Pearl Jam to Play First Gig Since Matt Cameron’s Departure at Ohana Festival
- Pearl Jam will take the stage at this year’s Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California, marking their first live performance since longtime drummer Matt Cameron left the band...
- The band’s return comes after Cameron announced his departure in July 2025, concluding 27 years as Pearl Jam’s drummer.
- "After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam.
Pearl Jam Return to Stage With New Drummer for 2026 Ohana Festival
Pearl Jam will take the stage at this year’s Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California, marking their first live performance since longtime drummer Matt Cameron left the band last summer. The festival, now in its 10th anniversary edition, will run from September 25–27, with Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder and Friends headlining alongside a star-studded lineup that includes Maná, Tyler Childers, Alabama Shakes, Billy Idol, Pixies, and more.
The band’s return comes after Cameron announced his departure in July 2025, concluding 27 years as Pearl Jam’s drummer. In a statement at the time, Cameron expressed gratitude for his time with the group, writing:
"After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam. Much love and respect to Jeff [Ament], Ed [Vedder], Mike [McCready] and Stone [Gossard] for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter. I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
Pearl Jam’s new drummer remains unannounced, though the band will perform with an unnamed time keeper at Ohana Festival. The event, founded by Vedder, has grown into a major music gathering, with over 30 acts scheduled across three stages at Doheny State Beach. Additional performers include Midnight Generation, Otoboke Beaver, Men I Trust, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Front Bottoms, and emerging artists like Ellery Harper and Villanelle.
Ticket pre-sales for the festival’s 10 Club tier are now open, with a general presale set to begin on May 14 at 12 p.m. PT. Fans are encouraged to sign up for a presale code to secure early access. The full lineup and ticket details are available on the Ohana Festival website.
This marks a pivotal moment for Pearl Jam, whose 2026 tour will be their first without Cameron since his departure. The band’s appearance at Ohana Festival signals both a continuation of their legacy and a new chapter with an unannounced successor.
