Matt Cameron has Left Pearl Jam

Sadly, Pearl Jam is seeking a new drummer.

The big heavy hitting badass drummer Matt Cameron has announced his departure from Pearl Jam after playing with them for more than 27 years.

If you're like me, I believe if the drummer in a band is not great...the band will always lack greatness. Pearl Jam is one of my favourite bands, and I've seen them play live many times. In 2022 I even saw them do a show without their super star drummer, Matt Cameron. It was in 2022 and he had Covid. And yes, there IS a difference in Pearl Jams' unique sound. Sure Eddie Vedder's voice is their signature sound...but....when I saw Pearl Jam in '22 without Matt Cameron, they lacked a lot of power behind them. Josh Klinghoffer filled in. Though Klinghoffer was 'fine' and he knew the PJ catalogue of music....They lacked that strong PJ sound. They were without their drummer, The show (for me) was dissappointing. They simply didn't sound like the Pearl Jam I know and love. In my opinion, the sound was thinner and lacked the dynamic heavy beat that Cameron provides to the band.

Josh Klinghoffer subbing for Matt Cameron in 2022

Matt Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998. He was also on their recorded demos eight years prior to joining the band whilst he was playing for Soundgarden. He announced he'd be leaving Pearl Jam due to 'a natural progression' as he wants to persue personal creative endevors as well as focus more on his personal life, which must be challenging when you're a musician on the road as much as they are. Pearl Jam does not yet have a drummer to replace Cameron but they are seriously considering about nine different drummers to fill Camerons shoes. Including Josh Freese, the drummer that filled in after Taylor Hawkins passed in the Foo Fighters and also Josh Klinghoffer. Klinghoffer has been the band's touring multi-instrumentalist since 2021. He is already familiar with their catalog and filled in for Cameron on drums during that 2022 COVID-related absence. I do hope they go with a 'bigger' harder hitting drummer like Cameron. There are several talented drummers being considered for the 2026 tour as his replacement-Klinghoffer is one of them. I for one, will really miss the great Matt Cameron sound of Pearl Jam.

Matt Cameron announced his retirement last summer. Am I worried that the PJ sound will change...yes, absolutely. And I will always miss the signature Matt Cameron sound behind Vedder's voice. I'm looking forward to what personal projects he appears with in the future. And I'm grateful for all the years he provided the PJ fans with the backbone to that unique Pearl Jam music. Wishing him good luck with his future endevors.

As always, remember..."Life is short...break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, meditate often, be kind to each other, and never regret anything that made you smile". And of course...see live music-as much as possible!

With peace, love, art and music,

Cheryl ☮ ❤️🎵 If you enjoy The Music Soup and want us to continue bringing you content like this please consider donating any amount you can to help keep us going!

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