Matt Cameron Departs Pearl Jam After 27 Years
In a significant development for the rock music scene, Matt Cameron has announced his departure from Pearl Jam after a 27-year tenure as the band’s drummer. The news was shared via social media on July 7, 2025, marking the end of an era for the iconic band.
Cameron, 62, joined Pearl Jam in 1998 following the dissolution of Soundgarden, another influential band in which he played. Over nearly three decades, he became a foundational member of Pearl Jam, contributing to every studio album since 2000’s Binaural, with his final work appearing on 2024’s Dark Matter.
In his farewell message, Cameron expressed deep gratitude to his bandmates—Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Jeff Ament—as well as to the fans and crew, stating, “It’s been an incredible journey.” While no specific reason was provided for his departure, the band responded with heartfelt tributes, describing Cameron as a “powerhouse of a musician” and acknowledging his significant contributions to their music and live performances.
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Cameron’s drumming has been widely acclaimed, earning him recognition in Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Drummers. His work with both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam helped define the sound of 90s rock, with standout albums like Soundgarden’s King Animal and Pearl Jam’s Binaural.
Beyond his band commitments, Cameron explored various musical collaborations, including the 2013 project Drumgasm and his 2017 solo album Cavedweller. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Pearl Jam in 2017 and is set to be inducted again with Soundgarden as part of the 2025 class.
As fans worldwide react to this unexpected news, speculation arises about who might fill the void left by Cameron. Some suggest Josh Freese, formerly of Foo Fighters, as a potential replacement, though no official announcement has been made.
Matt Cameron’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Pearl Jam’s history, leaving a lasting legacy through his powerful drumming and musical contributions.
