photo by Paul Lorkowski

Nancy Joan: Paris, France

I will never forget the last time I saw Pearl Jam live at La Citadelle in Arras. I was going through some deep personal struggles and trying to escape a very toxic situation. I don’t know why but seeing how deeply Mike was moving both himself and the audience during his “Even Flow” solo gave me chills from head-to-toe. In that moment, I knew that I could do it. That I had to. The next day I picked up myself up and moved into a new life, starting all over again. A new, clean slate. I listen to Pearl Jam all the time, and whenever I feel uncertain, I put on “Even Flow”. It brings me back to that surreal feeling of …“I Am Mine” I suppose.

This year, after observing Infinite Color & Sound from afar, I started painting and taught myself the acoustic guitar. I have never been happier.

Randy Sobel: Stratford, CT:

Mike McCready found a way to persevere and continued to live out the dream of performing in front of thousands on big stages. Most musicians that go through substance challenges never get to that point.

I don’t think we as fans realize how difficult this life is to maintain, especially now when a work/life balance means choosing a tour over spending time with family. I idolize Mike for the work he’s done to better himself and break the stigma, and just as importantly taking a disease that puts his life at risk and being an outspoken activist to raise funds and awareness for Crohn’s charities.

He deserves this recognition.

photo courtesy of Mike McCready/Pearl Jam

Roxann Gray: Lebec, CA.

I was lucky enough to be on the rail in San Francisco and to look up at him in awe – he really is somebody to aspire to be like. He has gone through so much and has persevered throughout it. When I get down about my life I can always look at him and feel inspired.

Bryan Ahearn: Parker, CO

Mike’s sincerity is unmatched. Be it as a rock historian, or just a man about the town (always with a spare pick or two), Mike gets what it is to be a fan as he is a fan. Just one that can burn a guitar solo to ashes.

Maura Brady: Fairfield, CT

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mike, but I got to see him play live once at the Seattle Home Show last year. I was on the rail right in front of him – and was so moved by the way he interacts with the audience, how he reaches within himself and hands out his soul through his music. Starting over with the guitar in my 50s, I’ve been so inspired by Mike – and when I struggle with boxes and scales and simple riffs, I remind myself to close my eyes like Mike does and just let the music flow. Thank you, Mike McCready, for helping to bring music back into my life and for bringing joy to so many!