After nearly three decades behind the kit, Matt Cameron has announced his departure from Pearl Jam. The legendary drummer, 62, shared the news via social media on 7th July, marking the end of a 27‑year tenure that began in 1998. His departure comes in the wake of the band’s Dark Matter World Tour, which concluded earlier this year.
Pearl Jam @ BST Hyde Park 2022
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron wrote. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998… It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Having debuted on the band’s sixth studio album, Binaural (2000), Cameron also drummed on the band’s most recent album, Dark Matter (2024). His presence brought stability after a revolving-door of drummers, and his contributions shaped each album and live show in the past 27 years. Pearl Jam responded with heartfelt praise, calling Cameron “a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer” who “propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings… He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love you Matt.”
Pearl Jam @ BST Hyde Park 2022
Cameron’s impact extends beyond Pearl Jam. He first rose to prominence as drummer for Grunge trailblazers Soundgarden, contributing to seminal albums including Badmotorfinger and Superunknown. Absent from touring since Soundgarden’s second disbandment following the passing of Chris Cornell in 2017, he held simultaneous roles in both bands from 2010 to 2017.
A two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee—once with Pearl Jam in 2017 and now set to be inducted again in 2025 with Soundgarden—Cameron is widely recognised among music’s greatest drummers, ranking 52nd in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Drummers list. Fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with gratitude and admiration, with many celebrating his “incredible journey” and influence.
Soundgarden @ Shepherd's Bush Empire
While no drummer has been announced to replace him, speculation surrounds veteran Josh Freese, recently available after departing Foo Fighters. Pearl Jam has collaborated with local drummers and fill-ins like Josh Klinghoffer in recent years, so a permanent appointment is expected.
His departure comes during a surprising period of high-profile drummer exits across some of rock’s biggest legacy bands — a wave that underscores how even rock’s most time-honoured lineups are in flux.
Following the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, Josh Freese was brought into Foo Fighters as their touring drummer in 2023. His appointment was met with acclaim — a seasoned studio legend with credits ranging from Sting and Nine Inch Nails to A Perfect Circle. However, fans noted his absence from the band’s most recent promotional activity and live shows, fuelling speculation that Freese has now stepped away from the role, albeit quietly. The Foo Fighters have yet to issue a formal statement.
The Churnups @ Glastonbury Festival 2023
Zak Starkey, long-time touring drummer for The Who and former Oasis drummer, has also been missing from recent orchestral outings with the band. While never an official member, Starkey — son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr — played with The Who since the mid-90s and was a vital part of their live sound. His absence has been unacknowledged by the band publicly, sparking questions about whether his tenure has come to an end behind the scenes.
The drum stool has also been a point of contention in the Oasis universe, as none of the band’s former drummers — including Tony McCarroll, Alan “Whitey” White, Zak Starkey, or Chris Sharrock — have been involved in the iconic Britpop group’s recent live return, with American Joey Waronker behind the sticks on this years outings.
Tony McCarroll, who played on Oasis’s breakthrough Definitely Maybe, parted ways with the band in 1995 and has remained estranged ever since. Alan White, behind the drums for Morning Glory through to Don’t Believe the Truth, was unceremoniously let go in 2004 and has not reconnected musically with either Gallagher.
Zak Starkey, who joined Oasis as a touring drummer during the Don’t Believe The Truth and Dig Out Your Soul eras, was never made an official member and has not featured in reunion talk or solo projects.
Chris Sharrock, who rounded out Oasis’s final lineup and played extensively with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, was surprisingly dropped ahead of Noel’s most recent tour cycle — again, with no official explanation.
Despite growing fan pressure for Oasis-related reunions, the Gallaghers continue to leave their band’s drumming alumni out of the picture entirely.
As Matt Cameron steps away from Pearl Jam, his departure doesn’t just close a chapter for the Seattle rock legends — it forms part of a broader generational shift in rock’s rhythm sections. The exits of Freese, Starkey, and the ongoing exclusion of once-integral Oasis drummers suggest a sea change: long-time collaborators are moving on or being moved aside as new dynamics emerge across the genre.
Pearl Jam @ BST Hyde Park 2022
Cameron’s departure is particularly poignant. Unlike many of the other changes happening under the radar or without acknowledgment, his farewell was full of gratitude, mutual respect, and a clear love for the music — something that will resonate deeply with fans who’ve followed Pearl Jam since the ’90s.
As Pearl Jam enter their next era without one of their key anchors, the rock world watches on — one beat short, but still moving forward.
Pearl Jam at BST Hyde Park 2022: An Intimate Show On A Massive Scale
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