Pearl Jam Still Seeks Permanent Drummer
The band has not named a replacement for Matt Cameron, who left in 2025 after 27 years with the group.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Rock
Pearl Jam has not selected a permanent replacement for drummer Matt Cameron, who departed in 2025 after 27 years with the band. Abe Laboriel Jr. sat in on drums at the band's first gig since Cameron's exit in September.
Why it matters
The search for a permanent drummer leaves the band's future lineup unresolved after a major personnel change. Cameron's departure followed the death of Chris Cornell, a loss that Jeff Ament said hit Cameron particularly hard.
The figures come from band-member interviews and statements rather than formal records, and Cameron's 27-year tenure is the only firm comparator available. It remains unclear when or whether a permanent drummer will be named.
The players
Pearl Jam
A Seattle rock band formed in 1990 that emerged as a leading voice of the grunge era.
Matt Cameron
The drummer who spent 27 years with Pearl Jam and previously played with Soundgarden, and who left the band in 2025.
Abe Laboriel Jr.
A session and touring drummer best known for his long tenure as Paul McCartney's drummer.
Eddie Vedder
Pearl Jam's lead vocalist and a songwriter who also performs solo.
Jeff Ament
Pearl Jam's bassist and a founding member of the band.
The details
Jeff Ament confirmed in a conversation with Under the Radar magazine that the search for Cameron's replacement is ongoing. Abe Laboriel Jr., who has spent 25 years as Paul McCartney's drummer, played Pearl Jam's September gig, and Eddie Vedder thanked him in a statement for sitting in.
Timeline
2025: Matt Cameron departs Pearl Jam after 27 years with the band.
September 2026: Pearl Jam plays its first gig since Cameron's departure, with Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums.
November 2026: Eddie Vedder performs two solo shows in Brazil.
2027: Pearl Jam aims to play shows next year.
Big Picture
Cameron's exit traces back to Chris Cornell's 2017 death, a loss that shaped the post-grunge era for both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Nearly a decade later, the band is still working through the personnel consequences of that loss.
Fans can see Eddie Vedder's solo shows in Brazil this month, though Pearl Jam has no concerts currently scheduled. The band's intention to tour in 2027 is not yet backed by announced dates.
The takeaway
Long-running bands often rely on temporary fill-ins while they decide on lasting lineup changes. Fans following Pearl Jam should watch for official announcements about its drummer and 2027 plans.
What happens next
Eddie Vedder performs two solo shows in Brazil in November 2026, and Pearl Jam aims to play shows in 2027.
Further reading
For more on the band's history, explore the Rock section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 104.5 KDAT.
