Drummer Matt Cameron has announced he is leaving Pearl Jam after 27 years with the band.
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said in a statement. “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.”
In a separate statement, Pearl Jam honored Cameron and thanked him for his dedication to the band.
“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,” the group noted. “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.”
Cameron is the longest tenured drummer in Pearl Jam’s history. He joined the group in 1998 following Soundgarden’s initial breakup and has remained ever since. Even during stints when Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were both active, the drummer found a way to be in both grunge powerhouses at the same time. Cameron’s most recent recorded contribution to Pearl Jam’s catalog was 2024’s Dark Matter. His final show with the band took place on May 18 in Pittsburgh.
Cameron’s replacement has not yet been announced.
