Pearl Jam Names Abe Laboriel Jr. New Drummer at Ohana Festival

Pearl Jam officially welcomed Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new permanent drummer during a powerful headline performance at the Ohana Festival on Sunday, October 13, 2024. The announcement came during the band's final set of the festival, held at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. Laboriel Jr., a seasoned session musician with extensive experience working with artists such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Sting, has been performing with Pearl Jam as a touring drummer since 2021, following the departure of their long-time drummer Matt Cameron. His official induction signifies a new era for the iconic Seattle-based rock band.

The Ohana Festival performance was marked by several notable moments beyond the drummer announcement. Bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings made a surprise guest appearance during the set, joining Pearl Jam on stage. The band also paid a heartfelt tribute to Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who had performed earlier in the festival. Lead singer Eddie Vedder dedicated the band's hit song "Better Man" to Laboriel Jr., further solidifying his new role and acknowledging his contributions. This dedication underscored the personal and professional connection the band has forged with Laboriel Jr. during their time together.

Laboriel Jr.'s integration into Pearl Jam's lineup follows a period of transition for the band's rhythm section. Matt Cameron, who had been with Pearl Jam since 1998, stepped away from touring duties in early 2021 due to personal reasons, though he remains a member of the band. Josh Klinghoffer, formerly of Red Hot Chili Peppers, also filled in on drums for a period before Laboriel Jr. took over. The choice of Laboriel Jr. reflects the band's commitment to maintaining a high level of musicianship and collaborative energy. His extensive background in diverse musical genres is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Pearl Jam's sound, which has evolved significantly over their three-decade career.

The Ohana Festival, founded by Eddie Vedder, is an annual event that typically features a curated lineup of diverse musical acts, often with a focus on rock, folk, and alternative genres. This year's festival, which ran from October 11-13, 2024, also included performances by other prominent artists, making Pearl Jam's headline slot a highly anticipated conclusion. The official confirmation of Laboriel Jr. as the new drummer is a significant development for Pearl Jam's future touring and recording plans, signaling a stable and energized rhythm section as they continue their legacy in the music industry.