Our Guesses From the Likely to the Extreme

Key Points:

• Josh Freese is a highly experienced drummer with a resume including Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Nine Inch Nails, but his brief two-year tenure with Foo Fighters raises questions about his fit with Pearl Jam; however, he is considered a strong candidate.
• Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction is rumored to be a potential Pearl Jam drummer due to timing and past band connections, though concerns about his age and possible Jane’s Addiction reunion exist.
• Abe Laboriel Jr., longtime drummer for Paul McCartney and a friend of Eddie Vedder, is another contender, but his commitment to McCartney’s band makes this move unlikely.
• Other possible candidates include Kahokiss from Otoboke Beaver, Seattle musician Richard Stuverud, former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Chamberlain, and versatile musician Josh Klinghoffer, though each faces challenges such as experience, age, or role suitability.
• The article also discusses other notable drummers like Jay Weinberg, Dave Krusen, Jack Irons, and even fictional character Animal, weighing their pros, cons, and odds of joining Pearl Jam, ultimately highlighting the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the band’s next drummer choice.