From Rolling Stone · Charisma Madarang · · 1m 10s
Pearl Jam Welcomes Abe Laboriel Jr. and Billy Strings
Pearl Jam's headliner Eddie Vedder announces Abe Laboriel Jr. as permanent drummer after surprise Ohana Festival appearance.
In brief
Pearl Jam's headliner Eddie Vedder announces Abe Laboriel Jr. as permanent drummer after surprise Ohana Festival appearance. Pearl Jam confirmed Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new permanent drummer following a surprise appearance at the Ohana Festival. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Abe Laboriel Jr. Chants at Ohana Festival
Abe Laboriel Jr. performed during Pearl Jam's headlining set at Ohana Festival on Sept 27 in Dana Point, California.
Vedder Signals Permanent Role
Eddie Vedder stated Pearl Jam would keep Abe Laboriel Jr. as permanent drummer after borrowing him from Paul McCartney.
“We’re very honored that a Beatle no less, Paul McCartney, would allow us to borrow him to help us”
Dedication to Abe Laboriel Jr.
Vedder dedicated Pearl Jam's 'Better Man' chorus to Abe Laboriel Jr. during the show.
“So, I would like to dedicate, not the whole song, but just the chorus line to Mr. Abe, the chorus that says, 'Can’t find a better man'”
Billy Strings Makes Surprise Guest
Billy Strings performed a surprise guest set with Vedder and later covered Neil Young's 'Throw Your Hatred Down'.
“He’s previously cited Pearl Jam as sounds that inspire his songwriting”
Glen Hansard Tribute
Vedder paid tribute to Glen Hansard, who died July 29 at age 56 after a motorcycle crash.
“A great friend to anyone who ever met him and a great musician, a great human”
Free Speech Statement
Vedder emphasized bands at Ohana Festival could freely discuss any issue without censorship.
“This is part of free speech, and that’s even more important now that they’re trying to shut down some of the press”
The key point
Pearl Jam confirmed Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new permanent drummer following a surprise appearance at the Ohana Festival.
