Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron isn’t an original member of the highly beloved grunge rock band. But in his 27 years with the band, Cameron has become every bit as synonymous with Pearl Jam as Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Jeff Ament.

But now those 27 years have come to an end. Cameron wrote a heartfelt goodbye to fans on Monday, announcing that he was stepping away from the band after nearly three decades.

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“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” the message began. “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 friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter. I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Pearl Jam Says Goodbye To Drummer Matt Cameron After Annoucing His Retirement

Dave Krusen served as the band’s initial drummer on their debut album, “Ten,” and went into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group in 2017. Dave Abbruzzese replaced Krusen from 1991-1994 before Jack Irons, a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, stepped in from 1994-1998 stepped in following Abbruzzese’s firing.

But when Irons stepped away in 1998, it was Cameron, previously of Soundgarden, who took the gig. And the rest, as they say, is history.

“From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,” the band said in a statement.

“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. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music.”

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