Matt Cameron Departs Pearl Jam After 27 Years Behind the Kit
Matt Cameron has officially parted ways with Pearl Jam, ending a nearly 30-year run with the legendary rock band.
On Monday, July 7, the drummer shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing:
“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 giving me the opportunity of a lifetime—one 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. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Pearl Jam responded with their own statement, paying tribute to Cameron’s legacy:
“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 joined Pearl Jam in 1998, replacing Jack Irons. Prior to his tenure with the band, Pearl Jam’s drumming lineup included Dave Krusen (the band’s original drummer), Matt Chamberlain, and Dave Abbruzzese.
Born and raised in San Diego, Cameron began playing professionally at 14 and studied privately with Jon Szanto of the San Diego Symphony. He moved to Seattle at age 20, immersing himself in the city’s fertile music scene and eventually joining Soundgarden in 1986. As the drummer for Soundgarden, Cameron helped define the grunge era, winning two Grammy Awards and touring globally until the band’s 1997 breakup.
After joining Pearl Jam, Cameron remained active in side projects such as Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy, and contributed to recordings by artists like Tony Iommi, Geddy Lee, and Eleven.
Soundgarden later reunited in 2010, releasing their final album King Animal in 2012 before disbanding again following frontman Chris Cornell’s tragic death in 2017.
As one of the most influential drummers in modern rock, Matt Cameron leaves behind a remarkable legacy—one that shaped not only Pearl Jam but two of the most iconic bands of the past four decades.
