DRUM JAM: Drummer Dave Abbruzzese’s exit from...

DRUM JAM: Drummer Dave Abbruzzese’s exit from Pearl Jam renewed rumors that Nirvana’s Dave Grohl would join the band. A computer on-line posting attributed to Courtney Love last Sunday even said it was a fact and, in her typically strong language, lambasted Grohl for the move to the rival Seattle band.

But Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis insists that it’s not true. “I don’t think the band’s even talked to Grohl about the opening,” he says. “They’re in no hurry. They’re going to jam around with some friends for now and see what happens, and no, they’re not doing auditions.”

Abbruzzese did all the drumming on the “Vitalogy” album, which is due next month, and no replacement will be needed for the band’s only scheduled concert appearance--Neil Young’s Bridge School benefit on Oct. 1 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. It’s an all-acoustic show.