Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron has announced he’s leaving the band after 27 years, ending one of modern rock’s most durable lineups. Cameron shared the news in a statement posted on social media on July 7, 2025, writing that he had “taken my final steps down the drum riser” and calling the run “an incredible journey.”
In his message, Cameron thanked bandmates Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, and Stone Gossard for bringing him into the group in 1998, and he also shouted out the crew, staff, and fans around the world. He added “More to follow,” but didn’t give a specific reason for the split in the initial announcement.
Pearl Jam responded with their own statement, praising Cameron as a powerhouse drummer and emphasizing how central he’d been to both their live shows and recordings for nearly three decades. As of the announcement, the band didn’t reveal who would replace him or what the next step looks like.
Cameron first joined Pearl Jam in the late 1990s and became a defining part of their modern era, appearing on albums including Binaural and remaining behind the kit through their recent work, including Dark Matter (2024). The departure also closes a major chapter for a drummer whose résumé stretches far beyond Pearl Jam: he was also a key member of Soundgarden and has been recognized for his impact across the Seattle scene and rock history.
