Pearl Jam: Best US rock band ever

Pearl Jam was named the greatest American rock band of all time in an informal poll conducted by USA Today music columnist Whitney Matheson. Matheson asked readers in her June 28th column to send her their choices, suggesting that influence, popularity, the group's live abilities, musicianship and longevity all count as factors. The writer posted the results in a new column late Tuesday night (July 5th), which can be found at usatoday.com/life/columnist/popcandy.

According to comments from Matheson's readers, Pearl Jam came out on top because the band is "still making great, vital music," has "never compromised their integrity," keeps its ticket prices low, and has not been "hyped to death by the media."

Pearl Jam will play two shows at the Borgata hotel and casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 30th and October 1st. These will be the band's first US gigs since last autumn's Vote For Change tour.

The complete list of the top 20 greatest American rock bands, according to USA Today readers, is:

1. Pearl Jam
2. Aerosmith
3. Van Halen
4. The Eagles
5. Journey
6. Guns N' Roses
7. The Grateful Dead
8. Queensryche
9. The Doors
10. R.E.M.
11. The Allman Brothers Band and Fleetwood Mac (tie)
12. Metallica
13. Kiss
14. The Ramones
15. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and Creedence Clearwater Revival (tie)
16. Dave Matthews Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd (tie)
17. The Beach Boys
18. Nirvana
19. The Replacements
20. Bon Jovi
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