Pearl Jam -shock fans while they reveal the departure of beloved drummer Matt Cameron

A legendary musician of one of the most iconic rock bands of the 90s has shocked fans with his departure after 27 years.

Pearl Jam -Drummer Matt Cameron, 62, who joined the band in 1997, announced that he was leaving the band – consisting of Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder – in an emotional statement on Monday.

He wrote: ‘After 27 fantastic years I removed my last steps from the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam.

‘A lot of love and respect for Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone because they invited me to the band in 1998 and to give the possibility of your life, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.

‘I am grateful to the crew, employees and fans forever. It was an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the ground of my heart. Peace and love, Matt Cameron. ‘

The band’s explanation was: ‘From one of our first musical heroes in the Bands Skinyard and The Mighty Soundgarden, to play on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and real powerhouse of a musician and drummer.

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron (second right) left the band after 27 years (depicted LR in 2019 Mike McCready, guitarist Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament, singer and guitarist Eddie Vedder, and keyboardist Boom Gascapar)

Cameron, 62, who joined the band in 1997, announced that he was leaving the band – consisting of Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder – in an emotional explanation on Monday. – shown 2021

‘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 always wish him the best.

‘He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love your Matt. ‘

Cameron made his album debut for the band on Binaural from 2000. He was previously the drummer for Soundgarden from 1986-1997.

When Soundgarden was reunited in 2010, Cameron was a drummer for both bands, the Chris Cornell Led -outfit remained until his death in 2017.

He also played with bands such as Temple of the Dog, Nighttime Boogie Association, Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy,

In 2016, Rolling Stone Cameron 52nd rank on the list of the 100 biggest drummers of all time and he won two Grammy’s with Soundgarden.

The Grunge legends of the 90s were last performed on May 18, 2025 in the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, United States, who closed their Dark Matter World Tour.

Pearl Jam broke through in 1991 with the success of music with debut album 10 – which stayed on the US Billboard 200 -hit list for almost five years and was certified 13x Platina.

He wrote: ‘After 27 fantastic years I removed my last steps from the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam. ‘A lot of love and respect for Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting in the band in 1998’

Cameron made his album debut for the band on Binaural from 2000. He was previously the drummer for Soundgarden from 1986-1997 – depicted performance in November 2024

Fans were destroyed by the shock announcement

He was previously the drummer for Soundgarden of 1986-1997. When Soundgarden was reunited in 2010, Cameron was drummer for both bands, remained with the Chris Cornell Led -outfit until his death in 2017 – depicted 2015 with Cornell, Kim Thayil and Ben Shepherd

Their second album vs – released in 1993 – sold more than 950,000 copies in the first week and set a new record at the time.

The band has now sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and is regularly the best live acts in the world.