Pearl Jam Unveils Abe Laboriel Jr. as New Drummer at Ohana Festival
Pearl Jam performed their first show since Matt Cameron's departure at the Ohana Festival, revealing Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new drummer. Bassist Jeff Ament confirmed Laboriel was the band's top choice, while Vedder described him as a temporary fill-in. Ament also released a photo book, Since Forever, documenting the band's early history.
Key points
- Pearl Jam performed a surprise set at the Ohana Festival on September 25, 2026, marking their first live appearance since Matt Cameron left the band in July 2025.
- Abe Laboriel Jr., Paul McCartney's longtime drummer, took the drum kit, with his kick drum featuring a question mark to signal the mystery of his status.
- Jeff Ament stated Laboriel was the first name that came up for the role and that all band members agreed on the choice.
- Eddie Vedder introduced Laboriel as 'helping out' for the night, leaving his permanent status unconfirmed.
- Ament released a new photo book, Since Forever, on September 25, featuring over 250 black-and-white photos of the band from the early 1990s.
- Ament expressed hope for a new album and tour next year, noting the band has begun writing new music.
Background
Matt Cameron announced his departure from Pearl Jam in July 2025. In September 2026, the band confirmed a new drummer had been selected but kept the identity secret, with guitarist Stone Gossard describing the choice as a 'mystery wrapped in an enigma.' Prior speculation included candidates like Josh Freese and Stephen Perkins. This is the band's first live performance since Cameron's exit.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone emphasizes the personal history behind the new drummer choice and Ament's photo book, highlighting the band's internal consensus. The Orange County Register focuses on the surprise nature of the reveal at the Ohana Festival, noting the question mark on the kick drum. Loudwire details the setlist and Laboriel's prior work with Vedder, while Consequence.net notes Vedder's description of Laboriel as a 'fill-in.' All sources agree Laboriel is the likely permanent replacement, but none confirm it officially.
Why it matters
The introduction of Abe Laboriel Jr. marks a significant transition for Pearl Jam, a band known for its tight-knit dynamic. The choice of a seasoned session musician with extensive credits, including work with Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton, suggests a focus on reliability and versatility. The band's move to write new music and tour indicates a desire to capitalize on the energy from the personnel change.
What to watch
Pearl Jam is scheduled to headline the Ohana Festival on September 27, 2026, with Laboriel expected to perform again. The band has not officially confirmed Laboriel's permanent status. Ament hopes to release a new album and tour in 2027, with songwriting already underway.
- Jeff Ament Looks Back at Pearl Jam's Early Days — and Explains How They Picked Their New Drummer Rolling Stone
- Ohana kicks off with surprise set from Pearl Jam and its brand-new drummer Orange County Register
- Drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. Joins Pearl Jam at Ohana Festival consequence.net
- Pearl Jam Seemingly Reveal New Drummer at Surprise Ohana Fest Show – Setlist + Video Loudwire
- Pearl Jam surprises with a set featuring new drummer at Ohana The Seattle Times
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Rolling Stone