Matt Cameron is Leaving Pearl Jam

The drummer announced today that he is parting ways with the group

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I knew today that the music world would be chirping loudly about a certain drummer, but I had no idea that it would be about Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron. Ringo Starr’s birthday is on July 7th, which is today, and he celebrates this with his annual “Peace & Love” campaign, encouraging people around the world to say, post, or think “Peace & Love” at noon, local time.  However, a few hours before this engagement was coming to fruition in my part of the world, my phone began to ding.  The first chime coming from my Seattle mate Mic Navejar who texted me, “Matt Cameron left Pearl Jam like 10mins ago”. I couldn’t believe it, even though Mic is a reliable source and a music aficionado I had to look for myself.  

I got online and was bombarded with posts about the 27-year vet, of one of the biggest bands in the world, leaving the group for unknown reasons.  Matt had shared with the universe via his Instagram account and the band shared a post as well. 

The drummer’s statement 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 added: 

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. 

Cameron joined prominent Seattle powerhouse Soundgarden in 1986 and appeared on each of the band’s studio albums. He then teamed up with Pearl Jam in 1998 after Soundgarden’s initial breakup and played in both bands for a bit, as well as Temple of the Dog. By the time Cameron joined Pearl Jam, the group had already recorded five studio albums—1991’s Ten, 1993’s Vs., 1994, Vitalogy. 1996’s No Code, and 1998’s Yield. His first album with Pearl Jam, Binaural, came out in 2000, and he played on all of the band’s ensuing studio albums, the most recent of which, Dark Matter, came out in 2024. 

There is no reason given by Cameron as to why he is leaving PJ at this time, but of course there is lots of speculation. One rumors that floats around the ethos is that he left to pursue a gig with the Foo Fighters.  However, this seems unlikely as this would be a rigorous schedule that would require more for the 62-year-old. Maybe he just wants to rest and spend more time with his family.  Whatever the reason we should respect his decision.  Personally, I would like to thank him for the years of excellent musicianship that he has given the fans.  I first saw Pearl Jam in 1992 B.C. (Before Cameron) and last saw them this past year on the Dark Matter tour.   

Matt was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Pearl Jam. He’ll be officially be inducted as a member of Soundgarden later this year.