Over the weekend, Eddie Vedder's set at California's Ohana Fest turned into a Pearl Jam performance with Abe Laboriel Jr. behind the drum kit. It was the band's first gig since Matt Cameron left after 27 years last year, and now Vedder shared a statement about the new drummer.
At the festival, Vedder introduced the new drummer (who they unveiled on Friday, the first day) and dedicated "Better Man" to him. His speech fooled fans — and Rolling Stone — into thinking that he was the official replacement: "There's an old musical adage that I do believe, and that is that you cannot be — and we've had the best — but you cannot be a great band without a great drummer. So, we thank Abe for keeping us in the running," he said onstage. But today's statement says Abe Laboriel Jr. is "sitting in." Here's the statement:
Hello good humans,
Just a quick note on this Monday morning to thank each and everyone who came out to Ohana Fest this year. Three days of great groups, all of whom were further energized by the pumped up vibes from a perfect crowd. You all made our tenth year so special and we are GRATEFUL.
Also wanted to extend our further appreciation to Abe Laboriel Jr. sitting in on drums for PJ. It was a joy to play with him, and he's obviously extraordinary at his craft. The man works and PLAYS hard.
It is no wonder he's been with the ultimate Maestro Paul McCartney and his mind blowing band for decades. Thank you so much for this weekend Abe. And thank YOU Paul. We owe you big time.
Eddie
Vedder joined a bunch of sets at the festival. Bad Religion brought him out to do the band's 1993 track "American Jesus," to which Vedder had originally contributed backing vocals. He joined Pixies for the Doolittle banger "Wave Of Mutilation," and joined Stephen Wilson Jr. to do the Temple Of The Dog track "Hunger Strike."
Also, on Friday, Billy Idol and Simon Good joined the Eddie Vedder & Friends set before it turned into a Pearl Jam reveal. During Pearl Jam's headlining set last night, Billy Strings came out (bravely without protective gear) for Vedder's solo acoustic "Elderly Woman" and joined the full band for two Neil Young covers. See footage below.
