After Decades of Defining PEARL JAM’s Sound, Drummer MATT CAMERON Steps Down Without Warning: 'I Am Forever Grateful To The Crew'

Summary

• After 27 years, drummer Matt Cameron has officially parted ways with Pearl Jam, with both sides sharing statements online.
• Cameron joined the band in 1998, performed on every album since Binaural, and just wrapped the Dark Matter world tour.
• No replacement has been named, and Cameron hinted at future plans, writing that there’s “more to follow.”

Pearl Jam has confirmed that drummer Matt Cameron is leaving the band after nearly three decades behind the kit. The news came through coordinated statements from both Cameron and the band on social media, catching many longtime fans off guard.

Cameron, 62, joined Pearl Jam in 1998, stepping in as a touring member after drummer Jack Irons departed just ahead of a major tour. What began as a short-term fix turned into a long-running collaboration that spanned eleven studio albums, hundreds of live performances, and 27 years of shared musical history.

A Message From Cameron

In his post, Cameron thanked his bandmates, Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, and Stone Gossard, for bringing him into the group at a pivotal time.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” he wrote. “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. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

No reason for his departure has been given, and the band has not announced a replacement.

Statement From Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam echoed the sentiment in their own post, emphasizing the importance of Cameron’s contributions over the years.

“From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skin Yard 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 band wrote. “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.”

His Legacy With the Band

Cameron’s addition in 1998 brought a level of consistency to a band that had struggled to keep a permanent drummer. He was Pearl Jam’s fifth drummer, but the first to last more than a few years.

His first album with the band was Binaural (2000), and he’s appeared on every release since, including the group’s latest record, Dark Matter, released in 2024.

The band recently wrapped up a yearlong world tour promoting Dark Matter, making the timing of the announcement all the more curious. Fans were not expecting a major lineup shake-up following a successful run of shows.

Before Pearl Jam

Cameron’s career goes far beyond Pearl Jam. He first rose to fame as the drummer for Soundgarden, another pillar of the Seattle grunge scene. He played with Soundgarden from 1986 until their initial breakup in 1997, then rejoined during their reunion from 2010 to 2017.

During that period, he managed to juggle responsibilities with both bands, no small feat, given the demands of recording and touring.

He also performed with side projects such as Third Secret, and briefly worked with Queens of the Stone Age, though he never officially joined the group.

Cameron is a rare figure in rock history, having been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, once with Pearl Jam and once with Soundgarden.

What Comes Next?

Cameron hinted that he isn’t done making music. In his statement, he wrote “more to follow,” which suggests fans may see him resurface with a new project sooner rather than later.

The question of who will take his place in Pearl Jam remains open. The band has made no public mention of auditions, touring drummers, or session replacements. Given how long it took for Pearl Jam to settle on a drummer the last time around, fans may be in for a stretch of uncertainty.

Some online speculation has already pointed toward other veteran drummers, especially in the wake of Josh Freese’s surprise departure from the Foo Fighters.

A Quiet Exit

Unlike the dramatic lineup changes that often come with tension or drama, Cameron’s departure appears to be friendly and respectful. Both sides chose to focus on the music, the memories, and the mutual appreciation built over nearly three decades.

Still, for many longtime fans, Cameron was much more than just a drummer, he was THE DRUMMER.

He brought a distinct style and steady presence to the band’s evolution from its early grunge days into a more mature rock outfit. His absence will be felt.

Reactions From Fans

Reaction online has been a mix of shock, sadness, and gratitude. While some expressed concern about the future sound of the band, most used the opportunity to thank Cameron for his years of service and musical contributions.

Social media is filled with clips of his best live performances, isolated drum tracks from studio sessions, and heartfelt messages from fans around the world.

The Road Ahead

Pearl Jam just wrapped the Dark Matter tour, and what happens next depends on how fast they regroup. They could bring in a session player, try out a touring drummer, or name someone permanent. Either way, they’re moving forward without the guy who sat behind the kit for nearly three decades.

Cameron’s departure closes one of the band’s most stable chapters. Change is already happening, and whatever comes next won’t sound quite the same.

For now, they’re pausing to acknowledge the shift, and the years that led up to it.

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