Drummer Matt Cameron surprised fans by announcing his departure from Jam Pearl following the conclusion of the legendary rock band’s Dark Matter World Tour .
Cameron and his bandmates confirmed the news Monday in a pair of social media posts, but notably did not offer a reason for the musician’s unexpected departure.
“After 27 fantastic years, I’ve taken my final steps on the drum riser for the mighty Pearl,” Cameron said before thanking vocalist Eddie Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, and bassist Jeff Ament for “giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, full of friendships, art, challenges, and laughter.”
“I am forever grateful to the crew, staff, and fans around the world. It’s been an incredible journey. More to come,” he continued. “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Pearl Jam shared similar sentiments in their statement praising Cameron as “a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer.”
“He powered the last 27 years of Pearl Jam’s live and studio performances,” the band wrote. “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.”
By Monday afternoon, Cameron’s announcement had drawn a flood of supportive comments from fellow musicians and other public figures.
“You’ve inspired us all and will continue to. All the best, Matt,” former Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk wrote on Instagram.
“Gossip Girl” actor and rather reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen said, “You are and will continue to be amazing in everything you do.”
A native of San Diego, California, Cameron rose to prominence in the late 1980s as the drummer for the rock band Soundgarden , which, like Pearl Jam, began in Seattle. He joined Pearl Jam in 1998, a year after Soundgarden’s first breakup.
In 2010, he began playing with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden after the latter band reformed, until the 2017 death of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell .
Although Cameron was Pearl Jam’s fifth drummer, his tenure was considerably longer than each of his predecessors. Dave Krusen, the band’s first drummer, was recruited by Gossard and former guitarist Jeff Ament in 1990, but left after a year.
He was then replaced by Matt Chamberlain, who played with the band for only a few weeks before Dave Abbruzzes took over. Jack Irons stepped in after Abbruzzese’s departure in 1994 and was succeeded by Cameron four years later.
