The band played “Corduroy” as their first song with Laboriel behind the kit
Pearl Jam has unveiled their new drummer. During Eddie Vedder’s set at Ohana Festival in Southern California on Friday night, billed as “Eddie Vedder and Friends,” the band surprised the beachside crowd by taking the stage with longtime Paul McCartney collaborator Abe Laboriel Jr. behind the kit.
Pearl Jam performed “Corduroy” as their first song with Laboriel, followed by fan favorites “Hail Hail,” “Scared of Fear,” and “Wishlist.” The reveal came as a surprise to fans, who expected the big reveal to happen during Pearl Jam’s headlining set on Day Three of the fest and were given no hint that the band would take the stage with Laboriel tonight.
The slot for Pearl Jam’s now-sixth drummer has been open since Matt Cameron’s amicable departure from the band in July 2025, and the group previously confirmed that it chosen a new member, but kept things under wraps.
Earlier this week, Rolling Stone listed Laboriel among its top picks for possible replacements, noting his ferocious skills, friendship with Vedder, and he guest feature on the frontman’s 2022 solo LP, Earthling.
Notably, Laboriel, who also does background vocals, has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages — from the Super Bowl halftime shows, and even in front of Queen Elizabeth.
In May, fans began to speculate that something was up after Laboriel was missing from McCartney’s performance during Saturday Night Live‘s 51st finale and when Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith filled in.
Whether Laboriel has split from McCartney or will be pulling double duty with Pearl Jam has yet to be confirmed. For now, it looks like he’ll be on the West Coast with his new crew all weekend.
