Former Pearl Jam Drummer Dave Abbruzzese Wanted on Drug Charges
by Daniel Kreps
Former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abbruzzese, who was behind the kit for band’s 1993 album Vs. and 1994 LP Vitalogy, has two warrants out for his arrest in Denton, Texas: Possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear on a manufacture or delivery of substance charge. The news was first reported by fansite Pearl Jam Online, but a spokesperson for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrants to Rolling Stone.
While the possession charge is a simple Class A misdemeanor, Alternative Nation writes that the drummer could face some serious jail time on the second Manufacture Or Delivery of Substance charge. The latter is a first degree felony in the state of Texas and, if found guilty, punishable by a prison term ranging from five years to life. Denton Crime Stoppers are also offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the 46-year-old musician.
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The news of Abbruzzese’s arrest warrants appear to line up with the larger announcement of the statewide “Great Texas Warrant Roundup” initiative beginning March 7th. “If we knock on your door, you are coming with us,” Corinth police Lt. Carrie West told the Denton Record-Chronicle. “We have a lot of warrants out.” Abbruzzese last updated his Facebook page on Christmas Day with a note reflecting on the past year, but makes no mention of any legal issues.
Abbruzzese’s tenure with Pearl Jam began in August 1991 when he was recruited to succeed outgoing fill-in drummer Matt Chamberlain – who in turn replaced Ten drummer Dave Krusen – as the band geared up to tour in support of their debut album. Abbruzzese’s first two recordings with Pearl Jam were the Singles soundtrack songs “State of Love and Trust” and “Breath,” with the drummer subsequently appearing on Vs. and Vitalogy. The tail end of those sessions found Pearl Jam hiring Red Hot Chili Peppers vet Jack Irons and relieving Abbruzzese of his duties due to a personality conflict with the rest of the group.
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