Dave Abbruzzese Statement on The Drummer Situation

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  • Gern Blansten
    Gern Blansten Mar-A-Lago Posts: 22,148
    Dave A joined PJ two days after Ten was released after both Krusen and Chamberlain quit. I'm not sure where the shotgun marriage thing comes from.

    There is no cult. He's a great drummer. 

    Ed talked very nicely about him at the R&R HOF induction. 
    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
    The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)

    1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
    2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
    2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
    2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
    2020: Oakland, Oakland:  2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
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  • Gern Blansten
    Gern Blansten Mar-A-Lago Posts: 22,148
    edited July 11

    In 1991, Abbruzzese got a call from drummer and friend Matt Chamberlain, whom Abbruzzese knew through the Texas music scene, in regard to filling in for him in the band Pearl Jam when he left.[1] Chamberlain had his eyes set on G. E. Smith's band on Saturday Night Live. Abbruzzese left for Seattle, Washington to meet and become acquainted with the members of Pearl Jam. Although his musical tastes were far different from the other members, Abbruzzese chose to join Pearl Jam, playing his first show on August 23, 1991. Initially, Abbruzzese was reluctant to join the band full-time. Then after his second show with Pearl Jam, Abbruzzese went straight down to his local tattoo parlor and had bassist Jeff Ament's stick figure drawing from the sleeve of the "Alive" single tattooed onto his left shoulder.[5] Abbruzzese joined the group and played the rest of Pearl Jam's live shows supporting the Ten album. Abbruzzese toured extensively for Ten and performed on MTV Unplugged and a Saturday Night Live appearance. Abbruzzese made his studio debut with Pearl Jam when the band released the single "Even Flow" in April 1992. They re-recorded the song for its single release with Abbruzzese on drums instead of original drummer Dave Krusen. Two songs for the Singles Soundtrack and the b-side "Dirty Frank" also came from the same recording session.[1] The band found itself amidst the sudden popularity and attention given to the Seattle music scene and the genre known as grunge.

    With Abbruzzese, the band recorded its second studio album, Vs., released in 1993. Upon its release, Vs. set at the time the record for most copies of an album sold in a week,[6] and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard 200Vs. was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 1995.[7] From Vs., the song "Daughter" received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and the song "Go" received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance.[8] Abbruzzese toured extensively for Vs. and performed on a Saturday Night Live appearance. Abbruzzese wrote the music for the Pearl Jam songs "Go", "Last Exit" and "Angel" (from the 1993 fan club Christmas single). He played with Pearl Jam through April 17, 1994. In 1994, the band began a much-publicized boycott of Ticketmaster.[9]

    Although Abbruzzese performed on the band's third studio album, Vitalogy, he was fired in August 1994 due to personality conflicts with the band members, four months before the album was released.[10] Ament stated, "Dave was a different egg for sure. There were a lot of things, personality wise, where I didn't see eye to eye with him. He was more comfortable being a rock star than the rest of us. Partying, girls, cars. I don't know if anyone was in the same space."[10] Guitarist Stone Gossard said, "It was the nature of how the politics worked in our band: It was up to me to say, 'Hey, we tried, it's not working; time to move on.' On a superficial level, it was a political struggle: For whatever reason his ability to communicate with Ed and Jeff was very stifled. I certainly don't think it was all Dave Abbruzzese's fault that it was stifled."[10] Abbruzzese stated, "I didn't really agree with what was going on. I didn't agree with the Ticketmaster stuff at all. But I don't blame anyone or harbor any hard feelings. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't furious and hurt for a long time. But now I just wish there was more music from the band I was a part of."[10]

    On October 18, 2016, Pearl Jam was named among the 2017 class of nominees for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[11] In a departure from the protocol of previous years which included all members of bands who had contributed to commercially-released recordings, the Hall named which specific former members would be inducted from each nominated band. The only former member of Pearl Jam to be included was Dave Krusen. Reacting to the snub, Abbruzzese stated "The members of Pearl Jam have got to know what's the right thing to do. They can't justify ignoring my contributions. Like me or not. If there is still a part of that band that remembers how hard we worked, how much blood and how much sweat ... They will do the right thing."[12] He further stated "It’s just a fine opportunity to see what Pearl Jam has to say in response. Let’s see if they do the right thing. It’ll be interesting to see the spin that is put on it. That band and its management have never been ones to shy away when an injustice is done. Let’s see if they still have the courage to fight the good fight!"[13]

    Pearl Jam later responded with an open letter on Facebook inviting all their former drummers, including Matt Chamberlain and Jack Irons, to the induction. [14]


    ...from wiki

    Post edited by Gern Blansten on
    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
    The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)

    1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
    2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
    2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
    2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
    2020: Oakland, Oakland:  2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
    2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
    2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
  • JimmyV
    JimmyV Boston's MetroWest Posts: 19,597
    I coined the term #DaveATruthers around the time of the RRHOF induction because a segment of the fanbase was so crazy about it. Cult is not far off. 
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • Merkin Baller
    Merkin Baller Posts: 12,754
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
  • Gern Blansten
    Gern Blansten Mar-A-Lago Posts: 22,148
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    Totally disagree....he's a great drummer

    I don't get the hate. 
    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
    The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)

    1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
    2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
    2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
    2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
    2020: Oakland, Oakland:  2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
    2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
    2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
  • static111
    static111 Posts: 5,065
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    Totally disagree....he's a great drummer

    I don't get the hate. 
    Yeah I mean listen to the versions of Breath and SOLAT before and after Dave.  If someone can't hear that he elevated the band with his playing I don't think they are being honest with themselves.
    Scio me nihil scire

    There are no kings inside the gates of eden
  • static111
    static111 Posts: 5,065
    static111 said:
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    Totally disagree....he's a great drummer

    I don't get the hate. 
    Yeah I mean listen to the versions of Breath and SOLAT before and after Dave.  If someone can't hear that he elevated the band with his playing I don't think they are being honest with themselves.
    That said my favorite albums are the Jack Irons albums.
    Scio me nihil scire

    There are no kings inside the gates of eden
  • HughFreakingDillon
    HughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 39,449
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    does this also then apply to Jack? 

    Dave actually was with them when they were still playing small clubs, as Gern pointed out. It's not super typical for a drummer to contribute to songwriting. I'm not one of "they should get dave back in the band" people, but his contributions shouldn't be limited just because of the time period he was in the band. I mean, people are also talking about Dave K, who was in the band an even shorter time and only drummed on 1 record. 
    Hugh Freaking Dillon is currently out of the office, returning sometime in the fall




  • Merkin Baller
    Merkin Baller Posts: 12,754
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    Totally disagree....he's a great drummer

    I don't get the hate. 
    You're off base if you're inferring hatred from my comment. 

    I don't hate the guy, I just don't think he deserves all the fuss he inspires... especially not now, some 30+ years after the fact. 
  • eboweddie
    eboweddie Posts: 1,090


    i wish i wish i wish i wish, i guess it never stops
  • Dave A joined PJ two days after Ten was released after both Krusen and Chamberlain quit. I'm not sure where the shotgun marriage thing comes from.

    There is no cult. He's a great drummer. 

    Ed talked very nicely about him at the R&R HOF induction. 

    The shotgun marriage was the fact the band was already playing shows to support their debut album. There really wasn't a ton of room for a deliberative process. He came at Chamberlain's recommendation and they needed a drummer. And, they were in the studio for Vs. relatively quickly (by today's standards). He wasn't their guy. He was just a guy. Sometimes that works out. Sometimes it doesn't. 
  • Go Beavers
    Go Beavers Posts: 9,539
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    Totally disagree....he's a great drummer

    I don't get the hate. 
    I don’t rhink there’s much hate for his drumming and his contribution, I think there’s an odd dynamic within the band’s fan base where people have this loyalty to him over the other drummers, and Dave has fed this dynamic for 30 years. 
  • runstaples
    runstaples WY/NC Posts: 1,064
    eboweddie said:

    Where do I get me one of these?
    Appeared to be an animal, yet so polite.
  • eboweddie
    eboweddie Posts: 1,090
    Sent ya message there 

    i wish i wish i wish i wish, i guess it never stops
  • Merkin Baller
    Merkin Baller Posts: 12,754
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    does this also then apply to Jack? 

    Dave actually was with them when they were still playing small clubs, as Gern pointed out. It's not super typical for a drummer to contribute to songwriting. I'm not one of "they should get dave back in the band" people, but his contributions shouldn't be limited just because of the time period he was in the band. I mean, people are also talking about Dave K, who was in the band an even shorter time and only drummed on 1 record. 
    Your point about Dave's contributions not being limited because of the timing works both ways... it shouldn't be overstated because of the timing either, The follow up albums to Ten were going to happen regardless of who was behind the kit. One can argue they may not have been as big as they were if they had a different drummer, but based on the success of Ten, we can assume at least VS still would have done pretty damn well. 

    Do No Code and Yield happen without Jack? Does PJ even continue as a band if he doesn't show up? There's a lot less certainty there, I think.  

    Regarding your last point, I'm not one of the people clamoring for Dave K (that has me scratching my head)... I'm not clamoring for ANY of their past drummers to return. I don't want sentimentality to factor into where they go next. 
  • Sarava
    Sarava Naperville, IL Posts: 2,061
    He keeps reminding me of Dave Mustaine - who also can't let go of Metallica firing him over 40 years ago.
  • HughFreakingDillon
    HughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 39,449
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    does this also then apply to Jack? 

    Dave actually was with them when they were still playing small clubs, as Gern pointed out. It's not super typical for a drummer to contribute to songwriting. I'm not one of "they should get dave back in the band" people, but his contributions shouldn't be limited just because of the time period he was in the band. I mean, people are also talking about Dave K, who was in the band an even shorter time and only drummed on 1 record. 
    Your point about Dave's contributions not being limited because of the timing works both ways... it shouldn't be overstated because of the timing either, The follow up albums to Ten were going to happen regardless of who was behind the kit. One can argue they may not have been as big as they were if they had a different drummer, but based on the success of Ten, we can assume at least VS still would have done pretty damn well. 

    Do No Code and Yield happen without Jack? Does PJ even continue as a band if he doesn't show up? There's a lot less certainty there, I think.  

    Regarding your last point, I'm not one of the people clamoring for Dave K (that has me scratching my head)... I'm not clamoring for ANY of their past drummers to return. I don't want sentimentality to factor into where they go next. 
    for sure, I just think for people to question why he keeps getting brought up-well, I think it's pretty obvious-he drummed on the Ten tour, he played and helped create VS and Vitalogy, which is pretty heavy nostalgia for a lot of people (I'd say most fans say the first 3 records is their favourite period). MANY folks dropped off after Dave was fired, not because he was fired, but because they didn't like the change in style. Some people just prefer his drumming-totally subjective. I don't think No Code or Yield happen without Jack-Dave's style just wouldn't have suited that writing. 

    I don't think his contributions are overstated, honestly. I think people just talk about him the most because of the circumstances surrounding his departure and my points above. 
    Hugh Freaking Dillon is currently out of the office, returning sometime in the fall




  • HughFreakingDillon
    HughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 39,449
    Sarava said:
    He keeps reminding me of Dave Mustaine - who also can't let go of Metallica firing him over 40 years ago.
    I follow him on facebook. I was absolutely FLOORED that he said he'd be willing to return, given all that he has said about the band literally a few days before. He keeps going on and on and on about how they aren't the same band, the band's output basically sucked since he left. Why would you want to drum with a band if you hate the majority of the catalogue? 
    Hugh Freaking Dillon is currently out of the office, returning sometime in the fall




  • Merkin Baller
    Merkin Baller Posts: 12,754
    Dave A wrote a couple great songs for them, for sure. Despite that. his contribution to this band has been greatly over romanticized, and to sociopearljam's point, not even remotely relative to the amount of discussion or agita it's generated. 

    He's good, but I wouldn't call him a great drummer... he's certainly no better than the 4th best to have played for this band. 
    does this also then apply to Jack? 

    Dave actually was with them when they were still playing small clubs, as Gern pointed out. It's not super typical for a drummer to contribute to songwriting. I'm not one of "they should get dave back in the band" people, but his contributions shouldn't be limited just because of the time period he was in the band. I mean, people are also talking about Dave K, who was in the band an even shorter time and only drummed on 1 record. 
    Your point about Dave's contributions not being limited because of the timing works both ways... it shouldn't be overstated because of the timing either, The follow up albums to Ten were going to happen regardless of who was behind the kit. One can argue they may not have been as big as they were if they had a different drummer, but based on the success of Ten, we can assume at least VS still would have done pretty damn well. 

    Do No Code and Yield happen without Jack? Does PJ even continue as a band if he doesn't show up? There's a lot less certainty there, I think.  

    Regarding your last point, I'm not one of the people clamoring for Dave K (that has me scratching my head)... I'm not clamoring for ANY of their past drummers to return. I don't want sentimentality to factor into where they go next. 
    for sure, I just think for people to question why he keeps getting brought up-well, I think it's pretty obvious-he drummed on the Ten tour, he played and helped create VS and Vitalogy, which is pretty heavy nostalgia for a lot of people (I'd say most fans say the first 3 records is their favourite period). MANY folks dropped off after Dave was fired, not because he was fired, but because they didn't like the change in style. Some people just prefer his drumming-totally subjective. I don't think No Code or Yield happen without Jack-Dave's style just wouldn't have suited that writing. 

    I don't think his contributions are overstated, honestly. I think people just talk about him the most because of the circumstances surrounding his departure and my points above. 
    I think the nostalgia for that time period clouds people's perception of what he brought to the table. 
  • GhostChile
    GhostChile Posts: 1,179

    I think Dave is perversely enjoying reading everything that continues to be said about him in this forum.

    Taking the time to write a statement asking people to stop requesting his return to the band is pathetic.

    But at the same time, it reveals his need for attention — which we’re serving to him on a silver platter.

    Myself included.


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