Pearl Jam still auditioning drummers a year after Matt Cameron left
The gist
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament says the band is still auditioning drummers and in no rush.
The rock band's next move affects 2027 tour and album plans.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2025Matt Cameron, Pearl Jam's longest-tenured drummer and also of Soundgarden, announced he was leaving the band after 27 years.
- Sep 2026Pearl Jam played two sets at Eddie Vedder's Ohana Festival, their first since Cameron left, with Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums.
- Nov 4, 2026Jeff Ament gave updates on the drummer search in interviews with Under the Radar and The Seattle Times while promoting his photo book Since Forever.
Key terms
- session musician
- A musician hired to play in a recording session or live performance, not a permanent band member.
Source: Wikipedia