# 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.
- Title: Pearl Jam Welcomes Abe Laboriel Jr. and Billy Strings
- Summary: Pearl Jam's headliner Eddie Vedder announces Abe Laboriel Jr. as permanent drummer after surprise Ohana Festival appearance. Pearl Jam confirmed Abe Laboriel…
- Keywords: pearl jam, abe laboriel jr, billy strings, eddie vedder, ohana festival, dana point, southern california, dark matter, Pearl, Jam, Welcomes, Abe
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/pearl-jam-abe-laboriel-jr-billy-strings-ohana-festival-1235632805
- Author: Charisma Madarang
- Published: 2026-09-28T10:45:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pearl jam, abe laboriel jr, billy strings, eddie vedder, ohana festival, dana point, southern california, dark matter
## 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
## Key takeaway

Pearl Jam confirmed Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new permanent drummer following a surprise appearance at the Ohana Festival.