Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready caught up with Red Hot Chili Peppers members Flea and Chad Smith at Jazz Fest in New Orleans for an interview that’ll air on May 18 and run throughout the month on Pearl Jam’s SiriusXM channel. Among the topics discussed include Prince’s influence on both groups, with Flea crediting the late music icon as “a real big part of my development.” 

McCready asked Chad Smith about touring together in the early days (PJ and RHCP shared the bill numerous times) and the connection with Jack Irons, who served as drummer in both the Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam over the years. Smith tells a story about Irons passing him a tape of an early Pearl Jam demo (there was some confusion as to whether or not Smith actually listened to Ten) which led to the band coming on as an opener for the Chili Peppers on their Blood Sugar Sex Magik tour. “It could be said we wouldn’t exist without the Chili Peppers,” McCready said. He also jokes that the band knew they were blowing up when Anthony Kiedis wore a Pearl Jam hat on stage one night. 

Listen to a selection of clips below, which also includes some brief talk on the new Chili Peppers album, below. The full interview will air periodically on SiriusXM Pearl Jam Radio. 

Prince’s Influence

Early Touring Days

New Chili Peppers Music