AP Entertainment Writer (AP) 鈥� drummer that he鈥檚 leaving the band after nearly 30 years.
The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.
鈥淎fter 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,鈥� Cameron said. 鈥淢uch 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.鈥�
Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.
鈥淢att 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,鈥� members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.
They made no mention of a replacement.
Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.
But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's 鈥淏inaural.鈥�
He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, 鈥淒ark Matter.鈥�
Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.
Andrew Dalton, The Associated Press
