Pearl Jam’s Original Drummer Dave Krusen Breaks Down “Even Flow”: Watch
He played drums on Pearl Jam's iconic debut album Ten but exited shortly after its release. Pearl Jam’s Original Drummer Dave Krusen Breaks Down “Even Flow”: Watch Langdon Hickman
In a recent appearance on Drumeo, Pearl Jam's original drummer Dave Krusen provided an in-depth breakdown of the drum parts for the band's hit single "Even Flow." Krusen, who served as the band's drummer from their formation until his departure in 1991 due to alcoholism struggles, explains that the drum part is relatively simple, relying on following the bass, rhythm guitar, and the emotional dynamics of the vocals rather than leading the song.
He cites Steve Jordan's style on Keith Richards' solo album Expensive Winos as inspiration for his approach to "Even Flow," highlighting the expressiveness of the few fills in the song that mirror the guitar fills' dynamics. Krusen emphasizes the importance of staying loose and active within the groove, rather than becoming redundant or easily replaceable by a drum machine.
In addition to the breakdown, Krusen has also contributed to a cover version of Soundgarden's "Loud Love" by King Ultramega, part of their tribute to Chris Cornell's legacy. Meanwhile, Pearl Jam has announced the search for a new drummer to replace Matt Cameron, who departed the band in 2025 after 27 years of service. The identity of the new drummer will be revealed during Pearl Jam's headlining performance at Eddie Vedder's Ohana Festival, scheduled for September 25th to 27th.
Those interested in joining the drumming community or enhancing their skills can take advantage of a free 30-day trial of Drumeo. Watch the complete drum breakdown of "Even Flow" by Dave Krusen and Drumeo below.
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