Pearl Jam’s Drummer Matt Cameron Leaves Band After 27-Year Run

Drummer Matt Cameron stunned fans by announcing his departure from Pearl Jam following the conclusion of the legendary rock band’s Dark Matter World Tour.

Cameron and his band mates confirmed the news Monday in a pair of social media posts, but notably did not offer a reason for the musician’s unexpected exit.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said, before going on to thank lead singer Eddie Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, and bassist Jeff Ament for “giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

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“I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow,” he continued.“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Matt Cameron performs onstage at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2024. Kevin Mazur via Getty Images

Pearl Jam shared similar sentiments in its statement,praising Cameron as “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,” the band wrote.“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.”

By Monday afternoon, Cameron’s announcement had drawn a plethora of supportive comments from fellow musicians and other public figures.

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“You have inspired us all and will continue. All the best, Matt,”former Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk wrote on Instagram.

“Gossip Girl” actor and Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsensaid, “You are and will continue to be amazing at all you do.”

A San Diego, California native, Cameron rose to prominence in the late 1980s as the drummer for the rock band Soundgarden which, like Pearl Jam, got its start in Seattle.He joined Pearl Jam in 1998,a year after Soundgarden’s first breakup.

Cameron (at rear) with Pearl Jam's lead singer Eddie Vedder in Berlin, Germany, in 2022. Pedro Becerra via Getty Images

In 2010, he began playing with both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden after the latter band re-grouped, untilthe 2017 death of Soundgarden lead singer Chris Cornell.

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Though Cameron was Pearl Jam’s fifth drummer,his stint was considerably longer than each of his predecessors. Dave Krusen, the band’s first drummer,was recruited by Gossard and former guitarist Jeff Ament in 1990, but left after a year.

He was then replaced by Matt Chamberlain, who played with the band for only a few weeks before Dave Abbruzzese took over. Jack Irons stepped in following Abbruzzese’s 1994 exit, and was succeeded by Cameron four years later.

Cameron was first inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Pearl Jam.The 62-year-old will be inducted a second time later this year, this time as a member of Soundgarden.

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