MSNBC

The music biz in a Pearl Jam


Bands come and go from record labels in a revolving door of euphoria and dejection, so when the news came out that Pearl Jam had fulfilled its contract and was leaving Epic after 12 years, many in the industry shrugged and went back to their Mocha Malt Frappucinos. But this is more than just another band leaving just another label. This is one institution leaving another, the most popular and important American rock band of the �90s voluntarily rejecting the grandest label heritage � the longtime home of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Miles Davis and Tony Bennett � because the band may no long require the services of a major label.