Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron announced that he has officially left the band after ‘27 fantastic years’.
The 62-year-old has been a seminal member of the group – alongside bandmates Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Jeff Ament – for nearly three decades, having joined the fold in 1998.
Taking to Instagram, the rocker confirmed his departure in a lengthy statement earlier today.
‘After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,’ he began.
‘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.’
His bandmates added in a separate message: ‘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.’
Fans were left emotional over the musician’s announcement and flooded his comments section with heartfelt messages, sharing how much he would be missed in future.
Joe Lucero commented: ‘Congratulations! Being the drummer for one of the greatest bands of all time is impressive enough, but 2 of the greatest bands of all time? Hats off to you, sir and thank you!’
Nick McIlwain said: ‘Whatever you do next, and for whatever reasons are important to know, please know how much collective joy and happiness you gave to us, the fans.’
‘I hope everything is well with you. Thank you for 27 years it’s been a blast seeing you behind the kit xx,’ Shesalightningbolt agreed.
As Scott Suffron added: ‘I cannot accurately convey my sincere gratitude for all the years you were the heartbeat of my favourite band.
‘You are an exceptional drummer, my favourite of all time and I have literally thousands of memories jamming out to your insane performances… Again, thank you for all the years of helping PJ go@their own way.
‘Good luck with your next chapter, whatever you choose to do Matt [sic].’
Eddie, Stone, Mike, Jeff and Dave Krusen founded Pearl Jam in 1990, with the group going on to become one of the biggest acts in music history.
They have dropped hits including Black, Alive, Even Flow and Last Kiss in that time.
Matt previously served as the drummer for Soundgarden from 1986 until the band went their separate ways in 1997, and made the move over to Pearl Jam shortly after – following Jack Irons’ exit.
‘The guys made me feel real welcome and it wasn’t a struggle to get it musically, but my style was a little bit different, I think, than what they were used to,’ he said in an interview in 2003.
‘They’ve been through so many different drummers, I don’t even know if they knew what they wanted. So, I just played the way I played and then eventually we figured out what worked best for the band.
‘So, I definitely changed my stuff up and I think we’re playing really tight now.’
Over the 27-year period, he was part of some of their biggest albums – including 2000’s Binaural and Riot Act, Backspacer and Lightning Bolt.
His last offering with the group came in Dark Matter last year.
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