PEARL JAM's MIKE MCCREADY Debuts Title Song From 'Farewell To Seasons' Rock Opera Companion To Z2 Graphic Album

Mike McCready, guitarist for PEARL JAM, TEMPLE OF THE DOG and MAD SEASON, has released "Farewell To Seasons", the title track from his upcoming "lost" rock opera, alongside a companion animated music video directed by Cyrus Entezam (SYSTEM OF A DOWN, SLIPKNOT). The song is the first release from "Mike McCready's Farewell To Seasons", featuring 11 new songs written and recorded as an artifact by "David Williams", the fictional lead character in McCready's accompanying graphic novel. Set for release on December 1, the project will be available in deluxe editions that pair the graphic novel with a vinyl pressing, bringing Williams's story and music to life.

Developed over the last 20 years, McCready's story captures the drive and tight sense of community that forged the powerful backbone of the Seattle music scene of the 1980s, as their world changed forever with the explosion of grunge in the '90s. "Farewell To Seasons" unflinchingly shows the brutal cost it had for so many artists and musicians as it captures the lived experience of that seminal era. The glory and the heartbreak as it asks the unanswerable question… was it worth it?

McCready previously shared: "I'm incredibly excited for my new graphic novel with Z2, 'Farewell To Seasons'. It's a story I've been developing for many years, inspired by the creativity, community, and chaos of the Seattle music scene. I've had a great time bringing this project to life with Z2, and I hope people enjoy the journey as much as I did creating it."

Z2's editor-in-chief Rantz A. Hoseley said: "Having been in the heart of the NW music scene as a journalist in the 1990s, I've wanted for years to work on a project that would reflect what it was actually like for the musicians and the fans when 'the world came to Seattle.' I can say, without any hyperbole or exaggeration, that I feel like my entire creative life has led to me being involved with this book, and I feel so blessed to be a part of bringing Mike's beautiful and poignant story to the world."

This graphic novel and rock opera will be released as a slip-cased oversized 12" x 12" deluxe edition, as well as a regular sized 9" x 9" standard edition. All editions of "Mike McCready's Farewell To Seasons" are available to order exclusively at Z2's web site and a standard-sized edition will be available via Amazon, Waterstones, HMV and all good bookstores and record shops, online retailers and fine comic shops worldwide on December 1.

"Mike McCready's Farewell To Seasons" track listing:

Side A:

01. Overture
02. Queen Of The Seasons
03. Sleeping In The Park
04. Jon Alexander Intro
05. Count The Stars
06. Rock Rules

Side B:

01. Just Like Your Hero's
02. Farewell To Seasons
03. Shut The Voices
04. Benevolent Tragedy
05. They Say

McCready is a founding member and lead guitarist of PEARL JAM, one of the most influential rock bands of the past three decades. Since the band's breakthrough with its debut album "Ten" in 1991, McCready's unmistakable guitar work and songwriting has helped define PEARL JAM's sound, contributing to more than 85 million albums sold worldwide and a legacy that earned the band induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.

Beyond PEARL JAM, McCready has been a driving force in acclaimed side projects including MAD SEASON and TEMPLE OF THE DOG, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and collaborative artist. He has also scored countless film and television series, including "Fat Kid Rules The World", "Elvis: The Searcher", "Johnny Cash: The Gift", "Fringe" and "Shameless". In addition to his musical achievements, McCready is a dedicated advocate for health awareness, drawing from his personal journey with IBD to support organizations focused on Crohn's disease research and recovery initiatives. He is also an advocate for social justice awareness through his work with Washington Innocence Project, and other local organizations. Most recently, McCready co-founded Mutual Arts Collective, a mission driven art gallery and event space at Pike Place Market. With a career spanning more than 35 years, he continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his artistry, authenticity, and enduring passion for rock and roll.

Recently dubbed the "Hottest brand in music" by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced more than 75 unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with IRON MAIDEN, PANTERA, PRIMUS, TYPE O NEGATIVE, MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE DOORS, ANTHRAX, Ronnie James Dio and BABYMETAL, among many others.

For more information, visit z2comics.com.