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Matt Cameron announces he is leaving his position as Pearl Jam’s drummer after a 27-year stint. The band has yet to mention a replacement.
On Monday, Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron announced via social media that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years. Cameron was not a founding member of the band, but has played with Pearl Jam for the last 27 years after playing drums for Soundgarden for over a decade.
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” said the 62-year-old Cameron. “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 friendship, artistry, challenges, and laughter.”
Cameron didn’t provide a reason for his departure, and the band has made no mention of a replacement. But Pearl Jam released their own statement about their longtime drummer’s departure on their socials and their website.
“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.”
Although Cameron was not a founding member and didn’t play on Pearl Jam’s early albums that made them a household name, he has provided some much-needed stability for the ensemble. The band had gone through four other drummers since its inception.
He first joined the band in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on the group’s lengthy tour and then making his studio debut on Binaural in 2000. Most recently, he finished up the band’s year-long tour in support of their 12th studio album, Dark Matter.
A San Diego native, Cameron moved to Seattle just before its music scene exploded to global heights. His early days as a musician were spent with proto-grunge outfit Skin Yard, before joining Soundgarden, his most prolific stint before his time with Pearl Jam. He continued playing with Soundgarden when they reunited in 2010, pulling double duty as a drummer for both bands.
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