“I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over,” Cameron writes.

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron leaves group after 27 years: ‘It’s been an incredible journey’

"I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over," Cameron writes.

By Mekishana Pierre

Published on July 7, 2025 01:25PM EDT

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Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs live on stage during the Dark Matter world tour at Madison Square Garden in 2024. Credit:

Jim Bennett/Getty

Matt Cameron has taken his "final steps down the drum riser" as part of Pearl Jam two months after the group concluded their year-long *Dark Matter* world tour. On Monday, the drummer and his former bandmates announced on social media that Cameron has taken his exit from the band after playing together for 27 years.

Cameron thanked frontman Eddie Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, and bassist Jeff Ament for welcoming him into the group in 1998, but did not share his reason for leaving. The statement from the remaining Pearl Jam members also didn't share an explanation behind Cameron's exit.

"After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam," Cameron's statement reads. "Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and 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. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

Bassist Jeff Ament, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Eddie Vedder, guitarist Stone Gossard, and drummer Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam.

Jim Bennett/Getty

In a separate statement, the band thanked Cameron for his years as part of the collective.

"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," Pearl Jam wrote.

The band's statement continued, "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. We love you Matt."

Pearl Jam cycled through several drummers before Cameron joined in April 1998. Dave Krusen, the band's first drummer, left in 1991 and was replaced by Matt Chamberlain, who was only in the band for a matter of weeks. Dave Abbruzzese took over for Chamberlain before being replaced by Jack Irons in 1994.

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The band had already recorded five studio albums before Cameron took over for Irons in 1998. Cameron's first album with Pearl Jam was 2000's *Binaural*, and the drummer has played on all of the band's studio albums since.

Pearl Jam has been Cameron's longest stint in a band; the drummer performed with Soundgarden from 1986 to 1997, and briefly went back from 2010 to 2017. He's also worked with Queens of the Stone Age, though never officially joined the band.**

Cameron was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Pearl Jam. He'll also be officially inducted as a member of Soundgarden later this year.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Music”