Matt Cameron gave some more tidbits on his decision to stop holding down the drum kit for Pearl Jam after 27 years.
In an interview with Billboard, the longtime drummer provided a couple of reasons, ranging from a desire to explore other musical endeavors to apprehension about the Seattle grunge/alternative band’s penchant for playing long shows.
Cameron, 62, announced his departure from the band in July through the band’s Instagram in a statement. At that point, there was no further elaboration as to what caused the split. The drummer stated in an interview that his former band members knew his departure was inevitable. “I definitely gave them a lot of notice, said Cameron. “I’ve spoken with Jeff [Ament] and Stone [Gossard] a little bit… It’s been fine. Hopefully we’ll get back together at some point and have a beer or something.”
In addition to the drummer saying he wanted to “redirect his time and energy” to what he wants to pursue as an artist at this point. Cameron went on to speak about Pearl Jam’s show length and extensive touring schedule as factors in his decision as well.
“I was having some issues with [Pearl Jam’s] three-hour shows and constant touring and stuff,” said the drummer. “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.”
Cameron initially joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after Soundgarden’s breakup and the departure of drummer Jack Irons. He has since rejoined Soundgarden and is assisting in the efforts of creating a new album with the surviving members, which will feature vocals recorded by Chris Cornell prior to the singer’s death in 2017. Cameron will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band on November 8th. It would be the drummer’s second induction, as he was also a part of Pearl Jam’s ceremony back in 2017.
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