Dave Abbruzzese was born in Stamford, Connecticut, and grew up in Mesquite, Texas, where he attended Vanston Jr.

Abbruzzese dropped out of North Mesquite High School at an early age and began to focus on playing more than ever.

Although his musical tastes were far different from the other members, Abbruzzese chose to join Pearl Jam, playing his first show on August 23, 1991.

[5] Abbruzzese joined the group and played the rest of Pearl Jam's live shows supporting the Ten album.

Abbruzzese toured extensively for Ten and performed on MTV Unplugged and a Saturday Night Live appearance.

Abbruzzese made his studio debut with Pearl Jam when the band released the single "Even Flow" in April 1992.

[1] The band found itself amidst the sudden popularity and attention given to the Seattle music scene and the genre known as grunge.

Abbruzzese wrote the music for the Pearl Jam songs "Go", "Last Exit" and "Angel" (from the 1993 fan club Christmas single).

"[10] On October 18, 2016, Pearl Jam was named among the 2017 class of nominees for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[11] In a departure from the protocol of previous years, the Hall named which specific former members would be inducted from each nominated band.

"[13] Pearl Jam later responded with an open letter on Facebook inviting all their former drummers, including Matt Chamberlain and Jack Irons, to the induction.

Abbruzzese drummed on the IMF tour with Jara Harris, Stevie Salas, and Bernard Fowler in early 2016.

[18] Dave Abbruzzese is also part of the Indian multi-city grunge outfit Pseutopia,[19] featuring Laji George on Vocals, Shyam Narayan on Bass, and Mithun Raju (from Thaikkudam Bridge) on Guitars.

[21] Abbruzzese has cited John Bonham, Sly & the Family Stone, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as influences.

[1] Abbruzzese also had his own line of signature drumsticks, manufactured and marketed by Pro-Mark, but the model bearing his name appears to have been discontinued.