Matt Cameron Departs Pearl Jam After 27 Years

After 27 years of drumming for Pearl Jam, Matt Cameron has left the band.

Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998, following Soundgarden’s initial break-up. He played with the latter band from 1986 until their first disbandment in 1997.

After Soundgarden reunited in 2010, Cameron played with both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden until the latter outfit’s second break-up, which followed the tragic passing of singer Chris Cornell in 2017.

In addition to his work in the bands mentioned above, Cameron has performed with Temple Of The Dog and the side projects Nighttime Boogie Association, Hater, and Wellwater Conspiracy.

Cameron departs Pearl Jam after 27 “fantastic” years and an “incredible journey” with his bandmates. He wrote in a statement posted on social media on 7 July:

After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam. Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone 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. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Adding that he will be “deeply missed,” Pearl Jam shared in a statement of their own:

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

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.
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.
We love you Matt.

Cameron’s departure marks the end of an era for Pearl Jam.

In November, Pearl Jam wrapped their first Australian tour in ten years, but according to frontman Eddie Vedder, fans won’t have to wait nearly as long for their subsequent return.

At the band’s last show on the tour at Sydney’s Engie Stadium, Vedder addressed the enthusiastic audience and said: “We haven’t been here for ten years, so let me ask you this question, and I’m being serious. If we were to come back next year or two years tops, will you come back?”

Receiving a deafening roar of approval, Vedder teased: “I talked to the guy today; he’s holding the venues.”

The question is: Who will be drumming for them?