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Pearl Jam drummer replacement speculation

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2026-09-28 16:24 UTC → 2026-09-28 20:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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