Pearl Jam has officially unveiled their new drummer, Abe Laboriel Jr., a longtime collaborator of Paul McCartney, during a surprise performance at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival. The band, led by Eddie Vedder, took the stage under the guise of “Eddie Vedder and Friends” and delivered a setlist that included “Corduroy,” “Hail Hail,” “Scared of Fear,” “Wishlist,” and “Dark Matter.” Laboriel’s addition to the band marks a new era for Pearl Jam, following the departure of Matt Cameron after 27 years.
The reveal of Abe Laboriel Jr. as the new drummer for Pearl Jam came as a surprise to fans, who had been speculating about the band’s future following Matt Cameron’s exit. Pearl Jam will return to the Ohana Festival stage on Sunday night for a headlining performance, which is currently their only other scheduled show of 2026. This performance will provide fans with another opportunity to see the revamped lineup in action.
The Departure of Matt Cameron
Matt Cameron’s departure from Pearl Jam was a surprise to many, and he later cited the physical demands of touring and his desire to pursue other projects as reasons for his exit. Abe Laboriel Jr. is not a new face to Eddie Vedder, as they previously collaborated on Vedder’s 2022 solo album Earthling. This prior collaboration likely played a role in Laboriel’s selection as the new drummer for Pearl Jam.
What’s Next for Pearl Jam
With the introduction of Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new drummer, Pearl Jam is poised to embark on a new chapter in their career. The band’s performance at the Ohana Festival serves as a starting point for this new era, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s to come. As Pearl Jam looks to the future, they will undoubtedly continue to create and perform music that resonates with their dedicated fan base.
In conclusion, the unveiling of Abe Laboriel Jr. as Pearl Jam’s new drummer marks an exciting development for the band and their fans. With Laboriel on board, Pearl Jam is ready to move forward and create new music, and their upcoming performance at the Ohana Festival will provide a glimpse into what the future holds for this iconic band.
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