Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder recently addressed the viral rumors regarding a potential new drummer for the band, following a surprise performance at the Ohana Festival. In a statement shared on Instagram, Vedder clarified the situation and expressed his gratitude to the fans and the guest musician.
The statement focused on thanking the audience for attending the festival and clarifying that drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. was only sitting in for the performance, rather than joining the band permanently.
“Hello good humans,” Vedder said. “Just a quick note on this Monday morning to thank each and everyone who came out to Ohana Fest this year. Three days of great groups, all of whom were further energized by the pumped up vibes from a perfect crowd. You all made our tenth year so special and we are GRATEFUL.”
Vedder then went on to praise Laboriel Jr. for his performance during the festival set.
“Also wanted to extend our further appreciation to Abe Laboriel Jr. sitting in on drums for PJ,” Vedder continued. “It was a joy to play with him, and he’s obviously extraordinary at his craft. The man works and PLAYS hard.”
He concluded by acknowledging Laboriel Jr.’s long-standing work with Paul McCartney.
“It is no wonder he’s been with the ultimate Maestro Paul McCartney and his mind blowing band for decades,” Vedder added. “Thank you so much for this weekend Abe. And thank YOU Paul. We owe you big time.”
Vedder’s note did more than quiet a weekend of speculation. It also arrived during an unsettled period for Pearl Jam, whose lineup has been the subject of fan debate since longtime drummer Matt Cameron announced his departure.
The rumors took root well before the festival. Matt Cameron announced his departure last year, and Laboriel Jr. quickly emerged as a possible replacement once he appeared behind the kit. The surprise Ohana set gave fans what looked like a firm answer, since the band had not performed with a new drummer in public before that night.
Laboriel Jr. brings decades of high-profile experience to the seat. Abraham Laboriel Jr. was born on March 23, 1971, and is an American musician best known as the drummer and backing vocalist of Paul McCartney’s touring band since 2001. He first played on McCartney’s album Driving Rain before making his live debut with him at the Concert for New York City that same year.
The Ohana appearance itself was never announced as a Pearl Jam show. Laboriel Jr. joined the band behind the kit during a surprise set on Friday, September 25, that was originally billed as “Eddie Vedder and Friends.” The Doheny State Beach performance in Dana Point, California, as the first show with Laboriel Jr. on drums.
Pearl Jam returned two nights later for a full headlining set, and the reception made the moment hard to miss. Rolling Stone described the scene plainly: “Before Abe Laboriel Jr. could even take a seat behind the kit during Pearl Jam’s headlining set at Ohana Festival on Sunday, the crowd had already begun chanting: ‘Abe!'”
That Sunday show closed out the festival’s tenth anniversary edition, with Billy Strings joining the band as a guest. Pearl Jam drew energy from both the surprise guest and a second night with Laboriel Jr. behind the kit. Sunday marked the first time Vedder officially introduced Laboriel Jr. as part of the band, even as it remained unclear whether he would pull double duty for both Pearl Jam and McCartney.
Vedder’s statement now frames the situation differently. His message thanked Laboriel Jr. for stepping in over the weekend rather than confirming a permanent change, which leaves Pearl Jam’s long-term drumming plans officially unannounced.
