After nearly three decades with iconic rock band Pearl Jam, drummer Matt Cameron has officially announced his departure. On July 7, the 62-year-old musician took to Instagram to share the news with fans and express his heartfelt gratitude to his bandmates. “After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron wrote.
His message reflected on a journey filled with camaraderie, artistic growth, and memorable experiences, all of which he considered the “opportunity of a lifetime.”
Cameron’s Impactful Journey: From Soundgarden Origins to Pearl Jam’s Rhythmic Powerhouse
Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998 following the exit of previous drummer Jack Irons. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound, known for its intensity and emotional depth. In his farewell message, he acknowledged the lasting friendships and the musical highs he experienced alongside Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, and Stone Gossard. He also thanked the global fan base and the behind-the-scenes crew who supported the band throughout their journey.
Matt Cameron Exits Pearl Jam After 27 Years, Capping a Legendary Run in Rock HistoryThe remaining members of Pearl Jam released their own statement following Cameron’s announcement, celebrating both his time with the band and his extensive musical career prior to joining.
They highlighted his early work with influential Seattle bands Skin Yard and Soundgarden, recalling how he even played on Pearl Jam’s first demos back in 1990. “Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,” they wrote, emphasizing the profound impact he had on the band’s music and energy.
From Grunge Roots to Rock Greatness: Cameron’s Powerful Legacy with Pearl Jam
Before his Pearl Jam days, Cameron was already a prominent figure in the Seattle grunge scene, performing with bands like Bam Bam and Skin Yard before gaining fame with Soundgarden. When Soundgarden disbanded in the late 1990s, he transitioned into Pearl Jam, bringing with him a fierce, technical drumming style that would help define the band’s sonic evolution. Over the next 27 years, his rhythms became inseparable from the Pearl Jam experience, both live and in studio recordings.
Though Cameron’s departure marks the end of a significant era, it’s clear that the split was amicable and full of mutual respect. The band expressed their ongoing love for Cameron, calling him a “friend in art and music” and wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, Cameron hinted that there’s more to come in his musical journey, leaving fans intrigued about his next steps. His exit is not just a farewell but a celebration of a remarkable chapter in rock history.