Former PEARL JAM Drummer DAVE ABBRUZZESE Breaks Silence on Rumored Comeback After MATT CAMERON Exit

Summary

• Dave Abbruzzese responded to Pearl Jam reunion rumors, but said there’s no real chance of it happening.
• He shared that he holds no grudges and still respects the band, despite decades without contact.
• Fans were asked to stop messaging him about a comeback, though he admits he’d be curious too.

Matt Cameron recently stepped away from his role as drummer for Pearl Jam, ending a nearly 30-year run. He didn’t explain why, and the band hasn’t named a replacement, leaving fans and the music press to fill in the blanks.

One name that keeps popping up is Dave Abbruzzese, who played with Pearl Jam from 1991 to 1994 during the band’s early rise. He stepped in after Matt Chamberlain left and helped shape landmark records like Ten, Vs., and Vitalogy. He also played on their MTV Unplugged performance in 1992.

His time with the group ended on a sour note. Creative and personal clashes led to his firing, and he’s had no contact with Eddie Vedder or the rest of the band since. But with speculation swirling about a possible return, Abbruzzese decided to address it publicly in a lengthy Facebook post.

Despite the history, his tone was surprisingly even.

Dave Abbruzzese Opens Up About Pearl Jam and the Past

In the statement, Abbruzzese acknowledged the recent chatter and explained why he’s not chasing a reunion:

“With the announcement that Matt Cameron is stepping down after 27 years behind the kit, a lot of people are mentioning my name. I’ve been getting flooded with posts, messages, emails, people asking me to call Pearl Jam and try to work things out.”

“Let me be clear. There’s nothing to reconcile. My exit and everything that came after it wasn’t entirely my doing. The way management and the label handled things back then caused a lot of the fallout. Sure, there were some petty remarks I never understood, but I’ve never blamed or held grudges against the band members.”

He also spoke about the time since he left the group:

“I’ve had the chance to play with some incredible musicians over the last 30 years. I still don’t get what was so urgent that it broke the musical chemistry we had, but I can’t change that, and I don’t have any idea how I even could.”

“Since 1995, I’ve grown a lot, both as a person and a musician. I’m sure they have too. But the fact that I haven’t had any personal contact with them makes me think the distance is just too great to bridge. That’s a shame, and it honestly makes me sad.”

He went on to say he doubts the band would ever reach out, and asked fans to stop suggesting he should:

“I know I could still bring something valuable to the table if the call ever came, but I don’t see that happening. […] Music is still everything to me. My drumming, my dedication, it’s all still there, just as strong as ever.”

“I wish Pearl Jam and their lineup the best. Maybe someday there’ll be a chance to reconnect, somehow. But for now, please stop sending messages asking me to get in touch with their team. I get why you want to see what a reunion would be like, I’d be curious too. Much love and thanks, Dave.”

About Dave Abbruzzese

Dave Abbruzzese played drums for Pearl Jam from 1991 to 1994, joining shortly before the band’s breakout debut, Ten. He recorded on Vs. and Vitalogy, contributing to the group’s early commercial and critical success.

His drumming was known for its aggressive precision and adaptability, helping shape the band’s evolving sound during a chaotic rise to fame. Despite his impact, internal disagreements and creative differences led to his departure before Vitalogy was released.

Since leaving Pearl Jam, Abbruzzese has worked on various solo and collaborative music projects. He remains active as a musician and occasionally comments on his time with the band when prompted by fans or media.

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