Pearl Jam release uncensored 'Jeremy' video for first time in 29 years, fans call it 'disturbing yet relevant'
In light of the violent riots and looting that have occurred during Black Lives Matter protests over George Floyd's death, Pearl Jam have unearthed the uncensored (and newly remastered) version of their 'Jeremy' music video. The new version was released for the first time on June 5 and seeks to raise awareness about gun violence in the US during National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
The song, off the band's 1991 studio album 'Ten', and its corresponding music video detailed the story of a bullied teenager who commits suicide in front of his classmates. The video was directed by Mark Pellington and won 'Video of the Year' at the MTV Music Awards in 1993. In the edited original visual, suicide is insinuated as Jeremy, played by actor Trevor Wilson, shoots himself, but in the uncensored version, he is shown placing the gun in his mouth. In an Instagram post announcing the new release, Pearl Jam said, "In addition to the equity protests taking place around the country, today also marks National Wear Orange Day. The increase in gun violence since the debut of 'Jeremy' is staggering. We have released the uncensored version of the video which was unavailable in 1992 with TV censorship laws."
Additionally, Pearl Jam shared that they have also "released an updated Choices shirt with all proceeds to support organizations working to prevent gun violence". They added, "We can prevent gun deaths whether mass shootings, deaths of despair, law enforcement, or accidental." The '90s-era 'Choices' t-shirt is now available for purchase with proceeds going toward the band's Vitalogy Foundation. On the back of the original shirt, it stated, "9 out of 10 kids prefer crayons to guns," while the 'Choices 2020' shirt now reads "10 out of 10 kids prefer crayons to guns."
According to Rolling Stone, the band also said, "The events of this past week have underscored the importance of this issue and remind us that Black Americans are ten times more likely than white Americans to die by gun homicide." Fans on Twitter shared their love for the band and appreciation for the new version. "When we discussed this video and its themes back in 8th grade, I don’t think any of us thought it would get worse. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we thought things would change for the better. Yet here it is. Still relevant," wrote a fan. "That video is disturbing and powerful," said a fan while another wrote, "Tough to watch. Thank you for releasing something that is still so real and relevant today." Other comments included, "Epic... Wowzers" and "The best band, in the last 30 years."
Read a review on Pearl Jam's latest album 'Gigaton' here.