Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron leaves the band after 27 years

Pearl Jam's drummer for nearly three decades , Matt Cameron, confirmed this Monday his official departure from the group .

The news was announced by him through a statement he published on his social networks , where he expressed his gratitude for the time spent with the band and his fans around the world.

"After 27 fantastic years, I've taken my final steps on the drums for the mighty Pearl Jam ," the musician wrote. "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 friendship, art, challenges, and laughter," he added.

Cameron joined Pearl Jam after the dissolution of Soundgarden in 1997, a group he was also a member of. Although his participation was initially intended as temporary, ended up becoming a full-time member .

"It's been an incredible journey. More to come. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart ," he concluded.

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In response, the rest of his teammates also launched a message to recognize Cameron's legacy within the group and express our best wishes in this new stage.

"From being one of our earliest musical heroes, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been an exceptional musician and drummer ," they wrote.

"He was a very important chapter for our group, and we always wish him the best. We will miss him deeply, and he will always be our friend in art and music," the band concluded.

The response from fans was not long in coming, and although many supported the drummer's decision, others said worried for the future of the band:

"Thank you for all your dedication and love. We love you," "What the hell does this mean for the band?", "Why, Matt?", "Thank you for all these years playing for us," "The end of an era. You gave us everything you had and more," are just some of the comments you can read.

Pearl Jam has only one concert scheduled for the rest of the year, next September 26th at the Ohana Festival in California . So far, it has not been confirmed whether Cameron will participate in this show or if he will be replaced by another drummer.

MC