Pearl Jam Surprises Fans with Abe Laboriel Jr. at Ohana Festival

Key points

• Pearl Jam performed a full set at Ohana Festival on Friday night, transitioning from an 'Eddie Vedder and Friends' slot to a full band performance.
• Abe Laboriel Jr., a 55-year-old session drummer and member of Paul McCartney’s live band since 2001, played the first song, 'Corduroy.'
• This is the band’s first show since Matt Cameron left after 27 years in July 2025.
• Vedder introduced Laboriel as 'helping us out on drums tonight,' avoiding a formal hiring announcement.
• The band is scheduled to headline the festival again on Sunday, raising questions about whether Laboriel will return or if another drummer will be revealed.

Background

In late September 2026, Pearl Jam had been teasing a new drummer reveal at the Ohana Festival, with guitarist Stone Gossard describing the choice as a 'mystery wrapped in an enigma.' Rolling Stone had previously listed Laboriel among top candidates, noting his friendship with Vedder and his guest feature on Vedder’s 2022 album 'Earthling.' The band had confirmed a new member was chosen but withheld the name until the festival.

How outlets are covering it

Stereogum and Rolling Stone both report that Laboriel’s appearance was a surprise, with Rolling Stone emphasizing his 'ferocious' skills and prior collaborations with McCartney, Sting, and Eric Clapton. Stereogum notes that Vedder’s introduction of Laboriel as a 'helper' leaves room for another drummer to be revealed on Sunday. Consequence.net frames the event as a 'debut,' while Yahoo’s coverage focuses on the surprise nature of the set. All outlets agree that no official statement has been made regarding Laboriel’s permanent status, but fan speculation, particularly on r/pearljam, strongly suggests he is the intended replacement for Cameron.

Why it matters

The drummer position is critical for Pearl Jam’s demanding live performances, and Cameron’s departure after 27 years left a significant gap. Laboriel’s experience with major artists and his prior work with Vedder make him a strong candidate, but the lack of an official announcement means the band’s future lineup remains uncertain. This event also highlights the band’s strategy of building anticipation through surprise reveals, a tactic that has engaged fans since the announcement of a new member was made public.

What to watch

Pearl Jam is scheduled to headline the Ohana Festival on Sunday, where they may confirm Laboriel’s status or reveal a different drummer. The band has not issued an official statement, so fans and media will be watching closely for any announcements. Laboriel’s potential departure from Paul McCartney’s live band, hinted at by his absence from a recent Saturday Night Live performance, may also become a focal point in the coming weeks.