Matt Cameron has split with Pearl Jam after 27 years. The drummer and the band each issued statements on the matter on social media. Cameron released a new statement today saying he is not retired and ‘still an active musician.’
Cameron shared a post on July 7th on his social media revealing that he and Pearl Jam have parted ways. The band shared his statement on their Instagram with an additional message of their own.
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 Pearl Jam about a year after Soundgarden broke up in 1997. Eventually, Cameron became a full-time member of Pearl Jam. The first record he played on was 2000’s Binaural, and he’s played on every one of their releases since then — even after Soundgarden reformed in 2010.
Soundgarden recently pulled out of Ozzy Osbourne’s last show ‘Back To The Beginning’ without explanation. It’s been suggested that Jack Irons, Dave Abbruzeeze, or Dave Krusen could return to Pearl Jam. Abbruzeeze, who played in Pearl Jam from 1991 to ’94 and appeared on the albums Vs. and Vitalogy, shared a post on social media wishing Cameron the best.
Abbruzeeze return also looks bleak after his public disagreements with the band. The rocker was dismissed from Pearl Jam in ’94, and revealed in a 2024 interview that the only people related to the band he’s spoken to over the years are Cameron, original drummer Dave Krusen and Irons.
Jack Irons quit in 1998 as he was burned out on touring, and he seems unlikely too. Barrett Martin, Stephen Perkins, and Brad Wilk have also been names fans have floated.
