Abe Laboriel Jr. Takes Over Drums Mid-Song During Pearl Jam’s Ohana Set

Pearl Jam has a new drummer, and they waited until the final night of the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California to show him off. On Friday, longtime Paul McCartney drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. joined the band behind the kit during a surprise set originally billed as “Eddie Vedder and Friends.” The move answered a question that has dogged rock fans since July 2025, when Matt Cameron departed after 27 years with the group.

The set opened with “Corduroy,” followed by “Hail, Hail,” “Scared of Fear,” “Wishlist,” and “Dark Matter.” From there the band worked through “I Got Id,” “Do the Evolution,” “Green Disease,” “Lunkin,” and “Porch.” The encore closed with “Better Man,” “Even Flow,” and covers of Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer” and The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.”

Vedder told the crowd that Laboriel was “filling in tonight.” That leaves open whether the gig is permanent, though Pearl Jam will return to the Ohana stage on Sunday night for a previously announced headlining performance, currently their only other scheduled show of 2026.

Friday’s Set in Full

The Friday set ran deep on Pearl Jam’s catalog, mixing familiar fan favorites with some unexpected detours. “Corduroy” opened the show. “Hail, Hail” followed.

“Scared of Fear” and “Wishlist” kept the momentum going. “Dark Matter” rounded out the first stretch.

“I Got Id” brought a twist, with Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” tag adding a familiar hook to the mix. “Do the Evolution” and “Won’t Tell” kept the energy high, while “Pretty Green” — a cover of The Jam — offered a welcome change of pace. “Green Disease,” “Lunkin,” and “Porch” wrapped up the main set.

The encore opened with “Better Man,” with The English Beat’s “Save it For Later” tag attached. “Even Flow” followed. The Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer” and The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” closed the show.

The Drummer Behind the Kit

Laboriel Jr. brings a resume that spans decades of touring with some of the biggest names in music. He has been McCartney’s drummer for years, and he has also toured with Sting, Eric Clapton, and Steve Winwood. His father, legendary session bassist Abe Laboriel, has left his own mark on the industry.

The younger Laboriel first worked with Vedder on the singer’s 2022 solo album Earthling. That connection clearly paved the way for this weekend’s appearance, though it remains unclear whether the relationship has now extended to a full-time role with Pearl Jam.

Vedder’s Statement to the Crowd

Vedder’s statement to the crowd was the clearest signal of the evening. He said Laboriel was “filling in tonight,” which suggests the gig may be temporary rather than permanent. However, the band’s decision to reveal the drummer during a surprise set at a major festival raises questions about whether the band is testing the waters or simply settling in.

The Sunday performance at Ohana will likely offer further clues. If Laboriel returns for that show, it could signal a longer commitment. If not, the band may still be searching.

The Covers That Stood Out

The covers were the highlight of the set, and they showed a side of Pearl Jam that fans don’t often see. The Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer” and The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” closed the show.

Both covers were performed with intensity. They proved that the band can step outside its own catalog without losing its edge.

Setlist Breakdown

The setlist ran 12 tracks plus four encore songs, and it mixed the band’s deepest cuts with fan favorites and two covers. “Corduroy” opened the show, and “Baba O’Riley” closed it.

What Happens Next

Pearl Jam has spent months staying tight-lipped about their plans for a new drummer. The band has not announced a permanent replacement, and Vedder’s comments suggest the situation remains fluid. The Sunday performance at Ohana will be the next test, and it will likely determine whether Laboriel stays or moves on.

For now, the band has answered the question that has been hanging over them for nearly a year. The answer was Abe Laboriel Jr., and the setlist proved that he fits.

Key Facts Box
– Drummer: Abe Laboriel Jr.
– Previous gig: Paul McCartney
– Matt Cameron tenure: 27 years
– Departure date: July 2025
– Friday set opener: “Corduroy”
– Sunday performance: Headlining, previously announced
– Current shows: One scheduled for 2026

Pearl Jam has answered the question about their new drummer, and the answer was Abe Laboriel Jr. The setlist proved that he fits, and the covers showed that the band can step outside its own catalog without losing its edge. The Sunday performance at Ohana will be the next test, and it will likely determine whether Laboriel stays or moves on. For now, the band has answered the question that has been hanging over them for nearly a year.

See the video the story is built around at Consequence.

Abe Laboriel Jr. · Eddie Vedder · new drummer · Ohana Festival · Pearl Jam