Anecdotes

In 1988 founded Mother Love Bone along with Stone Gossard and Bruce Fairweather. They split up due to the untimely death of singer Andrew Wood, in 1990.

Was bassist for the band Green River, commonly considered to be the first grunge band. They disbanded in 1987.

Bass player for the rock band Pearl Jam.

Took an active role during Pearl Jam's dispute with Ticketmaster in 1994 over prices and surcharges. Along with fellow Pearl Jam member Stone Gossard, he testified before a congressional subcommittee, arguing that Ticketmaster's practices were anti-competitive.

He is a fan of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden and considers them a major influence. He is also a self-confessed fan of one of Britain's most notoriously "uncool" bands, progressive rock group Marillion, who were a big cult act in the UK and Europe during the 1980s.

In fall of 2004, as a member of Pearl Jam, he participated in the Vote for Change concert tour organized to encourage the defeat of George W. Bush in the U.S. presidential election.

Relocated to Seattle in the early 1980s with his band Deranged Diction.

Studied art and played basketball at the University of Montana.