Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready has created a graphic novel and soundtrack album titled 'Farewell to Seasons', due out on October 6. The project fictionalizes the 1990s Seattle grunge era and marks his debut as lead singer. It draws from real musicians who died young in that scene.
Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, aged 59, began work on 'Farewell to Seasons' during the COVID-19 lockdown after dreams about deceased Seattle scene musicians prompted questions about fame's cost. The multimedia project combines a Z2-published graphic novel with a rock opera soundtrack of his original songs, where he sings lead for the first time, playing piano and guitar. Backing musicians include Molly Sides on vocals, Duff McKagan and Stefan Lessard on bass, and drummers Mike Musburger, Chris Friel, and producer Nate Yaccino. McCready mastered the album—featuring an overture and six songs—two days before the interview and shared one track with Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, who called it cool. He has taken singing lessons from Susan Carr in Seattle for three years to prepare. The story follows three artists—David Williams (based on McCready), tragic singer Jonathan Alexander (drawing from Andrew Wood, Layne Staley, Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell), and female songwriter Angela May Sunrise (inspired by Molly Sides or Brandi Carlile)—guided by oracle Queen of the Seasons. Influences include The Who's Tommy, Quadrophenia, and Lifehouse; David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust; Rocky Horror Picture Show; KISS; Alice Cooper; and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. McCready consulted director Cameron Crowe, a longtime friend, for song placement advice like the '11th hour song.' He wrote a script hoping for a live rock opera, possibly with Broadway help, and considered touring with Thunderpussy members, pending Pearl Jam's schedule. 'The characters are all based on real people in the scene you would know,' McCready told Billboard, avoiding direct links. 'It’s basically about walking with your darkness as an artist.' He referenced past side projects like Mad Season but called this his first true solo effort.