Dave Abbruzzese, former drummer for Pearl Jam, has made it clear he will not be rejoining the band following the recent departure of longtime drummer Matt Cameron. In a detailed Facebook post, Abbruzzese addressed growing speculation and messages from fans urging him to reconnect with the band.
“I have nothing to reconcile with them about,” he wrote, stating that he has had no contact with Pearl Jam members in years. “The water under the bridge runs too deep and too icy for there to be any reconnection or reconciliation.”
Abbruzzese played with Pearl Jam between 1991 and 1994, contributing to the band’s rise to international fame and playing on major albums such as Vs. and Vitalogy. Despite his influence during this period, his relationship with the band ended on tense terms, and he was not included in Pearl Jam’s 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
His public comments come just days after Matt Cameron, who had served as Pearl Jam’s drummer since 1998, announced his departure. Fans quickly began calling for Abbruzzese’s return, prompting him to respond directly.
“I do ask that you please stop sending me messages asking and telling me to contact their management,” he said. Still, he left a small opening, admitting, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious [about a reunion], also.”
Abbruzzese also reflected on his career after Pearl Jam, noting continued musical projects, personal challenges, and work in addiction recovery. “My drumming and passion for giving it my all is still as powerful as ever,” he wrote.
Although he expressed well wishes for Pearl Jam’s future, he made clear that, for now, the prospect of rejoining the band remains unlikely.
