After 27 years, Matt Cameron has left Pearl Jam.
Both, Matt and the band issued statements,
After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam.“ Cameron said. ”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, one 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. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Matt Cameron technically was Pearl Jam’s first drummer as he helped with the early demos for the group after the death of singer Andy Wood, would lead to the creation of their new identity as Pearl Jam. Still playing with Soundgarden and working with Pearl jam on Temple Of The Dog, the supergroup collaboration between Chris Cornell and the surviving members of Mother Love Bone, Cameron also helped by playing on the early song demos the band was working on before ultimately becoming Pearl Jam.
“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. The band posted. “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.
Cameron would eventually join Pearl Jam after Soundgarden broke up in 1997 and became a full-time member, first recording on 2000's Binaural. Neither, Cameron nor Pearl jam has given a reason as to why the two are going their separate ways, but Pearl Jam still does have shows to play before the year is out, so the question is who will be the next Pearl Jam drummer?