Pass the Bucket with Jeff Ament

While achieving tremendous success in the music industry as the bassist and co-founder of Pearl Jam, Jeff Ament has made it a mission to pay it back as an activist, philanthropist, and skate park builder. Growing up with humble beginnings in rural Montana, Jeff witnessed not only the tranquility of rural life, but also the difficulties that can often accompany growing up in extremely isolated areas. Luckily, Jeff found skateboarding, fell in love with it, and discovered the self-confidence that it can inspire. Remembering his roots and the positive effects skateboarding can have on young people, Jeff currently helps build epic skate parks in some of the most rural and deprived areas in the west. His most recent venture on the impoverished Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is maybe his most rewarding project to date.

Directed and Edited by Lukas Korver.
Creative Director Eliot Rausch
Directors of Photography Lukas Korver & Julian Tovar
Produced by Uber Content

Special thanks to all the Pine Ridge Park supporters, including:Jeff Ament and Montana Pool Service, Jim Murphy and Wounded Knee Skateboards, Walt Pourier and the Stronghold Society, Mark Hubbard and Grindline Skateparks, Pearl Jam's Vitalogy Foundation, The Tony Hawk Foundation, Vans, Ben Harper, Chris Sacca, The Eagle Bull Family

[cbett]

I was there the day of the opening when Jeff was there... He was really humble... I grew up skateboarding but I never had a place to skate till now...I don't skate anymore but I'm doin great with music and what Jeff gives is great... I totally respect him and admire him...

[projekt_dip]

opening day of the skatepark was awesome, tears of joy all around! we fed them after everything was over with and they even got to watch a backyard wrestling match. i hope he loves the 2 star quilts he was given. Thank you again to Jeff, Murf, Monk, and Walt!! WoundedKnee Skateboard, Grindline Skateparks, Stronghold Society, and Jeff Ament along with Pearl Jam!

[Musicmysister]

That is so awesome! My heart is smiling. Making a difference in this world. What a beautiful gift!

[OktoberRayne]

This made me love Mr. Ament even more. You are truely an amazing guy Jeff! Such an inspiration to sooo many!

[kila]

Amazing. I was so touched by this clip. It only solidifies the reasons why I love the guys in PJ so much. The most gracious and humble musicians in history. XOXO

[anthonythompson]

Spot on! This is how you create positive change. Mad props to Jeff, the Stronghold Society, and Wounded Knee Skateboards.

[by]

Jeff is an amazing guy. I was friends with him at UM and now that he is a celebrity and huge talent he is still humble. His Montana roots have kept him and all of us who have had success on the right path. Good job Jeffly. I bet when JD traded you for that bass you had no idea where it would take you....

[ia]

That is kick ass, Jeff Ament, you are a humanitarian. Proud to a PJ fan, they represent a lot of great activism. I wish kids could see these guys more as their heroes like I do instead of Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber. True heroes aren't acknowledged anymore, apparently.

[elduderino]

thie thing i love most about Jeff and all the guys in Pearl Jam is that there so down to earth. the fame and success has never gone to there heads. keep up the good work!.x

[Taylorlaurencecook]

I'm finally moving to California this October. Small towns just don't cut it. Keep handing out the hope, Jeff.

[MAXXIMUS]

Great Story and a "Better Man" from Montana with humble roots like allot of us from those small towns!

[aaralyndale]

I agree with Matthew - thankyou for inspiring us to be good people too, & for caring about others as well as yourself, & seeing the good in other people & cultures. You Pearl Jam guys keep up my hope in humanity - I really appreciate it :)

[mannysotelo]

Beyond Epic! Aloha Jeff and crew from Cholo Bowl Hawaii 🤙🏾

[eyeofodin]

Same bunch of awesome dudes just gifted another park in Manderson, SD. Great work they are doing for these small communities!

[Willowpoppy]

Jeff, ive been skating for almost 30 years & i thought that at 38 maybe i was to old, your are a real inspiration! Alway loved your band & im gonna try to get them to re build my local park! Thanks giles

[chorchb]

he's a humble guy, show his heart in his eyes

[Jules_]

Jeff's a sincerely genuine guy. I was able to actually help shoot this vid, and at the end of the day, Jeff took us out to lunch.

[jocorocket]

Good man....you can tell he and all members of PJ are solid, caring people that do good things. Well done brother!

[jenlac]

Wow, never knew of, that's awesome to have available for the skaters. Honors to you for making.

[brandonlawson]

Jeff, you are the coolest dude alive! No pun intended there