Former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron addressed his departure from the band in a candid interview. He put an end to any speculation about a falling out between him and the group.
Cameron was directly asked whether his long tenure with Pearl Jam ended on bad terms. The interviewer posed the question: “Is there — you played with them so long and then it’s wild to think about. Is there animosity or did you quit?”
The drummer was straightforward in his response. He made clear that his exit was a personal decision rather than the result of any conflict.
“Oh, no. I mean I pretty much quit, you know. I mean, it wasn’t — there was no animosity at all. We’re all on good terms for sure,” Cameron said.
He went on to explain that his primary motivation was to focus on the Soundgarden project and step away from the demands of touring commitments.
“But I wanted to finish up this Soundgarden project and kind of just put all my attention into that, you know, with no sort of like tour commitments and things like that. So, that was the initial, you know, the initial push for sure. And you know, I just wanted to do some other things and, like kind of pursue more creative pursuits at the at this stage of the game while I still can, right?” he continued.
Cameron also reflected on where he sees himself in his career. He described his current chapter as one focused on creative fulfillment.
“Like I’m kind of in chapter three right now, you know, and I’m trying to pick and choose the things that are like more creatively satisfying right now for me. And so that’s kind of what I’m doing,” he added.
His departure marked the end of a 27-year run with one of rock’s most enduring acts. It made him the longest-serving drummer in Pearl Jam’s history.
Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998, stepping in after Jack Irons left the band. What began as a temporary arrangement quickly became a permanent role. Cameron went on to anchor the band’s rhythm section for nearly three decades and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Pearl Jam in 2017.
The physical demands of Pearl Jam’s notoriously grueling live shows played a significant role in his decision to step away. Cameron had noted that he was having issues with the band’s three-hour shows and constant touring schedule. That reality weighed heavily on him as he considered his next move.
With Pearl Jam behind him, Cameron has turned his full attention to the ongoing Soundgarden project. Completing that chapter has become a clear priority for him at this stage of his career.
Pearl Jam, meanwhile, has moved forward. The band found a new drummer to fill the seat Cameron vacated and continues their legacy on the road as they look ahead to the next phase of their story.
Source: Dean Delray – YouTube
