Pearl Jam are continuing to audition drummers following Matt Cameron’s departure in the summer of 2025. The band has not announced a permanent replacement, and bassist Jeff Ament says they are taking their time while hoping to play live next year.
“We’re not in any massive rush but we want to play some shows next year,” Ament told Under the Radar. He praised Abe Laboriel Jr., who played with Pearl Jam at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Fest in September, calling him “such an incredible drummer.” The festival marked the band’s first performance since Cameron left.
Ament, 63, said he feels some urgency to get back onstage while the band members are still physically able to tour. He also discussed Cameron’s decision to leave, saying that the death of Chris Cornell had deeply affected him and that Cameron had been talking about winding things down and pursuing other interests.
“It was a pretty fucking sad moment,” Ament said of Cameron’s departure, while adding that he was pleased for his former bandmate. Pearl Jam have no upcoming shows scheduled. Vedder is set to perform solo at Brazil’s Best of Blues and Rock Festival on November 20 and 22.
Sources: Consequence.