Pearl Jam have a new drummer: Abe Laboriel Jr., the longtime sticksman for Paul McCartney, made his debut with the band at the Ohana Festival over the September 26-27 weekend.

Laboriel steps in as the replacement for Matt Cameron, whose departure ended a tenure that began in 1998. The band introduced their new drummer during a surprise set at Eddie Vedder’s festival in California, with fans quickly identifying the veteran session player behind the kit.

The 55-year-old is one of rock’s most in-demand drummers, having anchored McCartney’s live band for more than two decades. His arrival gives Pearl Jam a heavyweight pedigree as they continue touring.

Neither the band nor Laboriel has detailed the long-term arrangement, but his billing as Cameron’s announced replacement suggests he is the permanent choice rather than a fill-in.

Cameron, who joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after Soundgarden’s initial split, had become central to the band’s live sound. Laboriel’s first shows drew warm reviews, with fans praising the seamless transition behind the drum kit.