Drummer Matt Cameron to Tour With Pearl Jam in 2014; Soundgarden Will Find Replacement Drummer

November 15, 2013

For the first time in years, both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden will be actively touring. Drummer Matt Cameron announced today that he will tour with Pearl Jam in 2014, and Soundgarden will find a replacement.

In a note posted on Soundgarden’s website, Cameron says he will be taking 2014 off from Soundgarden due to “prior commitments promoting Lightning Bolt with my brothers in Pearl Jam and the desire to have more time at home with my family.” Cameron continues, “I am trying to balance the many twists and turns of my awesome music career. This is temporary. I am still an active member of Soundgarden.”

Current Soundgarden members Chris Cornell, Ben Shepherd and Kim Thayil are currently in the process of choosing a replacement. Soundgarden is scheduled to play several shows in 2014, along with multiple stops at Lollapalooza, suggesting they could be a staple along the festival circuit in the summer. Pearl Jam also has a few dates in 2014, but none that overlap with Soundgarden’s as of yet.

Cameron is a replacement drummer for both bands, first joining Soundgarden in 1986 after founding drummer Scott Sundquist left the band to spend time with his family. In 1998, Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons left the band due to health issues, prompting the band to reach out to Cameron shortly before their Yield tour. He has spent the years since with both bands.

Here is Cameron working his way (with ease) through “In My Tree,” a song that is widely regarded as having one of the best drum tracks in Pearl Jam’s catalog.