Book Review: Ronen Givony – 'Not For You: Pearl Jam and the Present Tense'

Ronen Givony has seen Pearl Jam over 50 times, yet admits that this number is significantly less than other superfans - most of whom have seen the band perform live on 100 occasions. Not For You is both a tribute to Pearl Jam’s famously obsessive fan base and a social history of Gen X.

For both newcomers and long-time fans alike, the book brilliantly contextualises the early ‘90s socio-political climate from which the grunge icons emerged. It paints a vivid portrait of their discomfort with fame and the media; their sometimes testy relationship with fellow Seattle heavyweights Nirvana; their battles with Ticketmaster and more.

Overall, Not For You is a compelling examination of one modern rock’s most unique and enduring groups.

Out now.