Why “Other Side” Was Left Off “Riot Act” Despite Being A Fan Favorite

March 20, 2025

In the early 2000s, Pearl Jam was riding high on the waves of success. They had just released their album “Binaural” in 2000, and fans were eagerly awaiting their next project, “Riot Act,” which was set to drop in late 2002. Among the many songs the band was working on, one track stood out in the hearts of fans, but strangely, it never made it onto the final album. That song was “Other Side,” a powerful anthem that resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of hope and resilience amid adversity. Yet, as the release date approached, the band made the difficult decision to leave it off “Riot Act,” a choice that left many fans puzzled and longing for a song they had come to adore.

The tension within Pearl Jam during the creation of “Riot Act” was palpable. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks greatly influenced the band and their music. The world felt chaotic, and emotions ran high as Eddie Vedder, the lead singer, sought to express the deep fears and hopes of a shaken nation. “Other Side,” with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, encapsulated the idea of looking beyond our struggles towards a brighter future. Yet, even with its popularity among fans during live performances, it simply didn’t fit the raw, urgent tone the band was aiming for in that particular album. They wrestled with the direction they wanted to take, leading them to leave out a song that many felt should have been showcased.

The decision to exclude “Other Side” was not made lightly. The band felt they needed to remain true to their artistic vision, even if it meant leaving behind something many loved. Eddie later reflected on this struggle in interviews, admitting that it was difficult to part ways with a song that felt so personal and meaningful. While fans clamored for its inclusion, the band members believed they had to put the album’s overall message first. For them, it wasn’t just about individual songs but about creating a unified body of work that spoke to the times they were living in.

Yet, in the face of disappointment, Pearl Jam showed tremendous resilience. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, they embraced the opportunity to continue evolving as artists. They kept performing “Other Side” at their shows, turning it into a cherished anthem for their live performances. Fans connected with it on an emotional level, drawing strength from its message, showcasing how music can transcend time. The song became a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that even when faced with difficult choices, there’s always a light on the other side of the struggle.

Years later, looking back, Eddie Vedder expressed gratitude for the journey. “Other Side” became part of Pearl Jam’s legacy, a reminder of how music weaves through the fabric of our lives, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. The decision to leave the song off the album, while initially painful, allowed the band’s message to resonate even more deeply with their audience. From that experience, they learned the importance of sticking to their artistic integrity, a lesson that would continue to shape their music for years to come. In the end, “Other Side” was not merely left off an album; it became an anthem of resilience, a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire in the face of adversity.