" Everything Ticketmaster stands for is what we’re fighting against. They’re just a small cog in a machine where the artist is at the bottom. "
- Jeff Ament

In this quote, Jeff Ament expresses his dissatisfaction with Ticketmaster's business practices, suggesting that they operate within a system where artists are undervalued and exploited. He sees Ticketmaster as merely a part of a larger machinery that works against what he considers to be fair treatment for performers.

The deeper meaning of Ament’s statement lies in the broader context of the music industry and its power dynamics. By positioning himself against Ticketmaster, Ament is highlighting systemic issues within the industry where intermediaries often profit more than the artists themselves. The quote reflects a growing movement among musicians to seek greater control over their careers and fairer compensation for their work. This sentiment underscores the importance of artist empowerment and the need for transparency in how concert tickets and other aspects of performance are managed.

Jeff Ament is best known as the bassist and founding member of Pearl Jam, an influential rock band that has been active since the early 1990s. His outspokenness on issues affecting musicians aligns with Pearl Jam’s history of activism and advocacy for artists’ rights within the music industry.