Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil recently weighed in on who could replace Matt Cameron as Pearl Jam’s drummer. He shared his thoughts in a recent interview.
Thayil offered his personal picks for the role while also reflecting on why Cameron had been such an ideal fit for the band.
“If I had to pick… Well, I guess Josh Freese is free now that he’s no longer with Foo Fighters. Well, he’s damn good. Barrett Martin [Screaming Trees, Mad Season] would be damn good too. I don’t know. Apparently they have picked somebody, so…,” Thayil said.
He then went on to explain what made Cameron such a unique and valuable presence in Pearl Jam’s lineup.
“Matt Cameron was the perfect pick for Pearl Jam because he had played on [Pearl Jam’s] Stone [Gossard] and Jeff’s [Ament] demo prior. He played with Temple Of The Dog. They knew exactly his skill. And he is so talented, he can flesh out the best of other musicians,” Thayil continued. “And I believe that’s what he did with Pearl Jam. I never heard Pearl Jam as good musically and as free as they were when Matt was drumming for them.”
Cameron’s departure from Pearl Jam was announced last year. Thayil noted that the band has already chosen a replacement, though no official confirmation has been made public.
Thayil’s comments come at a pivotal moment for Pearl Jam, as the band navigates one of the most significant lineup changes in its history. Cameron’s exit closed the chapter on a nearly three-decade partnership that shaped the band’s sound across multiple eras.
Cameron officially announced his departure on July 7, 2025, citing the band’s demanding touring schedule and marathon performances as the primary reasons for stepping away after a 27-year tenure. He had originally joined the band in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons. Irons left due to health issues and a desire to spend more time with his family, and Cameron quickly transitioned into a permanent role.
His connection to Pearl Jam ran deep long before he officially joined. Cameron had worked with members of the band on the Temple of the Dog project and helped them record early instrumental demos back in 1990 — the very history Thayil referenced when praising the fit between Cameron and the group.
It is worth noting that Thayil’s suggestion of Josh Freese as a potential candidate may be off the mark in terms of availability. Freese rejoined Foo Fighters in 2023 and remains their drummer, making him unlikely to be in the running for the Pearl Jam seat.
As for who will actually fill Cameron’s shoes, Pearl Jam has remained largely tight-lipped. Bassist Jeff Ament confirmed the band will tour with a new drummer, describing the pick as a mystery. Original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen has also revealed that talks with the band have taken place. No official selection has been publicly announced.
Source: 90 The Original
