The musicians. The connection.

Built on friendship. Driven by the music.

Bettermen is a project from the heart: musicians coming together to honor the music of Pearl Jam with a true and enjoyable live experience.

A special reunion.

Childhood friends reconnecting on stage. A guitar duo with decades of shared passion. A rhythm section bringing it all together. This project is personal—and the music is the reason.

Silhouetted group artwork from the Bettermen poster

Bettermen poster artwork

The profiles

Five musicians

Lead Vocals

Aaron Coutu

Performing with Witzend · Fast Forward · Black Flannel

With a musical history rooted in the Southern New England rock scene, Aaron Coutu brings years of live performance experience and a passion for rock music to his role as lead vocalist of BETTERMEN.

Aaron’s musical journey includes performing with Witzend, Fast Forward, and Black Flannel, giving him a diverse background in live rock entertainment. His time with Witzend connects him to one of Rhode Island’s longest-running cover bands, a group whose history stretches back to 1992 and spans more than three decades of performing throughout Southern New England.

Now stepping into the spotlight as the frontman of BETTERMEN, Aaron takes on the distinctive sound and emotional intensity of Pearl Jam’s legendary catalog. From the explosive energy of "Even Flow" and "Alive" to the haunting melodies of "Black" and "Release," his role is to bring the passion, power, and unmistakable character of the music to life.

Surrounded by an accomplished lineup of musicians, Aaron brings his years of stage experience to a tribute built around the music of one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s and beyond.

For Aaron and BETTERMEN, the mission is simple: honor the music, capture the emotion, and deliver the kind of live rock experience that keeps Pearl Jam fans coming back for more.

Guitar

Shawn Pedini

Previously King Jeremy: The Pearl Jam Experience · Running with Scizzors

Shawn Pedini brings a strong connection to the music of Pearl Jam and experience performing the band’s iconic catalog live.

Previously a member of King Jeremy: The Pearl Jam Experience, Shawn has been part of the New England tribute music scene, performing the songs that helped define a generation of alternative rock.

His musical background includes both full-band performances and intimate acoustic interpretations of Pearl Jam favorites, reflecting an appreciation for the band’s versatility, musicianship, and unmistakable sound.

Now joining BETTERMEN, Shawn continues that musical journey, helping bring the energy, emotion, and spirit of Pearl Jam to audiences through an authentic live tribute experience.

Guitar

Rob Edwards

Also known as Bob Ed

Previously Itchy Fish — the nationally touring Pearl Jam tribute band that performed across 25 states

Rob Edwards brings a wealth of Pearl Jam tribute experience to BETTERMEN, with a musical background that includes his time with Itchy Fish, the nationally touring Pearl Jam tribute band that built an impressive following throughout the United States.

Itchy Fish established itself as a formidable presence on the tribute circuit, performing across 25 states and bringing the unmistakable sound and energy of Pearl Jam to audiences at clubs, concert venues, and large-scale events.

With that musical history behind him, Rob joins BETTERMEN for a new chapter, bringing his experience with Pearl Jam’s extensive catalog and its distinctive blend of powerful guitar riffs, atmospheric melodies, and raw alternative rock energy.

From the driving intensity of "Even Flow" and "Alive" to the emotional depth of "Black" and "Yellow Ledbetter," Rob helps bring the music of Pearl Jam to life for fans who appreciate the authenticity and power of a great live performance.

BETTERMEN isn’t just about playing Pearl Jam songs. It’s about recreating the feeling, the energy, and the connection that made the music legendary.

Bass Guitar

Mike Martin

Longtime presence in the Rhode Island music scene

A longtime presence in the Rhode Island music scene, Mike Martin brings years of bass-playing experience and a passion for live rock music to BETTERMEN.

Having spent considerable time performing throughout the local music community, Mike understands the importance of a strong rhythm section and the musical connection that brings a band together.

As the bassist for BETTERMEN, Mike takes on the distinctive bass lines that helped define Pearl Jam’s unmistakable sound. From the melodic foundation of "Jeremy" to the driving grooves of "Even Flow" and "Alive," the bass plays an essential role in capturing the power and emotion of Pearl Jam’s music.

Joining forces with an experienced lineup of New England musicians, Mike brings his musical background to BETTERMEN, helping deliver the authentic sound, energy, and intensity that Pearl Jam fans have come to expect.

For Mike, it’s all about the music, the groove, and the connection between the band and its audience.

Drums

Tom Desaulniers

Also known as Tom D

Longtime member of What Matters? · Drum instructor, including to Scott Begin of Badfish

Behind every great rock band is a drummer who drives the music, and Tom Desaulniers brings years of experience, musicianship, and a deep understanding of rhythm to BETTERMEN.

A longtime member of the popular New England band What Matters?, Tom has spent years performing an extensive variety of rock, contemporary hits, and crowd favorites, developing the versatility and musical instincts that come from countless hours behind the drum kit.

But Tom’s musical contributions extend well beyond the stage. An experienced drum instructor, he has helped shape the talents of other musicians, including Scott Begin, drummer for the nationally recognized Sublime tribute band Badfish, who has publicly credited Tom with providing an important foundation for his drumming career.

Now taking his place behind the drums for BETTERMEN, Tom brings that experience to the powerful, dynamic music of Pearl Jam. From the driving rhythms of "Even Flow" and "Go" to the emotional intensity of "Black" and "Release," his role is essential to capturing the sound and spirit of one of rock’s most influential bands.

With years of live performance experience and a history of mentoring fellow musicians, Tom brings more than rhythm to BETTERMEN. He brings the experience and musical foundation that great live rock performances are built upon.

Bring the experience to your stage

Let's make some noise.

Booking enquiries