After nearly three decades behind Pearl Jam‘s kit, Matt Cameron has stepped away from the drum riser for good. The 62-year-old announced his departure on July 7, 2025, via Instagram, writing: “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…”
Cameron’s exit closes the longest drumming chapter in Pearl Jam’s history. He joined the band in 1998 as their fifth drummer, bringing stability to a position that had seen frequent turnover. Pearl Jam responded by calling Cameron “a singular and true powerhouse,” crediting him with elevating both their live performances and studio recordings since joining — a role that began during one of the most iconic debut eras in rock history.
Your favorite grunge albums likely feature Cameron’s drumming across two legendary bands. Before Pearl Jam, he anchored Soundgarden through their commercial peak, making him a double Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee—Pearl Jam in 2017, and Soundgarden in 2025. His technical precision and creative instincts helped define the Seattle sound that dominated the ’90s — a legacy that makes his full-circle redemption from that KISS cease-and-desist all the more satisfying.
Despite social media speculation linking Cameron to Foo Fighters, no credible evidence supports these rumors. Neither Cameron’s departure statement nor any official communications from Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, or their management teams mention future collaborations. The speculation exists purely in fan forums—not industry sources.
Cameron’s final studio work with Pearl Jam was *Dark Matter*, released in April 2024 to critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. The band concluded their supporting tour in the spring of 2025, marking the end of Cameron’s live performances with the group. His departure leaves Pearl Jam searching for their sixth drummer while fans process the end of their most stable lineup era.
No replacement has been announced, and Cameron hasn’t revealed his next musical plans. For now, the rhythmic backbone of modern grunge moves forward without its longest-serving timekeeper.
