The final beat has been struck for Matt Cameron’s legendary 27-year run with Pearl Jam. The 62-year-old drummer officially announced his departure via social media, offering deep gratitude to his bandmates and fans for an incredible journey of music, friendship, and growth with one of rock’s most influential groups.
Cameron first joined Pearl Jam in 1998, initially as a temporary fill-in for Jack Irons. His immediate impact, however, proved so vital that he became an indispensable member. His studio debut on the 2000 album Binaural marked a turning point, providing much-needed consistency to a band that had experienced a series of drummer changes in its early history, finally solidifying their rhythmic core.
Beyond his distinguished tenure with Pearl Jam, Cameron was already a celebrated figure in the music world, having established himself as the powerful drummer for Soundgarden, a foundational band of the Seattle grunge movement. His unique professional journey saw him performing with both Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden between 2010 and 2017, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication.
Cameron’s last performances with the band were on their tour promoting their 12th studio album, Dark Matter. With his departure, Pearl Jam not only loses an exceptional drummer but also a key architect who helped define their modern identity and powerful sound for over two and a half decades.