Seattle: In a significant departure for one of rock’s most enduring bands, drummer Matt Cameron has officially stepped down from Pearl Jam after 27 years. The announcement was made on Monday morning through coordinated statements by both Cameron and the band on social media.
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said in his farewell post. He expressed deep gratitude to fellow bandmates Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, and Stone Gossard, saying the journey had been filled with “friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”
Messages from Matt and the band:
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… pic.twitter.com/4gAuYAWUHp
— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) July 7, 2025
Cameron’s departure marks the end of an era for Pearl Jam, which had seen its most consistent lineup stability in recent decades with him behind the drums. The band has not named a replacement or announced future touring plans for 2026.
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Who Is Matt Cameron and Why Was He Important to Pearl Jam?
Before joining Pearl Jam in 1998, Matt Cameron was already a legend in the Seattle music scene. As the longtime drummer for Soundgarden, he helped define the grunge sound with his work on albums like Superunknown and Badmotorfinger. His drumming style, known for its precision and inventiveness, made him one of the most sought-after rock musicians of his generation.
His entry into Pearl Jam came at a pivotal moment, just after the band parted ways with drummer Jack Irons. Cameron, a friend of the band from their early Seattle days, joined just in time for the Yield tour and went on to perform on every Pearl Jam studio album from Binaural (2000) to Dark Matter (2024). His final performance with the group took place on May 18, 2025, in Pittsburgh, concluding the Dark Matter tour.
Pearl Jam’s Response to Cameron’s Exit
Pearl Jam responded with a heartfelt statement of their own, praising Cameron’s legacy and contributions. “Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,” the band said. “It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always.”
The band acknowledged Cameron’s foundational influence on their sound, referencing his work with Soundgarden, Skin Yard, and even his presence on Pearl Jam’s earliest demos. “He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music,” they added.
Cameron’s Broader Musical Legacy
Cameron’s drumming credentials extend well beyond Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. He has collaborated with artists like Geddy Lee of Rush, The Prodigy, and even played drums on the 1990 Temple of the Dog album—a tribute project to late Mother Love Bone frontman Andrew Wood.
His reputation for combining the technical depth of a metal drummer with punk and garage sensibilities made him a rare talent. Producers, fellow musicians, and fans alike have praised his intuitive, emotionally resonant style.
Producer Andrew Watt, who helmed Dark Matter, recently said, “Matt Cameron in Pearl Jam is like Temple of the Dog. It’s Soundgarden drums over Stone riffs.”
What Happens Next for Pearl Jam?
As of now, Pearl Jam has no live shows scheduled for the remainder of 2025. With time off the road, the band is expected to regroup and determine next steps—including selecting a successor to Cameron.
Meanwhile, the surviving members of Soundgarden continue to work on unreleased recordings made before the 2017 death of frontman Chris Cornell. With a legal dispute over those materials recently resolved, there’s renewed momentum behind a posthumous Soundgarden release.
Cameron, now 62, ended his statement with a teaser: “More to follow.” Whether that means solo work, collaborations, or something entirely unexpected remains to be seen.
