Matt Cameron, who just recently left Pearl Jam after almost thirty years, has stated that he is not retiring from music. The long-time drummer responded to the rumors in an Instagram story, where he wrote, “Just to be clear…I’m an active musician!” Which he followed because of what he called the "madness" surrounding Pearl Jam announcing his departure, which had gotten a few fans thinking if he was retiring from music altogether.
After thanking the band and the fans in a post, Cameron's status and reason for leaving haven't been made public. However, he and the band appeared to have amicable parting ways concerning his future endeavors.
Cameron did not suggest what other projects he is going onto next. He has played in a number of bands in the past from Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog and now might have the time to venture out elsewhere.
As of now, Cameron has remained coy on what he is going to do next, but fans hope he continues to make music, whether through something solo-wise or with collaborations we haven’t even heard or finished projects such as the rumored - appearing and/or vocal-led, Chris Cornell - Soundgarden record.
Matt Cameron Confirms He’s Not Retired After Pearl Jam Exit: ‘Still an Active Musician’
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) July 14, 2025
As we await more info about Cameron's departure from the band, check out a new video of Dave Abbruzzese recreating his original "Animal" drum part.
🔗 https://t.co/YzuBoG14Ml pic.twitter.com/XMrKO42ng5
Former Drummer Dave Abbruzzese Revisits “Animal” Drum Part
As word spread regarding Cameron's exit, another familiar face from Pearl Jam's past popped up in the headlines. Dave Abbruzzese, the drummer who performed with Pearl Jam in the early 1990s, published a new video in which he performs his original drum part to the song Animal.
The song is from Pearl Jam’s 1993 album Vs., which was the group's most significant album of the time.
Abbruzzese’s performance was well received online, especially from longtime fans to whom he was an integral part of their early sound. His aggressive drumming was responsible for some of Pearl Jam's most known songs, even if he didn't play on their Vitalogy record.
There has been no indication of a reunion with Pearl Jam, but the timing of this video after Cameron's exit is stirring up people again about Abbruzzese's relationship with the band. While we don't know if the band is considering him for a return, this video strikes a reminder of the many talented drummers that helped shape the sound of the band.
