, as well as their fans' speculations below.
 

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