Pearl Jam fans may finally have an answer to one of the band’s biggest lingering questions.
Months after longtime drummer Matt Cameron left the rock group, Pearl Jam took the stage Friday night at Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California—and there was a new face sitting behind the drum kit.
During frontman Eddie Vedder’s “Eddie Vedder and Friends” headlining set, his Pearl Jam bandmates joined him for a surprise performance with drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., best known for his decades of work with Paul McCartney.
The band kicked things off with “Corduroy,” before performing favorites including “Hail Hail,” “Scared of Fear” and “Wishlist.”
The appearance wasn’t announced ahead of time, and Pearl Jam has yet to confirm whether Laboriel has officially joined the group or was simply filling in. Still, seeing him behind the kit immediately got fans talking.
“His drumming hits hard. I’m excited to see how the band responds to his style. The toms are less gentle and ringing tone,” one Redditor wrote.
“Hell of a choice. He’s such a phenomenal drummer. Can’t wait to catch the next tour,” another said.
A third said, “The best drummer of all the rumored candidates.”
Who is Pearl Jam’s new drummer?
The question has been hanging over Pearl Jam since Cameron announced his departure in July 2025 after 27 years with the band. “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” Cameron said at the time, describing his tenure as “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
As recently as April, guitarist Mike McCready said the band hadn’t settled on Cameron’s successor. “We’ve just got to find a new drummer, you know? We don’t have one,” he told American Songwriter.
READ MORE: ’90s Rock Icons Announce First Performance Since Legendary Member’s Departure
Laboriel certainly has the résumé for the job. In addition to his longtime work with McCartney, the drummer and backing vocalist has performed at major events around the world and previously worked with Vedder on his 2022 solo album, Earthling.
His appearance also comes after fans noticed Laboriel was absent from McCartney’s performance during the Saturday Night Live Season 51 finale in May, when Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith stepped in.
Pearl Jam is scheduled to headline Ohana Festival’s final night, meaning fans might get to find out if he’s here for good.
Related: Paul McCartney Wasn’t Supposed to Perform a Third Song on ‘Saturday Night Live’ — and the Internet Has Opinions
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