Matt Cameron has officially parted ways with Pearl Jam, ending a 27-year run with one of the most iconic bands of the modern rock era.
He joined the group in 1998 following the departure of Jack Irons, who stepped down due to health concerns. At the time, Pearl Jam was mid-transition, evolving both sonically and personally.
Cameron’s arrival brought immediate structure to the band’s evolving sound during the Yield era. He quickly became more than just the drummer, contributing vocals, co-writing songs, and leaving a clear imprint on their studio sound.
On July 7, Cameron shared a public statement on Instagram confirming the news:
“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 [Ament], Ed [Vedder], Mike [McCready] and Stone [Gossard] for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter,” his statement reads.
“I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Pearl Jam quickly followed with a tribute of their own, recognizing Cameron’s decades-long presence in their sound and live shows:
“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,” they wrote.
“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.”
They concluded the post, writing, “We love you Matt.”
Before Pearl Jam, Cameron had already made a name for himself in Soundgarden, one of Seattle’s cornerstone grunge acts, winning two Grammys with the band. When Soundgarden reunited in 2010, he pulled double duty—touring and recording with both bands until Soundgarden disbanded again in 2017 following Chris Cornell’s death.
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From Binaural in 2000 to Dark Matter in 2024, Cameron appeared on every Pearl Jam studio release during his tenure. He outlasted every previous drummer and helped steer the band’s sound through stylistic shifts, live reinventions, and evolving cultural moments. His tight, precise style and compositional instincts helped shape albums like Riot Act, Lightning Bolt, and Gigaton.
In 2016, he was listed at No. 52 on Rolling Stone’s roundup of the “100 Greatest Drummers of All Time.” He’s also a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee—first in 2017, and again in 2025.
Even with Cameron gone, the legacy he helped shape will stay with the band. Over the years, Pearl Jam earned 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including their 1999 hit “Last Kiss,” which peaked at No. 2. They’ve also scored 13 top 10 albums, with Vs., Vitalogy, and No Code all reaching No. 1.
Final Performance with the Band
Cameron’s last time behind the kit for Pearl Jam came during the final stop of their Dark Matter tour. The band’s 2025 run began with back-to-back shows in Hollywood, Florida, on April 24 and 26, making its way through cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Raleigh before ending in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
It was during that final Pittsburgh show—on May 18, 2025—that Cameron played his last set with the group.
Why Did Matt Cameron Leave The Band?
News of Cameron’s departure sent shockwaves through Pearl Jam’s global fanbase. As comments poured in across social media, many were left wondering what prompted the longtime drummer to step away after nearly three decades.
Some fans speculated that the decision may be personal, possibly a step toward retirement and more time with his family. Cameron has been married to April Acevez since 1997. The couple shares two children, Ray and Josie, and lives in Woodway, Washington.
Others pointed to his financial security. With an estimated net worth of at least $70 million, many believe he’s in a position to step back from the pressures of touring and the spotlight without worry.
So far, no official reason has been given beyond Cameron’s own statement.
