One of the most consistent lineups in rock history is changing.
Pearl Jam’s drummer for the past 27 years, Matt Cameron, has announced he is leaving the band.
Cameron officially joined the band in 1998, but was the drummer on the group’s original demos in 1990.
The 62-year-old was already a well-known drummer before joining Pearl Jam.
He was the drummer for soon-to-be Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted, Soundgarden.
With the induction, Cameron is a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer after being inducted with Pearl Jam in 2017.
Cameron released the following statement, via the band's website:
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.
Peace and Love,
Matt Cameron
Pearl Jam founding members, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder also release a statement:
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 is the 5th drummer in Pearl Jam’s nearly 35-year history.
Dave Krusen was the drummer for the band’s breakthrough album “Ten” before moving on.
He was briefly replaced with Matt Chamberlain before Dave Abbruzzese took over from 1991-94, drumming on “Vs.” and “Vitalogy”.
Jack Irons, the man that helped introduce singer Vedder to the rest of Pearl Jam, was the drummer on albums “No Code” and “Yield”.
Cameron’s first record was 2000’s “Binaural” and was last featured on the band’s latest release, 2024’s “Dark Matter”.
Cameron’s last show with Pearl Jam was in Pittsburgh on May 18 at PPG Paints Arena.
Pearl Jam will likely find a new drummer for the next chapter of their career and Cameron’s future is unknown. There were previous rumors Cameron would replace Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins after his untimely passing in 2022.