Pearl Jam Officially Welcomes 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 band's headlining set at the 2026 Ohana Festival on September 27, 2026.
• Vedder dedicated the chorus of 'Better Man' to Laboriel, stating, 'Can't find a better man,' signaling a permanent addition to the lineup.
• Matt Cameron departed Pearl Jam in July 2025 after 27 years, and Laboriel was confirmed as the band's first choice for replacement.
• The band performed 18 songs, including 'Alive,' 'Daughter,' and 'Why Go,' and paid tribute to the late Glen Hansard, who died in July 2026.
• Jeff Ament confirmed that Pearl Jam has begun writing new material and hopes to release a new album and tour in 2027.

Background

Pearl Jam had been keeping their new drummer's identity secret since Matt Cameron's departure in July 2025, with guitarist Stone Gossard describing the selection as a 'mystery wrapped in an enigma.' The band confirmed a selection had been made but kept details under wraps until the Ohana Festival. Prior speculation included candidates like Josh Freese and Stephen Perkins, but Laboriel emerged as the top choice. The band's previous album, Dark Matter, was released in 2024, and the transition to a new drummer marks a significant shift in the group's lineup after 27 years with Cameron.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasized the emotional moment of Vedder dedicating 'Better Man' to Laboriel and the crowd's enthusiastic reception, highlighting the official nature of the introduction. PearlJamOnline.it focused on Jeff Ament's confirmation that Laboriel was the band's first choice and the early stages of new album writing, with hopes for a 2027 release. 98 Rock Baltimore briefly mentioned the drummer change as part of a broader pop culture news roundup, without detailed analysis. Loudwire's primary source was a list of top metal drummers, which did not directly cover the Pearl Jam story but provided context on Laboriel's reputation as a versatile session drummer. The outlets agreed on the facts of Laboriel's introduction but differed in emphasis, with Rolling Stone focusing on the live event and PearlJamOnline.it on the band's future plans.

Why it matters

The official introduction of Abe Laboriel Jr. marks a significant transition for Pearl Jam, ending the uncertainty surrounding their drummer lineup after Matt Cameron's departure. The move signals the band's intent to continue touring and recording, with new material already in development. The public tribute to Laboriel and the emphasis on free speech at Ohana Festival also reflect the band's ongoing engagement with social and political issues, maintaining their reputation as a socially conscious act. The 2027 album and tour hopes suggest a renewed creative energy within the group, potentially influencing the rock landscape in the coming year.

What to watch

Pearl Jam is expected to continue developing new material, with Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard discussing possible directions for the next album. The band aims to release a new album and tour in 2027, though no official schedule has been announced. Abe Laboriel Jr. will likely continue performing with Pearl Jam, potentially balancing his commitments with Paul McCartney. The band's next live appearances will likely feature Laboriel as the permanent drummer, and fans can expect further updates on the new album's progress in the coming months.