Pearl Jam Confirms Abe Laboriel Jr. as Permanent Drummer at Ohana Festival

Key points

• Eddie Vedder officially introduced Abe Laboriel Jr. as Pearl Jam's new drummer during the Sunday night headlining set at Ohana Festival.
• Vedder dedicated the chorus of 'Better Man' to Laboriel, stating the band is 'honored' to 'borrow' the longtime Paul McCartney collaborator.
• The band performed 18 songs, including 'Alive,' 'Daughter,' and tracks from their 2024 album 'Dark Matter.'
• Vedder paid tribute to Glen Hansard, who died in July 2026, by playing a video montage and opening the show in his memory.
• Vedder stated that all bands at Ohana were allowed to speak freely on any issue, referencing recent controversies regarding artist censorship.
• Billy Strings appeared as a surprise guest, performing 'Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town' and a cover of Neil Young's 'Throw Your Hatred Down.'

Background

Pearl Jam had been searching for a new drummer since Matt Cameron's amicable departure in July 2025. The band confirmed in May 2026 that a new member had been selected but kept the identity secret, with guitarist Stone Gossard describing the choice as a 'mystery wrapped in an enigma.' Prior to the festival, Laboriel had appeared in a surprise set on Friday, but his status as a permanent member remained unconfirmed until Sunday.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone reports that Vedder's dedication of 'Better Man' and his statement about Laboriel 'keeping us in the running' signal a permanent addition to the band. Loudwire notes that while Vedder previously described Laboriel as a 'fill-in' on Friday, the Sunday performance suggests a more permanent role, though it remains unclear if Laboriel will continue his dual role with Paul McCartney. The Orange County Register focused on the surprise reveal on Friday, noting the question mark on Laboriel's kick drum, and highlighted the emotional tribute to Glen Hansard. All sources agree that the Sunday set marked the first official introduction of Laboriel as part of Pearl Jam.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Abe Laboriel Jr. as Pearl Jam's new drummer resolves a year-long speculation following Matt Cameron's departure. Vedder's explicit dedication and the band's full performance with Laboriel suggest a permanent change in the lineup, potentially affecting future tours and recordings. The event also highlighted Vedder's stance on free speech for artists, reflecting broader cultural debates about political expression in live music.

What to watch

It remains to be seen if Abe Laboriel Jr. will continue his touring duties with Paul McCartney while joining Pearl Jam permanently. The band is expected to announce future tour dates or recording plans featuring the new lineup. Vedder's emphasis on free speech may influence how other festival organizers handle artist political expression in the future.