Every artist seeking to expand rock and roll’s boundaries often turns to the guitar as their primary tool. Rarely do musicians claim they’ll be the next pioneer of rock music through instruments like the trumpet. Whether strumming powerful chords or crafting intricate solos, guitarists strive to explore uncharted territory. While Eddie Vedder may not have been captivated by the likes of Eddie Van Halen, he recognized the unique contributions of Peter Buck from R.E.M.
During Vedder’s formative years, the alternative rock scene offered little to celebrate. Having missed punk’s initial wave in the late ’70s and witnessing the decline of disco, many rock bands had resorted to a bland version of rock. Heavy sounds on the charts were limited, with REO Speedwagon being among the few options.
Vedder, who claimed to study various heavy genres, discovered something distinct in R.E.M.’s early records. These Georgian musicians crafted songs that resonated deeply, as if Michael Stipe was reaching into listeners’ hearts to uncover hidden emotions.
However, understanding Stipe’s lyrics often proved challenging, highlighting the importance of Peter Buck. With his signature Rickenbacker, Buck filled the sonic gaps, complementing Mike Mills and creating sweeping arpeggios that made songs feel like they were enveloping the audience.
While inducting R.E.M. into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Vedder praised Buck’s ability to extract so much from a single guitar. He remarked, “He knows music so well; it’s this thing where he plays through the holes and invents things, hitting spots yet to be covered, thereby pushing the progression of rock and roll. I think about what he’s done, cutting a path for alternative music for bands like Nirvana and Radiohead and beyond.”
As Pearl Jam gained prominence, Buck continued to innovate on the guitar. His work on tracks like “Radio Free Europe” and the haunting elements of Automatic for the People, particularly on “Sweetness Follows” and the electric intensity of “Drive,” showcased his talents.
Buck’s creativity wasn’t limited to guitar; his mandolin work on “Losing My Religion” revitalized the soft-rock genre, adding a baroque twist to traditional ballads.
Having spent years working in a record store, Buck’s extensive knowledge of rock music came to life whenever he played. He didn’t aim to push the guitar forward per se, but by filling those sonic gaps, he crafted a new musical vocabulary that had yet to be explored.
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