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Pearl Jam Keeps New Drummer Secret Until Sept. 27 Festival

5/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pearl Jam will keep the new drummer’s identity secret until they headline the Ohana Festival’s final night in Dana Point, California, on September 27, 2026.
Drummer Matt Cameron left the band in July 2025 after 27 years, prompting guitarist Stone Gossard to say the mystery excites the group.
Former drummer Dave Krusen deleted an Instagram comment denying involvement, prompting guitarist Mike McCready to say the band still needs a new drummer.

History

Historical Context

Formed in 1980, R.E.M. helped define alternative rock, achieving massive hits like 1991’s *Out of Time*. After drummer Bill Berry quit in October 1997, the remaining trio recorded the experimental album *Up*, released in 1998, which sold just over two million copies worldwide. The lineup change marked a shift from their earlier commercial peak toward a more exploratory sound.

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Story summary

Pearl Jam will keep the new drummer’s identity secret until they headline the Ohana Festival’s final night in Dana Point, California, on September 27, 2026.
Drummer Matt Cameron left the band in July 2025 after 27 years, prompting guitarist Stone Gossard to say the mystery excites the group.
Former drummer Dave Krusen deleted an Instagram comment denying involvement, prompting guitarist Mike McCready to say the band still needs a new drummer.

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