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Matt Cameron

Matt Cameron is an American musician and drummer best known for his work with the rock bands Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Matt Cameron is an American musician and drummer best known for his work with the rock bands Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Born Matthew David Cameron in San Diego, California, he joined Soundgarden in 1986 and later became Pearl Jam’s drummer in 1998. He announced his departure from Pearl Jam in July 2025.

Early life and background

Matt Cameron was born Matthew David Cameron on November 28, 1962, in San Diego, California. He began his music career in the 1970s and later became part of the Seattle music scene.

Soundgarden

Cameron joined Soundgarden in 1986 and played on every one of the band’s studio albums. He remained with the group until its breakup in 1997, returned when it reunited in 2010, and stayed until the band ended again after Chris Cornell’s death in 2017.

Pearl Jam

He joined Pearl Jam in 1998 and became the band’s long-term drummer. Cameron remained with Pearl Jam until announcing his departure in 2025.

Other projects and musicianship

Cameron has also worked with other acts and projects, including Temple of the Dog, Wellwater Conspiracy, and Skin Yard. He is widely recognized as a versatile rock drummer associated with the Seattle grunge scene.

Key facts

  • Matt Cameron is best known as the drummer for Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.
  • He joined Soundgarden in 1986 and appeared on each of the band’s studio albums.
  • He became Pearl Jam’s drummer in 1998 after Soundgarden’s initial breakup.
  • Cameron was simultaneously a member of Pearl Jam and the reunited Soundgarden from 2010 until 2017.
  • He announced his departure from Pearl Jam on July 7, 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Matt Cameron?
Matt Cameron is an American drummer and songwriter best known for playing with Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.
When was Matt Cameron born?
He was born on November 28, 1962.
What bands is Matt Cameron known for?
He is best known for Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, and has also worked with Temple of the Dog and other projects.
When did Matt Cameron join Soundgarden?
He joined Soundgarden in 1986.
When did Matt Cameron leave Pearl Jam?
He announced his departure from Pearl Jam on July 7, 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Cameron
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupations, instruments, years active, Soundgarden membership, Pearl Jam membership, and 2025 departure.
  2. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/artist/matt-cameron/1164286
    Supports: Overview of Cameron’s career, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam work, and other projects.
  3. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/matt-cameron-mn0000389487
    Supports: Summary of Cameron as a major Seattle grunge drummer and his associations with Skin Yard, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Pearl Jam.