Following nearly 30 years behind the kit, drummer Matt Cameron is stepping away from Pearl Jam. The iconic Seattle skinsman — and Soundgarden co-founder — announced his decision to depart the band this morning (July 7th).
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” he began in a statement posted to Pearl Jam’s social media. “Much love and respect to Jeff (Ament, bassist), Ed (Vedder, vocalist), Mike (McCready, guitarist) and Stone (Gossard, guitarist) for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter. I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey.”
Cameron had officially joined the group in the spring of 1998 during the touring cycle behind that year’s Yield, which had been recorded with former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons. Soundgarden had broken up the previous year.
Across three decades with Pearl Jam, Cameron went on to play hundreds of gigs around the world and record seven full-length studio releases with the band — beginning with 2000’s Binaural, and most recently with 2024’s Dark Matter.
His last show with the band was a May 18th performance at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s PPG Paints Arena
Cameron noted in his statement that there is “more to follow,” but his post-Pearl Jam plans have yet to be detailed.
As for the band, they likewise issued a statement thanking their friend and longtime collaborator.
“From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer.”
They continued: “He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music.”
Pearl Jam have not yet detailed whether they have a new drummer to keep the beat going. While the band’s concert schedule is clear at the moment, Vedder will be performing a solo set September 26th at the Ohana Festival at Dana Point, California.