The band wrapped up a brief spring tour back in April
In a shocking announcement, Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron has announced that he is leaving the band. Since joining in 1998, Cameron has been a steady force behind the kit for the alt-rock icons. He confirmed the news on social media, lauding his time 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.”
Pearl Jam released a statement of their own, echoing many of Matt’s sentiments.
“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. 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.”
Hailing from San Diego, California, Matt Cameron discovered his love for percussion early, playing drums as young as nine and launching his professional journey at 14 in San Diego cover bands. He pursued private lessons with Jon Szanto of the San Diego Symphony from ages 17 to 19.
At age 20, Cameron relocated to Seattle (1983), where he first joined bands such as Bam Bam and Skin Yard—coining the name for the latter—before playing on their 1986 debut album (uk.yamaha.com). In June 1986, he joined Soundgarden, replacing original drummer Scott Sundquist. He played with the band through its first run (1986–1997), contributing to influential albums like Ultramega OK, the Grammy-nominated Badmotorfinger, and the multi-Grammy-winning Superunknown, establishing himself as “already the best drummer in town.”
After Soundgarden disbanded in 1997, Cameron was invited to join Pearl Jam in 1998, initially to fill in for Jack Irons. He quickly learned over 80 songs in two weeks and became the band’s full-time drummer (kids.kiddle.co). Over the next 27 years, he helped shape thirteen Pearl Jam studio albums—from Binaural (2000) to Gigaton (2020)—and co-wrote notable tracks like “Evacuation,” “Cropduster,” and “You Are.” His steady yet inventive groove earned praise from bandmate Mike McCready and recognition in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Drummers,” with Pearl Jam being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Cameron also balances side projects and studio sessions: he leads the jazz trio Harrybu McCage, co-founded Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy, and worked with acts like Temple of the Dog, Tony Iommi, Geddy Lee, and Black Sabbath (wired.com). He performed alongside Zach Hill and Janet Weiss in the all-drummer supergroup Drumgasm, releasing a self‑titled album in 2013.
In 2010, following Soundgarden’s reunion, Cameron briefly toured and recorded with both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam until Soundgarden’s final disbandment in 2017. On July 7, 2025, after nearly three decades with Pearl Jam, he announced his departure from the band, marking the end of an era .
Matt Cameron’s drumming career spans over 40 years and multiple pioneering bands, blending power with finesse and versatility—from grunge and alternative to jazz and experimental rock. His influence and impact on modern percussion are unmistakable.
