Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament revealed why Temple of the Dog surprisingly covered “Fascination Street” by The Cure on their reunion tour in 2016, their final shows with Chris Cornell before his May 2017 death. Ament discussed the song on SiriusXM’s Pearl Jam Radio to celebrate The Cure’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Alternative Nation transcribed his comments.
“When we were putting together songs that we were going to play on the Temple of the Dog tour two years ago, we were sending back and forth songs that we thought would be appropriate. One of the most surprising songs that came up was ‘Fascination Street’ by The Cure.
Of course I was up for it, because the bass is prominent in that song. But one of many great Cure songs, I mean they had a string of six or seven pretty amazing records. I remember Bruce Fairweather playing ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ for me back in college, and that was my introduction to The Cure.”
Temple of the Dog also covered Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Mother Love Bone, and other bands on their 2016 reunion tour. Some songs are included on the new Chris Cornell career retrospective album, featuring artwork by Jeff Ament.
