Pearl Jam made an unexpected return to the stage at the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California, with veteran drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. joining the band behind the kit.
During the September 25 performance, Eddie Vedder was originally scheduled to appear with a group of friends. The set instead brought together Vedder and his Pearl Jam bandmates, with Laboriel filling in on drums. The group opened with Corduroy and moved through songs including Hail, Hail, Wishlist, Dark Matter, Even Flow, and Better Man before performing Baba O’Riley.
The appearance marked Pearl Jam’s first live performance since longtime drummer Matt Cameron departed the band in July 2025 after 27 years.
Laboriel is best known for his long-running role as Paul McCartney’s drummer, a position he has held since 2001. He also has an established connection with Vedder, having contributed to Vedder’s 2022 solo album Earthling and performed with his touring band.
For now, Laboriel’s appearance should be viewed as a fill-in performance. Pearl Jam has not announced him as a permanent replacement for Cameron.
