Matt Cameron Says Goodbye to Pearl Jam After Decades of Sound
If you ever talked to a lifelong Pearl Jam fan, they’d probably gush about the unshakable rhythm Matt Cameron brought to the band. On July 7, 2025, that chapter closed. Cameron, the band’s longest-serving drummer, announced he’s officially stepping down, sending shockwaves through the rock community.
His message wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill goodbye. He singled out each bandmate—Jeff Ament, Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, and Mike McCready—for their trust and brotherhood over 27 years. If you’ve watched any live Pearl Jam show since '98, you’ve actually felt Cameron in action. He kept the engine running as the band went from grunge outsiders to arena staples, and his chemistry with the group felt almost telepathic at times.
It’s easy to forget: before Cameron was the backbone of Pearl Jam, he was already a legend from his days with Soundgarden and the underrated Skin Yard. When Soundgarden split in 1997, no one could have guessed that Cameron would anchor Pearl Jam’s sound for a generation. The band’s tribute wasn’t just obligatory politeness—they called him a hero, recognizing what he brought to albums and epic tours alike. Look at any footage of him drumming during the band’s thunderous live sets, and you’ll get why they spoke with such respect.
Pearl Jam’s Big Question Mark: What’s Next?
The timing of Cameron’s exit leaves Pearl Jam at a crossroads. Instead of scrambling for a replacement, the band’s taking some time out. They’re pressing pause for the rest of 2025, figuring out how to fill a seat that’s become as important as any guitar riff or iconic lyric. Fans might be antsy, but if there’s one thing Pearl Jam’s always done, it’s taken art over speed.
The remaining members kept their statement simple but heartfelt. They highlighted how Cameron’s steady hands lifted both their writing sessions and their tightly wound performances, and there was a notable nod to his 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction—a testament to how deeply he’s woven into rock history.
In his farewell, Cameron didn’t just thank the guys onstage. He called out the road crew, the studio techs, and the supporters who made every city and every gig possible. He described his years with the band as an “incredible journey”—not just a career, but a second life built from music, friendship, and the wild ride of touring the globe.
It isn’t just the band or his resume that Cameron leaves behind. It’s a massive set of shoes to fill. Pearl Jam isn’t short on options, but anyone stepping in will find themselves compared to a player whose style shaped an era. For fans—and the world’s next great rock drummer—the stage is set for the next twist in Pearl Jam’s story.
