Is your favorite rock band about to change forever? Legendary drummer exits after 27 years
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For many longtime fans, Pearl Jam’s music is more than just sound—it’s history, energy, and memory.
And for the past 27 years, much of that heartbeat has come from behind the drums.
Now, that rhythm is changing.
Matt Cameron, the powerhouse behind the kit, has officially announced he’s stepping down, marking the end of a remarkable era in the band’s story.
Cameron, 62, shared his decision with fans in a heartfelt statement:
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final bow behind the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam... I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow.”
His words reflect deep appreciation not just for his bandmates—Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, and Mike McCready—but for the fans and crew who made the ride possible.
Pearl Jam responded warmly, praising Cameron as both a musical hero and lifelong friend. “From being one of our first musical heroes... to propelling the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings—it was a deeply important chapter for our group... We love you, Matt.”
The bond between Cameron and his bandmates remains strong, even as the lineup shifts.
Before joining Pearl Jam in 1998, Cameron had already made his mark as the drummer for Soundgarden—one of the foundational bands of the grunge era alongside Nirvana and Alice in Chains.
His powerful and emotionally resonant playing helped define hits like “Black Hole Sun” and “Fell on Black Days.”
With Pearl Jam, he debuted on 2000’s Binaural and continued through to 2023’s Dark Matter, shaping the band’s sound across seven studio albums.
Cameron isn’t just admired by fans—he’s respected by peers and critics alike.
Rolling Stone ranked him #52 in their list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time, applauding his creativity and precision.
He’s known for effortlessly handling complex time signatures, adding nuance both live and in the studio.
He also contributed to Temple of the Dog, the early '90s supergroup that included members of both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden—a testament to his reach across generations of rock.
News of Cameron’s departure has drawn an outpouring of gratitude from fans around the world.
Comments across social media have included messages like “Thank you for all your dedication and love,” and “You are amazing.”
For many, his presence behind the drums is deeply personal—linked to decades of concerts, car rides, and emotional moments.
Source: YouTube / Rock N' Roll True Stories 2
Pearl Jam, now without one of its most reliable members, hasn’t yet named a replacement.
Rumors are already circulating, with some fans speculating that Josh Freese—formerly with Foo Fighters—could be a potential candidate.
Meanwhile, Cameron hinted there’s “more to follow,” leaving the door open for future musical endeavors.
Whether it’s solo work, collaborations, or a well-deserved break, one thing is clear: he’s not done making music.
Source: Facebook / Pearl Jam
For many listeners, especially those who came of age in the 1990s, Matt Cameron’s drumming was more than just percussion—it was part of the fabric of their lives.
His combination of talent, humility, and consistency helped anchor two of the most influential bands of the modern era.
His departure isn’t just the end of a chapter—it’s a moment to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the music he helped bring to life.
Read next: Remembering Joey Molland: The last surviving member of Badfinger and his legacy in rock music
Were you ever lucky enough to see Matt Cameron perform live? What’s your favorite Pearl Jam or Soundgarden memory? How do you think the band’s sound might evolve without him? We’d love to hear your thoughts, memories, and predictions below.
And for the past 27 years, much of that heartbeat has come from behind the drums.
Now, that rhythm is changing.
Matt Cameron, the powerhouse behind the kit, has officially announced he’s stepping down, marking the end of a remarkable era in the band’s story.
Cameron, 62, shared his decision with fans in a heartfelt statement:
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final bow behind the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam... I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow.”
His words reflect deep appreciation not just for his bandmates—Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, and Mike McCready—but for the fans and crew who made the ride possible.
Matt Cameron’s contributions as a drummer have left a lasting mark on rock music and fans around the world. Image Source: YouTube / Rock N' Roll True Stories 2.
A message from the band
Pearl Jam responded warmly, praising Cameron as both a musical hero and lifelong friend. “From being one of our first musical heroes... to propelling the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings—it was a deeply important chapter for our group... We love you, Matt.”
The bond between Cameron and his bandmates remains strong, even as the lineup shifts.
A defining legacy
Before joining Pearl Jam in 1998, Cameron had already made his mark as the drummer for Soundgarden—one of the foundational bands of the grunge era alongside Nirvana and Alice in Chains.
His powerful and emotionally resonant playing helped define hits like “Black Hole Sun” and “Fell on Black Days.”
With Pearl Jam, he debuted on 2000’s Binaural and continued through to 2023’s Dark Matter, shaping the band’s sound across seven studio albums.
Also read: The beat fades: Blondie drummer Clem Burke dies at 70
A drummer admired by all
Cameron isn’t just admired by fans—he’s respected by peers and critics alike.
Rolling Stone ranked him #52 in their list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time, applauding his creativity and precision.
He’s known for effortlessly handling complex time signatures, adding nuance both live and in the studio.
He also contributed to Temple of the Dog, the early '90s supergroup that included members of both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden—a testament to his reach across generations of rock.
Also read: Legendary 70s rock star suddenly drops out of tour—fans are heartbroken
Fans show their love
News of Cameron’s departure has drawn an outpouring of gratitude from fans around the world.
Comments across social media have included messages like “Thank you for all your dedication and love,” and “You are amazing.”
For many, his presence behind the drums is deeply personal—linked to decades of concerts, car rides, and emotional moments.
Source: YouTube / Rock N' Roll True Stories 2
Also read: Rock frontman David Roach hospitalized with aggressive cancer—here’s how fans are rallying behind him
What's next?
Pearl Jam, now without one of its most reliable members, hasn’t yet named a replacement.
Rumors are already circulating, with some fans speculating that Josh Freese—formerly with Foo Fighters—could be a potential candidate.
Meanwhile, Cameron hinted there’s “more to follow,” leaving the door open for future musical endeavors.
Whether it’s solo work, collaborations, or a well-deserved break, one thing is clear: he’s not done making music.
Source: Facebook / Pearl Jam
For many listeners, especially those who came of age in the 1990s, Matt Cameron’s drumming was more than just percussion—it was part of the fabric of their lives.
His combination of talent, humility, and consistency helped anchor two of the most influential bands of the modern era.
His departure isn’t just the end of a chapter—it’s a moment to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the music he helped bring to life.
Read next: Remembering Joey Molland: The last surviving member of Badfinger and his legacy in rock music
Were you ever lucky enough to see Matt Cameron perform live? What’s your favorite Pearl Jam or Soundgarden memory? How do you think the band’s sound might evolve without him? We’d love to hear your thoughts, memories, and predictions below.
