Who is drumming for Pearl Jam? It’s a question that has fascinated rock circles ever since the surprising departure of Matt Cameron in July 2025 after 27 years. For months, the band remained coy on the answer, choosing instead to use their live comeback at this weekend’s Ohana Fest in Dana Point, CA, to reveal the answer.
On Friday, longtime Paul McCartney drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. joined Pearl Jam behind the kit during a surprise set originally billed as “Eddie Vedder and Friends.” The band took the stage and launched into “Corduroy,” followed by “Hail Hail,” “Scared of Fear,” “Wishlist,” and “Dark Matter.”
It was not immediately clear if Laboriel is Pearl Jam’s permanent replacement drummer; Vedder told the crowd he was “filling in tonight.” Pearl Jam will return to the Ohana stage on Sunday night for a previously announced headlining performance, which is currently their only other scheduled show of 2026.
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Laboriel previously collaborated with Vedder on the singer’s 2022 solo album Earthling.
Consequence has reached out to Pearl Jam’s representatives for more information.