Drumming News :
Former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron has made it clear he hasn’t retired from music, despite stepping away from the band after 27 years.
The 62-year-old rock veteran, who first joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after the breakup of Soundgarden, shared the news of his departure in early July, calling it “an incredible journey” and thanking his bandmates and fans. The band also praised Cameron as “a true powerhouse” and said he would be “deeply missed.”
However, Cameron quickly followed up with a statement on Instagram to assure fans that he’s still making music. “Thank you for the kind words of support,” he wrote. “And for the record, I’m still an active musician.”
Cameron hasn’t announced what’s next, but speculation is already swirling. With Soundgarden set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this November and plans possibly underway to finish their final album using Chris Cornell’s last vocal tracks, many wonder if Cameron will reunite with his old bandmates.
Pearl Jam, meanwhile, hasn’t announced a replacement. Some fans have floated the idea of Dave Abbruzzese rejoining, but the former drummer has downplayed the possibility, citing lack of contact with the band.
Cameron’s final album with Pearl Jam was 2024’s Dark Matter, praised as some of the band’s strongest material in years. While his chapter with Pearl Jam has closed, it’s clear Cameron’s musical story isn’t over yet.
