‘This is shocking’: Iconic rock star quits band

After nearly three decades behind the kit, Matt Cameron is stepping away from Pearl Jam, marking the end of an era for the rock band.

Pearl Jam is down a member.

The band announced Monday that drummer Matt Cameron is leaving the group.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron, 62, said in a social media statement.

Cameron, who was Pearl Jam’s longest-tenured drummer, thanked his now-former bandmates Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Jeff Ament “for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Before his rise to fame in the grunge scene, Matt Cameron was in a KISS cover band during his teenage years. Picture: Getty

“I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over,” the musician continued.

“It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Cameron did not share his reason for leaving Pearl Jam.

The remaining band members shared their own statement about Cameron’s exit.

“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,” Pearl Jam wrote.

Pearl Jam announces Matt Cameron is leaving the band. Picture: X

“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,” the statement added. “He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love you Matt.”

Fans reacted to Cameron’s exit from the band with supportive comments on social media.

“27 unforgettable years thank you for the rhythm, heart, and legacy, Matt,” one fan wrote on X.

“End of an era! Much love to Matt!” another fan said.

“This is shocking. ‘Chapter’. this has been 30 years! Thank you Matt,” a third account tweeted.

Someone else wrote, “Thanks Matt. You’ve been a part of something extraordinary. Happy retirement.”

In 1998, Cameron was asked to step in for Pearl Jam’s then-drummer Jack Irons, who left due to health reasons. Pictured: Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Eddie Vedder (C) and Mike McCready. Picture: Getty

Matt Cameron and Eddie Vedder perform onstage in California. Eddie once called Matt “the most dependable guy in rock and roll”. Picture: Getty

Two months before Cameron announced his exit, Pearl Jam wrapped up their Dark Matter World Tour.

Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after the band rotated through several drummers including Dave Krusen, Matt Chamberlain, Dave Abbruzzese and Jack Irons.

Pearl Jam’s first album with Cameron was 2000s “Binaural,” their sixth studio album in total. The band has since released six more albums, the most recent being 2024’s “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 for his work with Pearl Jam.

He will be inducted again later this year as a member of his former group Soundgarden.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as ‘This is shocking’: Iconic rock star quits band