Matt Cameron is leaving Pearl Jam after being a part of the band for nearly 30 years. “After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” the drummer 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.”
“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,” Pearl Jam added in their own statement. “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.”
Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after Soundgarden's initial breakup in 1997. He's played on every Pearl Jam album from 2000's Binaural through 2024’s Dark Matter. See both statements below.