Pearl Jam Welcomes Abe Laboriel Jr. as Drummer as He Sits in with Rock Band at Ohana Festival

Pearl Jam recently showcased their musical resilience at the Ohana Festival, where they welcomed drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. for a weekend performance following the departure of long-time drummer Matt Cameron. Laboriel, known for his extensive work with Paul McCartney, stepped in to fill the vital role as the band navigates this transitional period.

Frontman Eddie Vedder introduced Laboriel to the enthusiastic crowd during their headlining set on Sunday, September 27, at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. The audience reportedly chanted “Abe! Abe! Abe!” in a show of support as Vedder warmly acknowledged the drummer’s contribution. “You cannot be a great band without a great drummer,” Vedder stated, emphasising the importance of Laboriel’s presence during their performance.

Laboriel, 55, is no stranger to the music scene, having collaborated with a diverse range of artists throughout his career, including Lady Gaga, Fiona Apple, and B.B. King. His musical pedigree includes serving in McCartney’s band since contributing to the Beatles icon’s 2001 album, *Driving Rain*. This past weekend’s performance marked Labouriel’s official debut with Pearl Jam, amidst their ongoing search for a permanent drummer.

The band faced the challenging task of moving forward after Cameron’s amicable exit in July 2025. The drummer had spent an illustrious 27 years with Pearl Jam and expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his bandmates in a social media announcement. “Much love and respect to Jeff [Ament], Ed [Vedder], Mike [McCready] and Stone [Gossard] for inviting me into the band in 1998,” Cameron reflected, noting his journey had been filled with “friendships, artistry, challenges, and laughter.”

In the wake of Cameron’s departure, Pearl Jam issued a statement expressing their admiration for him, describing him as “one of our first musical heroes” and a “singular and true powerhouse of a musician.” The band’s recent performances, including their time at the Ohana Festival, signify a new chapter as they adapt to changes within their lineup.

Ahead of Laboriel’s debut at the Ohana Festival, earlier in the weekend, he made a surprise appearance for a set billed as “Eddie Vedder and Friends.” This served as a warm-up to the highly anticipated headlining performance, demonstrating the drummer’s ability to step into the role seamlessly.

Bassist Jeff Ament noted the excitement surrounding Laboriel’s involvement, hinting at the possibility of the band having already identified a new member prior to Labouriel’s appearance. “It was the first name that came up… In our minds, let’s start at the top,” he mentioned, adding a note of caution regarding the uncertainty that accompanies the interim period.

In an Instagram post following the festival, Vedder expressed his gratitude for both the fantastic crowd and Laboriel’s performance. “Just a quick note on this Monday morning to thank each and everyone who came out to Ohana Fest this year,” he wrote, reflecting on the special atmosphere of the event. He reserved particular praise for Laboriel, calling him “extraordinary at his craft” and appreciating the energy he brought to the group during the live performance.

While Labouriel has not yet indicated whether he will continue with Pearl Jam, his demonstration of skill over the weekend left fans hopeful for the future of the band. As they celebrate decades of rock history, the addition of a seasoned musician like Laboriel suggests that Pearl Jam is committed to maintaining their reputation for powerful live performances, even as they forge ahead during this period of change.

With their legacy at stake, Pearl Jam continues to express gratitude for the craftsmanship of its musicians. The band’s ability to adapt while honouring the contributions of past members signifies a dedication to their fans and the enduring spirit of rock music.