For their 10th studio album titled Lightning Bolt, Danny Clinch shot Pearl Jam and directed the music video for lead single “Mind Your Manners”. In addition, Danny directed the short film below where Judd Apatow, Carrie Brownstein, Mark Richards, and Steve Gleason sit down with the bandmates to discuss the new album.

In commemoration of Danny’s 20+ years working with PJ, we’ve interviewed him and included a selection of gems from the archive.

When and where was your first shoot with Pearl Jam?

I met Eddie Vedder at Lollapalooza in 1992. He was being interviewed by a friend of mine, Tim Donnelly, for the Surfrider Foundation. It wasn’t until years later in 2002 that I got to photograph the entire band

What was the overall message or theme of Lightning Bolt and how did you convey it through your video and stills?

There is a lot of stormy imagery in the lyrics. A lot of questions being asked and observations about religion, government, the treatment of mother earth and how we are constantly tempting fate on a lot of these issues. We used comments from the band, moody lighting, visual storytelling and the amazing talent of Andy Smetanka, an illustrator and friend of Jeff Aments to convey that feeling.

If given the opportunity, which deceased musician would you want to interview?

I would’ve loved to have interviewed Bob Marley. Such a mystical character. Laid back and complex at the same time. I’d try to absorb as much as possible of that vibe. Then again, there’s John Lennon. Do I have to chose just one?

From the archive: