Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron has announced that he’s leaving the group after 27 years. Both Cameron and the band each issued statements on social media sharing the news of the split.
Cameron’s final album with Pearl Jam was Dark Matter, which came out in April 2024. The band recently wrapped a series of tour dates in April and May, and have just one remaining show booked for the rest of 2025.
Cameron’s post reads: “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, one 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.”
Pearl Jam’s remaining group members — Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Jeff Ament — wrote: “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.”
Per Variety: Cameron, 62, joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after his former group Soundgarden broke up the year prior. He has contributed to every Pearl Jam album since 2000’s “Binaural,” serving as the longest-tenured drummer for the band. Cameron was also inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: first in 2017 for his work with Pearl Jam and later for his contributions to Soundgarden this year.
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