Pearl Jam to tour South America

Pearl Jam will launch their first-ever tour of South America later this year, according to Billboard. The band has confirmed eight shows so far, beginning with a gig in Santiago, Chile on November 22nd. The group is also scheduled to play one show in Argentina, four in Brazil and two in Mexico. A tour of the continent has been requested by South American fans for years, and a petition signed by thousands of them was sent to the band's management.

Pearl Jam are currently touring Canada until September 25th. The band will open for the Rolling Stones in Pittsburgh on September 28th, then play two shows in Atlantic City on September 30th and October 1st and one in Philadelphia on October 3rd before going to South America.

Pearl Jam have been working on their eighth studio album and expect to release it in early 2006.