Bad Radio

The Profile

Bad Radio were an American alternative/funk rock band from San Diego, active in the late 1980s. Best known as Eddie Vedder’s pre–Pearl Jam outfit, they recorded a 1988–1989 demo that circulates online and includes an early version of Better Man. The demo-era lineup featured Eddie Vedder (vocals), Dave George (guitar), Dave Silva (bass), and Joey Ponchetti (drums).

The 1988/1989 recordings circulate online and include: "What?", "Believe You Me", "Answer", "Just A Book", "Homeless", "What The Funk", "I'm Alive", "Crossroads", and "Better Man". Other tracks often attributed to Bad Radio—"Sick O'Pussies", "One Step Up", "Street Funky Man", and "Daddy Could Swear I Declare"—are solo recordings by Eddie Vedder.

One review digs into Bad Radio’s unreleased 1988–1989 demo, spotlighting Eddie Vedder’s already distinctive voice and songwriting. It lists the circulating tracks, highlights standouts, and notes early versions of Better Man. The lineup (Vedder, Dave George, Dave Silva, Joey Ponchetti) is detailed, along with corrections on misattributed solo tracks. Verdict: seek out these early, raw recordings online.