# Pearl Jam drummer replacement speculation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pearl-jam-drummer-replacement-speculation > Updated: 2026-10-06T23:00:00.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 5. Following the July 2025 departure of drummer Matt Cameron, Pearl Jam has appeared to signal a potential new lineup during a surprise performance at the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California. During a set billed as ‘Eddie Vedder and Friends,’ the band performed 15 songs, including classics like ‘Corduroy’ and ‘Even Flow,’ alongside covers of tracks by The Who and the Dead Boys. Abe Laboriel Jr. performed on a drum kit marked with a large question mark. While the appearance had fueled speculation regarding a permanent replacement for Cameron, the band had not officially confirmed Laboriel Jr. as a full-time member, with Eddie Vedder describing him as ‘filling in tonight.’ One year later, at the tenth annual Ohana Festival in September 2026, the status of the lineup appeared to have changed. During his headlining set, Vedder revealed the full Pearl Jam lineup, which included Abe Laboriel Jr. as the new drummer. The performance featured a variety of collaborations, including ‘American Jesus’ with Bad Religion and a rendition of the Temple of the Dog classic ‘Hunger Strike’ with Stephen Wilson Jr. Despite the onstage reveal, bassist Jeff Ament noted in discussions surrounding his new photography book, ‘Since Forever,’ that the band had not yet officially confirmed a permanent replacement for the drum position. This ambiguity was echoed by Vedder via social media, where he clarified that Laboriel Jr. was ‘sitting in on drums for PJ,’ while expressing gratitude to both Laboriel and Paul McCartney for the collaboration. ## Claims - Eddie Vedder performed a headlining set at the Ohana Festival 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Pearl Jam frontman performed a surprise set with his band members during the festival. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Abe Laboriel Jr. joined Pearl Jam during a surprise set at Ohana Fest. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The performance was the band's first show since drummer Matt Cameron left the group. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The set included 15 songs, including covers of The Who and the Dead Boys. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Abe Laboriel Jr. debuted as the new drummer for Pearl Jam during the festival. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Vedder performed a tribute to the late Glen Hansard with Simon Good. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Vedder shared the stage with Billy Idol. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Vedder performed ‘Hunger Strike’ with artist Stephen Wilson Jr. (single source) - Vedder performed ‘American Jesus’ with the band Bad Religion. (single source) - The Ohana Festival 2026 is the tenth edition of the event. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Jeff Ament releases new Pearl Jam photography book Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament released a new photography book, ‘Since Forever’, and addressed the band’s uncertain drummer situation following recent festival performances. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeff-ament-releases-new-pearl-jam-photography-book ### 2026-09-27: Jeff Ament releases new photography book and discusses Pearl Jam's future Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament released a new photography book, ‘Since Forever’, and discussed the band’s recent performance at the Ohana Festival featuring Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeff-ament-releases-new-photography-book-and-discusses-pearl-jams-future ### 2026-09-27: Pearl Jam features Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums at Ohana Festival Abe Laboriel Jr., longtime drummer for Paul McCartney, performed with Pearl Jam at the Ohana Festival, fueling speculation about his role as the band's permanent replacement for Matt Cameron. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pearl-jam-reveals-potential-new-drummer-at-ohana-fest ### 2026-09-27: Eddie Vedder headlines Ohana Festival 2026 with Pearl Jam surprise set Eddie Vedder headlined the 10th Ohana Festival 2026, featuring a surprise Pearl Jam set with new drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and collaborations with Bad Religion and Stephen Wilson Jr. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eddie-vedder-headlines-ohana-festival-2026-with-pearl-jam-surprise-set ### 2026-09-25: Pearl Jam performs surprise set with Abe Laboriel Jr. at Ohana Festival Pearl Jam surprised fans at the Ohana Festival by performing with drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., sparking speculation about his role as Matt Cameron’s permanent replacement. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abe-laboriel-jr-joins-pearl-jam-for-surprise-set-at-ohana-festival --- Cite as: Pearl Jam drummer replacement speculation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pearl-jam-drummer-replacement-speculation