Paul McCartney’s drummer joins Pearl Jam at Surprise Ohana Set
Rock festivals are built on surprise, and sometimes, the greatest performances are the ones that defy expectation. At Eddie Vedder’s Ohana festival in Dana Point, California, the event delivered one of those moments, featuring a stunning musical cameo that reminded everyone why legendary musicians keep connecting.
During frontman Eddie Vedder’s solo set, the stage was unexpectedly electrified by the full force of Pearl Jam. But the surprise didn’t stop there; the band introduced longtime drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. behind the kit, adding a layer of history and intrigue to the performance.
The set was a captivating blend of nostalgia and raw energy. Vedder opened with five acoustic songs, including a heartfelt tribute to his friend Glen Hansard and a cover of The Who’s “I’m One.” As the mood shifted, Pearl Jam emerged, delivering a crowd-pleasing mix that included tracks like “Even Flow,” “Hail Hail,” and “Porch,” alongside hits from their 2024 album Dark Matter. The performance even featured a cover of Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer,” honoring their late guitarist Cheetah Chrome, before concluding with a spin through The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.”
One of the deepest cuts shared was “Green Disease,” a track pulled from their 2002 album Riot Act, which offered a poignant moment amidst the performance.
The appearance of Laboriel Jr. brought an intriguing layer of backstage history to the spotlight. Laboriel himself has a storied career, having anchored the rhythm section for Paul McCartney since 2001, and has collaborated with giants like Sting, Eric Clapton, and Steve Winwood. His connection to Pearl Jam deepened when he played on the track “Picture” from Vedder’s solo album Earthling.
This connection adds an extra layer of excitement to the music. While details about the drumming lineup have often been kept close to the chest by the band, guitarist Stone Gossard emphasized the thrill of the unknown. He noted that there’s not enough mystery in the world, and the fact that nobody knew who would be behind the drums made the moment triply exciting for everyone.
The context of the drumming position itself speaks volumes about the band’s journey. Following a 27-year tenure, Matt Cameron vacated the seat in July 2025. While speculation has run rampant about who would fill the role, the appearance of Laboriel Jr. hints at a rich, ongoing legacy within the rock community.
Laboriel Jr. is expected to return to the stage for future Ohana performances, signaling that the threads of musical history continue to weave through the fabric of rock music. It’s a reminder that the greatest performances often come from unexpected places, fueled by a shared history and an endless supply of musical mystery.
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