Drummer Matt Cameron surprised followers by saying his departure from Pearl Jam following the conclusion of the legendary rock band’s Darkish Matter World Tour.
Cameron and his band mates confirmed the information Monday in a pair of social media posts, however notably didn’t supply a motive for the musician’s surprising exit.
“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron stated, earlier than occurring to thank lead singer Eddie Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, and bassist Jeff Ament for “giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, 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,” he continued. “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Kevin Mazur by way of Getty Pictures
Pearl Jam shared comparable sentiments in its assertion, praising Cameron as “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,” 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 plethora of supportive feedback from fellow musicians and different public figures.
“You’ve got impressed us all and can proceed. All the perfect, Matt,” former Rage Towards the Machine drummer Brad Wilk wrote on Instagram.
“Gossip Girl” actor and Fairly Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen stated, “You are and will continue to be amazing at all you do.”
A San Diego, California native, Cameron rose to prominence within the late Nineteen Eighties because the drummer for the rock band Soundgarden which, like Pearl Jam, received its begin in Seattle. He joined Pearl Jam in 1998, a yr after Soundgarden’s first breakup.
Pedro Becerra by way of Getty Pictures
In 2010, he started taking part in with each Pearl Jam and Soundgarden after the latter band re-grouped, till the 2017 loss of life of Soundgarden lead singer Chris Cornell.
Although Cameron was Pearl Jam’s fifth drummer, his stint was significantly longer than every of his predecessors. Dave Krusen, the band’s first drummer, was recruited by Gossard and former guitarist Jeff Ament in 1990, however left after a yr.
He was then changed by Matt Chamberlain, who performed with the band for just a few weeks earlier than Dave Abbruzzese took over. Jack Irons stepped in following Abbruzzese’s 1994 exit, and was succeeded by Cameron 4 years later.
Cameron was first inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 2017 as a member of Pearl Jam. The 62-year-old will likely be inducted a second time later this yr, this time as a member of Soundgarden.
