Matt Cameron, the long-time drummer for Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, has provided new details regarding his departure from Pearl Jam. He also offered an update on the upcoming Soundgarden album, which will feature posthumous vocals from Chris Cornell. Cameron confirmed his exit from Pearl Jam after 27 years, citing touring demands and personal preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Cameron left Pearl Jam after 27 years due to extensive touring.
- He prefers shorter, more intense live performances.
- A new Soundgarden album with Chris Cornell's vocals is over halfway complete.
- Working on the Soundgarden album has been emotionally challenging and empowering.
- Cameron is involved in new projects: Is This Real? and 3rd Secret.
Cameron's Departure from Pearl Jam
Matt Cameron confirmed his exit from Pearl Jam this summer. He had been with the band for 27 years. Cameron expressed gratitude to his former bandmates for the experience. He also thanked the crew, staff, and fans globally for their support.
Initially, there was speculation that Cameron, 62, might retire from music entirely. However, he later clarified his status, stating,
"Thank you for the kind words of support and for the record, I’m still an active musician."This statement reassured fans about his continued involvement in music.
Fact File: Matt Cameron's Career
- Pearl Jam Tenure: 27 years
- Soundgarden Albums: Six studio albums, with a seventh in progress
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted with Pearl Jam (2017) and Soundgarden (upcoming 2025)
Reasons for Leaving
Cameron recently explained his decision to leave Pearl Jam in an interview with Billboard. He cited the band's demanding schedule as a primary factor. Pearl Jam is known for its extensive touring and long live shows, often lasting three hours.
"I was having some issues with [Pearl Jam’s] three-hour shows and constant touring and stuff," Cameron told Billboard. "That’s definitely an art form unto itself, to be able to do those types of shows… I’m at a point now where I want to do a face-melting 70-minute set, and that’s kind of what I’m focusing on right now."This indicates a shift in his performance preferences.
Update on New Soundgarden Album
Cameron also provided an update on the final Soundgarden album. This project will feature vocals from the late Chris Cornell. Bassist Ben Shepherd had previously discussed the album earlier this year. The album does not yet have a set release date.
The band members have considered different release strategies. One idea was to release a single first. However, they decided to complete the entire album before releasing any tracks.
"I think eventually we decided we want to make sure the whole thing is completed before we start releasing singles. I’m excited for people to hear it," Cameron stated.
Background: Soundgarden's Final Album
The upcoming Soundgarden album marks the band's first new studio material since 2012's 'King Animal'. The project has faced challenges, including a legal dispute between Soundgarden and Chris Cornell's estate. This dispute, which involved rights to unreleased songs, was settled in 2023, clearing the way for the album's completion.
Production Progress and Emotional Impact
The album is currently over halfway complete. Guitarist Kim Thayil is in the process of finishing his guitar parts. He is ensuring they meet his exact standards for the record. This meticulous approach highlights the band's commitment to the project's quality.
Working on the album has been a profound emotional experience for Cameron. He described it as a mix of extreme highs and lows.
"Hearing [Cornell’s] voice on these powerful hard rock songs is the most empowering thing in the world for me," Cameron shared. "Then I listen to his voice soloed up when I’m working on stuff, or if Kim or Ben is working on something, and it all comes back to the fact that he’s not with us and he left us in a way that has so many questions."
He added, "It’s been gut-wrenching but at the same time very empowering." This sentiment reflects the complex emotions involved in completing a project with a beloved, deceased bandmate.
New Musical Projects and Future Plans
Beyond Soundgarden, Cameron is actively involved in other musical endeavors. He is currently fronting a new band named Is This Real?. This project allows him to explore different creative avenues.
Additionally, Cameron continues to collaborate with Kim Thayil as part of 3rd Secret. This supergroup also includes Krist Novoselic from Nirvana and other musicians. Cameron hopes to take 3rd Secret on tour, as mentioned in the Billboard interview. These new projects demonstrate his ongoing commitment to music despite his departure from Pearl Jam.
Pearl Jam's Drummer Search and Hall of Fame
As of now, Pearl Jam has not announced a new drummer. The band also has no live shows scheduled. This indicates a period of transition for the group following Cameron's exit.
Cameron is set to receive a significant honor in November. He will become a two-time inductee at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This will happen when Soundgarden is inducted during a ceremony in Los Angeles. He was previously inducted with Pearl Jam in 2017. The surviving members of Soundgarden are scheduled to perform live at this year's event. Kim Thayil previously commented on the challenge of finding a vocalist to replace Cornell for this appearance, describing it as a "high bar, not just technically, but emotionally."