Matt Cameron's Departure from Pearl Jam and Soundgarden's Final Album Update

Matt Cameron, the drummer for both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, announced his departure from Pearl Jam in July 2023 after 27 years with the band. In an interview with Billboard, Cameron cited the demanding nature of Pearl Jam's three-hour shows and constant touring as significant factors in his decision. He expressed a desire to redirect his time and energy towards projects that align more closely with his artistic goals. Cameron stated, “I was having some issues with [Pearl Jam’s] three-hour shows and constant touring and stuff,” emphasizing his need for a different musical direction.

Rolling StoneMatt Cameron Shares Reason He Left Pearl Jam + Update on Final Soundgarden AlbumMatt Cameron talks departure from Pearl Jam: ‘It’s been fine’ – KSHE 95Soundgarden New Album Songs List RevealedBillboardSoundgarden Unlikely To Release Final Album Before Rock Hall Induction

Despite his departure, Cameron maintains a positive relationship with his former bandmates, Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard, noting that he “definitely gave them a lot of notice” before leaving. He expressed hope for future interactions, saying, “Hopefully we’ll get back together at some point and have a beer or something.”

Billboard

Cameron is also actively involved in completing Soundgarden's long-awaited final album, which features posthumous vocals from the late Chris Cornell. The band began working on this project prior to Cornell's death in 2017 and has faced legal challenges regarding its release. Cameron revealed that they are “over halfway done” with the album, which consists of eight songs. He noted that guitarist Kim Thayil is currently perfecting his parts, and the band has decided to wait until the album is fully completed before releasing any singles.

Matt Cameron: Soundgarden "Over Halfway Done" with New Album Featuring Chris Cornell VocalsBillboardMatt Cameron Shares Reason He Left Pearl Jam + Update on Final Soundgarden AlbumSoundgarden New Album Songs List RevealedMatt Cameron talks departure from Pearl Jam: ‘It’s been fine’ – KSHE 95Soundgarden Unlikely To Release Final Album Before Rock Hall InductionRolling Stone

Cameron described the emotional experience of working on the album, stating, “Hearing [Cornell’s] voice on these powerful hard rock songs is the most empowering thing in the world for me.” He acknowledged the challenges of revisiting Cornell's recordings, saying it has been “gut-wrenching but at the same time very empowering.”

Matt Cameron: Soundgarden "Over Halfway Done" with New Album Featuring Chris Cornell Vocals

Cameron is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Soundgarden on November 8, 2023, marking his second induction, having previously been honored with Pearl Jam in 2017. He expressed that this induction holds more personal significance, stating, “I helped build Soundgarden from the ground up and I helped create the sound, I think, a little bit more than I did with Pearl Jam.” The ceremony will be held in Los Angeles and will be streamed live on Disney+.

Matt Cameron Shares Reason He Left Pearl Jam + Update on Final Soundgarden AlbumBillboardSoundgarden Unlikely To Release Final Album Before Rock Hall InductionSoundgarden New Album Songs List RevealedMatt Cameron talks departure from Pearl Jam: ‘It’s been fine’ – KSHE 95Rolling Stone

While Cameron's departure from Pearl Jam has been amicable, it has raised questions among fans regarding the future of the band, particularly concerning the selection of a new drummer. As of now, Pearl Jam has not announced a replacement for Cameron, and there are no scheduled tour dates for 2025 or 2026.

Rolling Stone

As Soundgarden prepares for their Hall of Fame induction, fans eagerly await updates on the final album's release. Cameron's involvement in multiple projects, including his new band Is This Real? and the supergroup 3rd Secret, indicates a shift in his musical focus post-Pearl Jam.

Billboard