PEARL Jam’s legendary drummer, Matt Cameron, has announced he’s quit the band after 27 years, leaving fans devastated.
The highly-regarded sticksman, 62, was also an integral part of fellow 90s grunge legends Soundgarden, who were fronted by the late Chris Cornell.
Matt Cameron has announced he’s quit Pearl Jam[/caption]
He was a member of the US rock band for 27 years[/caption]
Announcing his departure on Instagram today, Matt wrote, “After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam.
“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, 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. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
The remaining members of Pearl Jam – Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Mike McCready – have shared their appreciation for Matt.
A band statement read, “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.
“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.”
Devastated fans were just as effusive in their praise, with one writing, “Matt, thank you for all your dedication and love. We love you and will miss you so much.”
Another said, “Thank you for everything and for all these years.
You are amazing.”
A third posted, “No way man !!! Buy thanks for everything Matt Cameron.”
Others speculated that Josh Freese, who was recently fired from Foo Fighters, could be the man to replace him.
Pearl Jam released their 12th album Dark Matter last year and Matt’s propulsive beats on the record received widespread acclaim.
Twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of two iconic grunge bands, Matt was ranked 52 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time list in 2016.
He played on all six of Soundgarden’s studio albums, the latest of which was 2012’s comeback record King Animal.
Five years after its release, frontman Cornell was found dead in his hotel room shortly after the band’s gig in Detroit.
With Pearl Jam, Matt played on seven studio LPs, the first of which was Binaural in 2000.
He was also a member of Temple of the Dog, a grunge supergroup formed in 1990 to honour Andrew Wood, the Mother Love Bone frontman who died of a heroin overdose.
Effectively Pearl Jam with Cornell, the band’s sole studio album peaked at number five on the US chart.
Pearl Jam shared their appreciation for Matt’s contributions[/caption]
