Pearl Jam bassist and founding member Jeff Ament, alongside his brother and celebrated designer Barry Ament, is set to embark on an extensive nine-city book tour across the United States and London, commemorating the release of Jeff’s deeply personal visual memoir, "Since Forever." The highly anticipated book, officially launching on September 25, 2026, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the nascent years of one of rock music’s most enduring bands through more than 250 never-before-seen black-and-white photographs.
The "Since Forever" book tour, a significant undertaking that highlights the enduring creative partnership between the Ament brothers, will commence with two special events at the renowned Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California. Following these initial appearances, the tour will make stops in Seattle, the band’s long-time home base, for two distinct engagements. The itinerary further includes key cultural hubs such as Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, culminating in a transatlantic stop in London. This deliberate selection of cities underscores the band’s significant reach and the broad appeal of Ament’s artistic contributions.
Each event on the "Since Forever" tour promises an intimate and engaging experience for attendees. Jeff Ament and Barry Ament will be joined by a special moderator at each venue, fostering a dialogue that delves into the genesis of the project. The discussions will feature the unveiling of select images from "Since Forever," offering attendees a preview of the book’s visual narrative. More profoundly, the brothers will share insights into their decades-long creative collaboration, tracing the evolution of their artistic partnership from their formative years to their professional endeavors. The conversations are expected to illuminate the personal stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that imbue the photographs with their unique resonance. This approach to promoting the book moves beyond a traditional signing, aiming to create a more immersive and educational experience for fans and art enthusiasts alike.
A Visual Chronicle of Pearl Jam’s Genesis
"Since Forever" is meticulously curated to serve as an intimate visual record of Pearl Jam’s formative years, a period generally defined as the decade between 1990 and 1998. The collection features over 250 striking black-and-white photographs, with an estimated 90 percent of these images having never been publicly displayed. This unprecedented access to Ament’s personal archive provides a raw and unfiltered perspective on the experiences, individuals, and environments that profoundly shaped the band’s identity and sound.
The photographs predominantly capture the unvarnished reality of life on the road, the clandestine atmosphere backstage, the creative crucible of the recording studio, and the interstitial moments that exist between the electrifying performances. These candid snapshots offer a stark contrast to the polished public image often associated with major musical acts, revealing the human element at the core of Pearl Jam’s journey. Complementing the visual narrative, Jeff Ament’s personal reflections and keen observations provide crucial context and depth, transforming each photograph into a portal to a specific memory or a significant moment in the band’s history. This dual approach—the visual artistry of the photographs and the contemplative prose of Ament—creates a comprehensive and deeply personal account of a pivotal era in alternative rock.
From Archive Preservation to Artistic Expression
The inception of "Since Forever" was born from a practical necessity: the meticulous process of working through Jeff Ament’s extensive archive of deteriorating 30-year-old negatives. What began as an earnest effort to preserve these fragile photographic memories gradually evolved into a much grander artistic undertaking. As the Ament brothers delved deeper into the archive, the sheer volume and emotional weight of the unearthed images began to suggest a narrative far beyond mere preservation. This collaborative effort transformed into "Since Forever," a deeply personal visual journal that encapsulates themes of creativity, enduring friendship, familial bonds, and the unique tapestry of life on tour. The project represents a profound journey of rediscovery, not only for the photographic content but also for the shared history it represents.
The decision to focus on the period between 1990 and 1998 is particularly significant. This era marks Pearl Jam’s meteoric rise to fame following the success of their debut album, "Ten," and encompasses a period of intense touring, recording, and cultural impact. It was a time when the band navigated the seismic shifts in the music industry and solidified their place as pioneers of the grunge movement and a voice for a generation. The photographs captured during this time are therefore imbued with the energy, challenges, and triumphs of a band defining its legacy.
Ament’s Multifaceted Artistic Legacy
Jeff Ament’s involvement in the music scene extends far beyond his iconic role as the bassist and a founding member of Pearl Jam. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 with his bandmates is a testament to his significant contributions to contemporary music. Even before the global phenomenon of Pearl Jam, Ament was a pivotal figure in Seattle’s vibrant music scene during the mid-1980s and early 1990s. He was instrumental in fostering a community of artists whose socially conscious songwriting would ultimately redefine the landscape of popular culture.
Ament’s musical journey is marked by a diverse discography, having been a member of numerous influential bands including Deranged Diction, Green River, Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog, War Babies, Three Fish, Tres Mts., RNDM, P.E.S.T., and Deaf Charlie. His solo career has also seen a prolific output, with releases such as "Tone" (2008), "While My Heart Beats" (2012), "Heaven/Hell" (2018), "American Death Squad" (2020), and "I Should Be Outside" (2021). Beyond his musical endeavors, Ament has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for scoring, composing the soundtrack for FX’s critically acclaimed series "Under The Banner Of Heaven" in 2022 and recently releasing a soundtrack for the documentary "Montana Grind." His visual artistry has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his two Grammy Awards for "Best Recording Package," recognizing his exceptional work as a visual artist and designer. This multifaceted talent is a recurring theme in his life and career.
From Montana Roots to Global Impact
Born in Havre, Montana, in 1963 and raised in the nearby town of Big Sandy, Ament’s artistic inclinations were evident from an early age. He pursued art studies at the University of Montana before relocating to Seattle in 1983, a move that would prove pivotal for his musical and artistic trajectory. A lifelong skateboarder, Ament channeled his passion into community development by founding Montana Pool Service in 1992. Initially focused on revitalizing skateparks in Seattle, the organization soon shifted its primary focus to his home state of Montana.
This initiative has since blossomed into a significant philanthropic effort. Ament has become a primary funder and organizer responsible for the construction of over forty world-class skateparks across Montana and the broader American West. A notable aspect of this endeavor is the establishment of skateparks on Native American reservations, providing vital recreational and community spaces in often underserved areas. These projects are designed to create safe, inclusive environments where young people can engage in skateboarding, foster community bonds, express their creativity, and cultivate self-confidence, particularly in some of the country’s most isolated regions. This commitment to community building and youth empowerment is a defining characteristic of Ament’s post-music career activities.
Barry Ament: The Visual Architect Behind the Memoir
Barry Ament, Jeff’s brother and a key collaborator on "Since Forever," is a distinguished figure in the design world. He is the co-founder of Ames Bros, a highly respected Seattle-based design studio established in 1994 with his partner, Coby Schultz. For over three decades, Ames Bros has been instrumental in crafting distinctive visual identities for a diverse clientele, including Pearl Jam, Nike, Topps, the Seattle Seahawks, and Pagliacci Pizza, among many others.
Barry’s professional relationship with Pearl Jam began in the early 1990s when he served as the band’s in-house designer. His creative output for the band encompassed a wide array of visual materials, from intricate album packaging and compelling concert posters to everyday merchandise like T-shirts and even tube socks. The studio’s prolific work for Pearl Jam includes the illustration of more than 500 concert posters, solidifying their visual language within the band’s extensive artistic catalog.
The creative synergy between Jeff and Barry Ament predates their professional careers, stemming from a shared childhood filled with artistic exploration. Their early days were characterized by drawing together, constructing skate ramps, and a continuous exchange of artwork through mail correspondence after Jeff’s move to Seattle. These youthful exchanges laid the foundation for a collaborative relationship that has spanned decades and continues to yield new creative projects. "Since Forever" represents a significant milestone in this enduring partnership, bringing together their complementary artistic visions to tell a compelling story.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The "Since Forever" book tour is scheduled to take place with specific dates and venues to be announced. Pearl Jam fans and art aficionados interested in attending these special events are advised to visit the dedicated tour information portal at ament.lnk.to/sfbooktour for the most up-to-date details regarding ticket sales, event schedules, and venue information. Early access to tickets may be available through fan club presales or other designated channels, details of which will be disseminated through official Pearl Jam and Jeff Ament communication platforms.
"Since Forever" is currently available for pre-order, with the book scheduled for official release and availability at select independent bookstores on September 25, 2026. This staggered release strategy, alongside the book tour, aims to maximize engagement and provide multiple avenues for fans to connect with the project. The book’s release date, set for a future year, suggests a deliberate and extensive preparation process, ensuring the highest quality presentation of the photographs and accompanying narratives.
The announcement of the book tour and the impending release of "Since Forever" have generated considerable excitement within the music and art communities. It signifies a unique opportunity for fans to gain a deeper understanding of Pearl Jam’s foundational years and the artistic sensibilities that have guided Jeff Ament throughout his illustrious career. The project stands as a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling and the profound impact of a deeply personal archive brought to light. The collaboration with his brother, Barry, further underscores the familial and creative bonds that have shaped their respective artistic journeys. The inclusion of both U.S. and international dates, particularly in London, reflects the global reach and enduring legacy of Pearl Jam and the artistic influence of the Ament brothers. This initiative not only celebrates a significant body of work but also offers a compelling narrative of artistic evolution, personal reflection, and the collaborative spirit.
