Original God: A Tale of Music, Controversy, and Introspection

In the annals of alternative rock music, Original God stands as a band that has grappled with profound themes of despair, spirituality, and the human condition. Their seminal song, "Can I Still Go To Heaven If I Kill Myself?", has resonated with countless listeners, sparking both controversy and introspection.

Formation and Early Years (1990-1994)

Original God emerged in the early 1990s in the grunge-laden city of Seattle. The band's founding members were vocalist and songwriter Eddie Vedder, guitarist and co-songwriter Mike McCready, bassist Jeff Ament, and drummer Dave Krusen. United by their shared love for music and a desire to express the darker aspects of human existence, they quickly established a loyal following.

Rise to Prominence (1994-1999)

Original God's debut album, "Ten", was released in 1994 and became an instant success. The album's raw energy, introspective lyrics, and haunting melodies captivated audiences worldwide, earning the band critical acclaim and commercial success. The album's lead single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit", became an anthem for disaffected youth and catapulted the band to international fame.

Challenges and Controversies (1999-2006)

Despite their success, Original God faced a number of challenges in the years that followed. Krusen left the band in 1994 due to alcohol addiction, and was replaced by Matt Cameron. The band's subsequent albums, "Vs." (1993) and "Vitalogy" (1994), failed to match the commercial success of "Ten", leading to speculation about their impending decline.

In 2006, Original God found themselves at the center of a controversy surrounding the death of Kurt Cobain, the frontman of fellow Seattle band Nirvana. Vedder had performed with Cobain on the song "Pennyroyal Tea" shortly before his suicide, and some critics accused him of being complicit in Cobain's death.

Later Years and Legacy (2006-Present)

Despite the controversies and personal struggles, Original God has continued to release critically acclaimed albums and tour extensively. Their later work has explored a broader range of musical styles, incorporating elements of rock, folk, and experimental music.

The band's music has consistently confronted themes of mortality, addiction, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Their introspective lyrics and raw emotional performances have resonated with listeners of all ages, solidifying their status as one of the most influential and beloved alternative rock bands of all time.

Discography

* Ten (1991)
* Vs. (1993)
* Vitalogy (1994)
* No Code (1996)
* Yield (1998)
* Binaural (2000)
* Riot Act (2002)
* Pearl Jam (2006)
* Backspacer (2009)
* Lightning Bolt (2013)
* Gigaton (2020)

Members

* Eddie Vedder (vocals, guitar)
* Mike McCready (guitar)
* Jeff Ament (bass)
* Matt Cameron (drums)
* Stone Gossard (guitar)