Ralph Notaro/Getty ImagesEx-Pearl Jam drummer David Abbruzzese has clarified the comments he made about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his former band. In a Facebook post, Abbruzzese says that he “[is] not slamming the Hall of Fame or Pearl Jam.”
“I understand that there may be some flaws inherent to the balloting process,” he says. “I reacted emotionally, and my reaction was based on a lack of understanding. I have spoken to friends and peers and I am resolved to wait patiently to watch and see how it works out. I am not looking to ruffle any feathers. I am not angry with the [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] or Pearl Jam.”
Pearl Jam is nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Should they be chosen, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Matt Cameron, Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard — plus original drummer Dave Krusen — will be inducted as members of Pearl Jam. Abbruzzese is not eligible for induction, even though he played drums on Pearl Jam’s 1993 sophomore album Vs. and its follow-up, Vitalogy. He was fired from the band in 1994.
Initially commenting on being left off the list, Abbruzzese wrote, “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.” He’s since amended the post to say he was “impulsive” with his comments.
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