From Rolling Stone · Brian Hiatt · · 3m
Jeff Ament on Pearl Jam's Early Days and New Drummer
Jeff Ament reveals Pearl Jam's early days, DIY album photos, and new drummer choice.
In brief
Jeff Ament reveals Pearl Jam's early days, DIY album photos, and new drummer choice. Pearl Jam's bassist Jeff Ament discusses their early DIY photo work, recording sessions with Neil Young, and selecting a new drummer for the band. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Jeff Ament's photography
Jeff Ament is Pearl Jam's bassist and photographer who created album covers for Vs., Yield, Riot Act, and Lost Dogs .
New book release
Ament released his book Since Forever with brother Barry Ament on Sept. 25, 2026, featuring 250+ black-and-white photos.
Pearl Jam's first show since Matt Cameron left
Pearl Jam played their first show since Matt Cameron left at Ohana Festival on Sept. 25, 2026, with Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums.
Ament sold camera to move to Seattle
Ament sold his camera for 100 bucks in 1983 to move to Seattle, only getting a new one when Singles production told him to charge it to the movie.
DIY photo approach
Ament took photos for Pearl Jam's albums and newsletters instead of hiring photographers, avoiding $8,000 hourly rates.
Eddie Vedder shirtless photos
Ament shot shirtless Eddie Vedder in vocal booths during Ten recording sessions without clearing the photos with the band.
Sheep on Vs. cover
Ament photographed a sheep following him on a Montana farm fence, later using it for Vs. album cover without knowing it was an album cover.
Neil Young tour
Pearl Jam backed Neil Young on 1995 Mirror Ball tour, learning songs 20 minutes before shows and playing them for the first time.
Matt Cameron's joke
Ament joked with Matt Cameron about having three years left in Pearl Jam, but Cameron wasn't joking and was actually planning to stay longer.
New drummer choice
Pearl Jam picked a new drummer as their first choice, but Ament says it's not yet permanent since they haven't played shows yet.
Drummer robot joke
Ament joked about the band's drum machine programming 'Even Flow' for the new drummer, saying it's 'amazing' and 'you're gonna love it'.
New album plans
Ament wants Pearl Jam to make a new album and tour next year, saying they have 'new energy' and 'opportunity to use that energy to the fullest'.
Writing new music
Pearl Jam has started writing new music but hasn't completed much together, with Ament saying they're 'chomping at the bit' to make something great.
What happens next
Pearl Jam plans to release a new album and tour next year after completing new music, with Ament saying they're 'chomping at the bit'.
At a glance
Pearl Jam's bassist Jeff Ament discusses their early DIY photo work, recording sessions with Neil Young, and selecting a new drummer for the band.
