Drummer Matt Cameron has opened up about leaving Pearl Jam after 27 years and shared news of a new Soundgarden album featuring the late Chris Cornell’s vocals.
Cameron cited the strain of Pearl Jam’s long tours as a key factor, “I want to do a face-melting 70-minute set and that’s my focus now.”
He described his departure as amicable and expressed hope to reconnect with former bandmates. Cameron confirmed he has not retired and remains an active musician.
On the upcoming Soundgarden project, Cameron said it’s over halfway complete, with guitarist Kim Thayil finalizing parts. “Hearing Chris’s voice on these songs is empowering, but also gut-wrenching,” he said.
The album follows 2012’s ‘King Animal’ and comes after a 2023 legal settlement with Cornell’s estate over unreleased tracks.
Cameron will become a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee this November, with Soundgarden performing at the LA ceremony.
Pearl Jam has yet to announce a replacement drummer or schedule shows.
