Pearl Jam made an unexpected appearance at the Ohana Festival on Friday evening. During Eddie Vedder's set, advertised as "Eddie Vedder and Friends," the band joined him on stage, introducing Abe Laboriel Jr., a long-time collaborator of Paul McCartney, as their new drummer. This came as a significant surprise to the audience in Dana Point, California.
The group kicked off their performance with Laboriel Jr. on drums, playing "Corduroy," followed by an array of crowd favorites including "Hail Hail," "Scared of Fear," and "Wishlist." The announcement was unexpected, as there had been no prior indication of Laboriel Jr.'s involvement. The drumming position for Pearl Jam had been open since Matt Cameron's departure in July 2025. Although the band had confirmed a new member was chosen, they had kept the identity under wraps until this festival debut. It remains to be seen if Laboriel Jr. has officially become a permanent member, as the band has yet to release a formal statement.
Earlier in the week, some publications had speculated about potential replacements, with Laboriel Jr. being among the top picks due to his drumming prowess, his connection with Vedder, and his appearance on Vedder's 2022 solo album, Earthling. Laboriel Jr. has a distinguished career, having performed at major events such as the Super Bowl halftime shows and concerts for Queen Elizabeth. Speculation about his availability arose in May when he was absent from McCartney's performance on Saturday Night Live's 51st finale, with Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers filling in. It is currently unclear whether Laboriel Jr. has left McCartney's band or if he will be managing duties for both acts. For now, it seems he will be with Pearl Jam for the remainder of the festival weekend.
The introduction of Abe Laboriel Jr. to Pearl Jam marks an exciting new chapter for the legendary band. This unexpected collaboration showcases the band's willingness to embrace fresh talent and continue evolving their sound, promising a vibrant future for their music and performances.