Dave Krusen recently stopped by Drumeo to break down the drum parts of Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow,” which he recorded with the band during his tenure as their original drummer.
Krusen served as Pearl Jam’s drummer from their founding through the recording of the band’s landmark debut album, Ten, before his departure in 1991 following struggles with alcoholism.
The drum part, per Krusen, is straightforward, built around following the bass, the rhythm guitar, and the dynamic of the vocal rather than being the foundation itself.
Krusen cites the playing of Steve Jordan on Keith Richards’ solo album Expensive Winos as a basis for his drumming on “Even Flow,” which explains the expressiveness of the few fills in the song especially as they follow the dynamics of guitar fills. It’s a remarkable demonstration of how to remain loose and active in a groove without becoming wallpaper or something easily replaced by a drum program.
Recently, Krusen contributed to King Ultramega’s cover of Soundgarden’s “Loud Love” as part of that collective’s continuing celebration of Chris Cornell’s legacy.
Pearl Jam, meanwhile, have selected a new mystery drummer to replace Matt Cameron, who exited the band in 2025 after 27 years. The new drummer will be revealed during the band’s headlining set at frontman Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival, which runs from September 25th to the 27th. Get tickets here.
For those looking to start their drum journey or improve on their skills, check out a free 30-day trial of Drumeo. Watch the full breakdown of the drum part of Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow” from Dave Krusen and Drumeo below.
