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Tribute band in a Jamm

The members of British Pearl Jam tribute act Pearl Jamm have agreed to change their name after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the real rockers' lawyers.

The cover band was accused of "damaging the PEARL JAM brand and causing confusion" among fans, according to the attorneys, but the tribute rockers appeared defiant as the news broke this week.

However, on Wednesday, the Pearl Jamm musicians agreed it was time for a name change.

"A name doesn't define us," a statement reads. "We do what we do out of love and respect for PEARL JAM. We have always been clear that we will 'Yield' to PEARL JAM's demands and equally clear that our disappointment was only ever of the timing and manner in which those demands were made.

"We are proud to announce our new name: 'LEGAL JAM' which we thought would be fitting and under which we will continue to perform the music of PEARL JAM in the most heartfelt and authentic way. We look forward to reconnecting with our own fans (and other tributes) who have been so supportive through this, as well welcoming the new fans who have joined us over the last week, as soon as we are back on the road."

Bassist Richard Gaya previously told Louder he and his bandmates were surprised by the heavy-handed manner in which Eddie Vedder and his pals demanded the name change - and the timing.

"Pearl Jam has known about us for years," he said. "They've been in touch with us... and never before voiced any concerns, but they wait for a global pandemic to get in touch with us, and they do so through aggressive solicitor letters, rather than reaching out to us personally.

"They have recently changed their manager. We don't know if that's relevant, but we have been told on several occasions - we have it in writing - that the band members are aware and have approved this action."



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