Tori Amos did her last world tour with a stand-in drummer (Ash Soan) for Matt Chamberlain, and much like Pearl Jam her sets are always completely different night to night. She did 167 songs that tour, about half of which were solo but that's still a TON of material that Ash had to learn. Whoever Pearl Jam get will be able to learn the material.
2003 Clarkston MI #2 | 2004 Grand Rapids MI | 2013 London ON | 2014 Detroit MI | 2016 Toronto ON #1 | 2025 Nashville TN #2
The more I think about it the more pessimistic I get that the trajectory from here forward is flat, much less up. Feels like an inflection point.
I'm trying not to go this route, but it's hard not to think this way.
To be optimistic, if they only had 1-2 years left, and that was known.... don't you think MC would have hung on for the last year or so?
I think theres 5+ years and 1 more album still in the band.
If they can get to PJ40 (in 6 years), then they should consider a mega, worldwide PJ40 Tour and then maybe hang it up
Oh, I don't think the band is done... the way the announcements came down this AM only reassures me they intend to continue without him... I'm just a little cynical of what that's going to look like.
27 years is a loooooong time to play with someone.
Listening to my final show with Matt, back at Fenway last year. Super sad to see him leave and agree that this feels like a big shift for the band in general and what may be ahead. Definitely can see them evolve further, but will be tough to see it without him. Cheers to him though - certainly deserves to pick whatever he wants to do going forward. Sad day.
The more I think about it the more pessimistic I get that the trajectory from here forward is flat, much less up. Feels like an inflection point.
I think you nailed it... and said it much more concisely than I have to this point. So many bands muck things up at the end. I would hate to see them hurt their legacy, like so many bands do, by starting to add new members just to keep this thing alive. They obviously plan to continue... I wonder if Matt coming to them with the news made them consider calling it quits for a moment? Personally, I would rather them do that than add a new member. Krusen is my favorite option... like Sabbath just did... "Back to the Beginning".
First and foremost, THANK YOU MATT CAMERON for 27 incredible years! So many great records, countless amazing live shows, and too many incredible memories for me to even begin to attempt to count. I just hope that everything is okay with Matt health wise and that this isn’t for health-related reasons.
When I first heard the news, I was in a complete state of shock. But then after taking a few minutes to digest it, it really started to make sense to me. I think the untimely death of Taylor Hawkins 3 years ago understandably had a very deep and profound effect on Matt. I think watching the struggles that Taylor went through for years with the Foos’ intense touring schedule and marathon live shows—and the heartbreaking result that led to—caused Matt to really start to reflect on the realities of life as an aging touring rock drummer, and led him to reevaluate what he was looking for out of all of this. Ever since that time, he has become much more vocal about the trials and tribulations of being a drummer in a touring rock band, and the difficulty of balancing the challenges of the rock n roll life with his obligations to his family. Personally I could not even imagine how physically and mentally demanding and draining it must be to be on the road with a rock band for almost 3 decades, especially for someone over the age of 60. And it is no secret that in the aftermath of Taylor’s death, Matt was the impetus behind the end of the marathon 35-song, 3 1/2-hour double encore shows. So maybe this shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to me as it initially did.
But now Ed’s statements during the final night in Pittsburgh about this being the last time they would perform live for a year or two make a lot more sense to me. I did think it was a bit strange how many times Ed referenced them taking a break from touring throughout the night, and the watery eyes and emotional strain in his voice when he did. So I thought there might have been something else happening behind the scenes. Admittedly though, I did not see this coming (although now in retrospect maybe I should have). This also explains why the rest of the band was so emotional throughout the show, especially towards the end of the night. I noticed Jeff in particular bawling his eyes out at the end of the show.
I do think that based on his prior statements and the timing of this announcement, Matt is retiring from live music for good. And no one has earned it more. But having said that, it still wouldn’t surprise me if he reunites with the remaining members of Soundgarden and Brandi Carlile for a reunion/farewell tour to coincide with Soundgarden’s Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction before he hangs it up for good. Brandi performed a great version of Searching with my Good Eye Closed with Matt and Mike at Ohana Encore in ‘21, and she has performed with the other members of Soundgarden on a few other occasions as well. Personally I’d love to see this happen. I guess it’s also possible that Matt could join the Foos and replace Josh Freese, but given that the Foos have a much busier touring schedule than PJ, I think that’s much less likely.
Now I know it is probably way too early to start having this discussion, but in terms of who will ultimately replace Matt (though after 27 years, I consider him irreplaceable), my top choice would be Jack Irons. I have always loved Jack—both with PJ, RHCP, and his various side projects—and think he’s a great drummer. Jack’s tribal beats on In My Tree have always been one of my favorite drumming moments in PJ’s repertoire, and I’d love to get to see him play it live. Plus, who knows, with Jack on tour, maybe Whale Song would become a live staple! 🐳🎶🤣 But I think that given his age, Jack might not be the best choice in terms of touring longevity. I think recent free agent Josh Freese is a likely choice, especially since he’s about a decade younger. Personally I’d be very happy with Josh as I think he’s a great drummer and full of energy. I could see Josh’s frenetic energy jiving well with the rest of the band’s (especially Mike’s). I think other good potential replacements would be Dave Krusen (who already filled in well for Matt when Matt was sick with COVID and still has great chops), Barrett Martin, Stephen Perkins, or Janet Weiss. But I’ll leave that discussion for another time.
I’ll conclude with this: this is truly the end of an era. MFC you are an absolute legend, and we will all miss your great energy, phenomenal playing, and beaming smile dearly. I’m so sad knowing that I’ll never get to see you man the kit at a PJ show again, but so grateful for all the amazing memories you’ve created for me and countless others over the past almost 3 decades. And I also feel so fortunate to have been present for your final show with PJ in Pittsburgh a few months ago. You truly went out with a bang! Best wishes to you and your family on the next chapter. “I miss you already, I miss you always.” ❤️😀🥁🎸🤘
I guess maybe Klinghoffer isn't quite good enough on the drums ... I'm not sure. As others have said, maybe they'll bring back Jack Irons. However, it seems like a completely new guy is the most likely scenario. At the very least, I hope they make one more studio album followed by a Lost Dogs II. 🥑
The more I think about it the more pessimistic I get that the trajectory from here forward is flat, much less up. Feels like an inflection point.
I think you nailed it... and said it much more concisely than I have to this point. So many bands muck things up at the end. I would hate to see them hurt their legacy, like so many bands do, by starting to add new members just to keep this thing alive. They obviously plan to continue... I wonder if Matt coming to them with the news made them consider calling it quits for a moment? Personally, I would rather them do that than add a new member. Krusen is my favorite option... like Sabbath just did... "Back to the Beginning".
Krusen would absolutely be the most Legacy-preserving option. I mean, at the end of the day, hes the drummer on their most popular album and is an official Rock Hall inductee for the band as well. And yeah, he might not be as good as MFC at actual drumming, but at this point, how much does it matter if he can step in and play the Originals and learn most of the new ones? (no offense to any drummers out there)
He would certainly be easy enough to announce at the shows during the band intros "On drums we have the amazing Dave Krusen who played on all of the big ones, hes a Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, and by some act of fate found his way back to us, and we are so happy to have him!" - Said in some sort of classic Eddie style
Post edited by Weston1283 on
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8/28/98- Camden, NJ
10/31/09- Philly
5/21/10- NYC
9/2/12- Philly, PA
7/19/13- Wrigley
10/19/13- Brooklyn, NY
10/21/13- Philly, PA
10/22/13- Philly, PA
10/27/13- Baltimore, MD
4/28/16- Philly, PA
4/29/16- Philly, PA
5/1/16- NYC
5/2/16- NYC
9/2/18- Boston, MA
9/4/18- Boston, MA
9/14/22- Camden, NJ
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Tres Mts.- 3/23/11- Philly. PA
Eddie Vedder- 6/25/11- Philly, PA
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Wow, turns out I saw his last shows (as did many of us). Curious as to the “more to follow,” and I wonder if he would ever come back for one-off sorts of events. Also I wonder if the band knew before the last leg?
The end always comes when you’re not expecting it, and today, as fans, it’s a bit sad to look back and realize far more time has passed than you realized. I’m sure the band feels the same. But it sounds like everyone is parting on good terms, and if Matt feels like this is the right decision for him then that’s what he needs to do.
Josh Klingoffer: -250 Jack Irons: +350 Dave Krusen: +375 Richard Stuevard: +550 Dave Abruzzesse: +4500
I'm surprised Brad Wilk never gets mentioned.
This is a good call and the type of name I was trying to conjure. He or Stuverud are the most appealing choices to me. You never know how it's gonna go until it happens but some of the other options getting kicked around....eeeeeeeeeeesh.
Josh Klingoffer: -250 Jack Irons: +350 Dave Krusen: +375 Richard Stuevard: +550 Brad Wilk: +1250 Dave Abruzzesse: +4500
dave is is about 10 million to 1. those fans pining for him are pathetic in my eyes. it's like pining for your high school sweetheart 30 or 40 years later. get over it.
Josh Klingoffer: -250 Jack Irons: +350 Dave Krusen: +375 Richard Stuevard: +550 Dave Abruzzesse: +4500
I'm surprised Brad Wilk never gets mentioned.
This is a good call and the type of name I was trying to conjure. He or Stuverud are the most appealing choices to me. You never know how it's gonna go until it happens but some of the other options getting kicked around....eeeeeeeeeeesh.
I just doubt anyone who hasnt been full touring as a drummer for the last 3 decades has the stamina to keep up with a PJ or FF. Shane Hawkins is a kid and can grow into it, but at 60+ can Stuverud or Krusen develop physically? I struggle at 45 to try anything new physically. Brad Wilk, on the other hand, has the history with the band/EV (again, always gets overlooked) and the physical stamina.
Drag. Matt is/was great. Seemed like a good dude and obviously a fantastic drummer. He kicked so much ass on Dark Matter...and Mind You Manners was always a time for Matt to shine.
These guys are old. This is going to happen. The end is getting closer all the time. Frankly, it is stunning to think Matt was in the band for 27 years. Time flies. Hard to expect a rich 62 year old to keep working, even if it is playing in a rock band.
First and foremost, THANK YOU MATT CAMERON for 27 incredible years! So many great records, countless amazing live shows, and too many incredible memories for me to even begin to attempt to count. I just hope that everything is okay with Matt health wise and that this isn’t for health-related reasons.
When I first heard the news, I was in a complete state of shock. But then after taking a few minutes to digest it, it really started to make sense to me. I think the untimely death of Taylor Hawkins 3 years ago understandably had a very deep and profound effect on Matt. I think watching the struggles that Taylor went through for years with the Foos’ intense touring schedule and marathon live shows—and the heartbreaking result that led to—caused Matt to really start to reflect on the realities of life as an aging touring rock drummer, and led him to reevaluate what he was looking for out of all of this. Ever since that time, he has become much more vocal about the trials and tribulations of being a drummer in a touring rock band, and the difficulty of balancing the challenges of the rock n roll life with his obligations to his family. Personally I could not even imagine how physically and mentally demanding and draining it must be to be on the road with a rock band for almost 3 decades, especially for someone over the age of 60. And it is no secret that in the aftermath of Taylor’s death, Matt was the impetus behind the end of the marathon 35-song, 3 1/2-hour double encore shows. So maybe this shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to me as it initially did.
But now Ed’s statements during the final night in Pittsburgh about this being the last time they would perform live for a year or two make a lot more sense to me. I did think it was a bit strange how many times Ed referenced them taking a break from touring throughout the night, and the watery eyes and emotional strain in his voice when he did. So I thought there might have been something else happening behind the scenes. Admittedly though, I did not see this coming (although now in retrospect maybe I should have). This also explains why the rest of the band was so emotional throughout the show, especially towards the end of the night. I noticed Jeff in particular bawling his eyes out at the end of the show.
i had this strange feeling leading up to Pittsburgh it was the end of something. like in my mind i thought this might be the last time i see this band or something. it was just this odd feeling i had. wasn't sure if it was going to be something on my side (getting older sucks lol) or something on their side. my brother had to cancel last minute and i ended up going by myself for the 1st time ever but was pulled to those shows by this internal feeling. I thought when they pulled out the champagne bottles at the end of night 2 that it was a bit odd and maybe the ending of something. Will be interesting moving forward for sure. If/when they play more shows it will be different for sure. Matt is the only drummer I saw with PJ for my 39 shows seen. Wish him and the band well and hope to see them again down the line.
Not trying to rain on the Brad Wilk possibility parade. Dig him and think it would be cool especially given connection with Ed/Indian Style and just liking RATM. But I was reminded of this article where he speaks about his previous PJ audition and not clicking with Jeff musically. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/brad-wilk-pearl-jam-audition/
Is a Compliment For You. 1998 Va. Beach \\ 2000 Va. Beach ~~ Columbia, Md. \\ 2003 Bristow, Va. \\2006 DC \\ 2008 Va. Beach ~~ DC \\ 2010 Bristow, Va. \\ 2013 Charlottesville, Va. \\ 2016 Hampton, Va. ~~ Fenway 1 & 2 ~~ Wrigley 1 & 2 \\ 2022 Nashville ~~ St. Louis ~~ Oklahoma City \\ 2023 St. Paul 1 & 2 ~~ Austin 1 & 2 \\ 2024 Vegas 1 & 2 ~~ Indianapolis ~~ Wrigley 2 ~~ MSG 1 & 2 ~~ Philly 1 & 2 ~~ Fenway 1 & 2 \\ 2025 Atlanta 1 & 2 ~~ New Orleans (Jazz Fest) ~~ Nashville 2 ~~ Raleigh 1 & 2 ~~ Pittsburgh 1 & 2 \\
I'm grateful for Matt Cameron. Beyond grateful. I've loved this band since I first saw "Jeremy" on MTV, and the first time I ever saw Pearl Jam live was 1998 - when Matt joined the band on the Yield tour. It's like Pearl Jam was whole, y'know? And for 27 years, yeah, man... That's the band. That's our band!
Matt's the fucking ENGINE! That's about the best way I can sum him up. There are drummers, and then there's Matt Cameron.
I thought I'd be sad, and maybe I will be... today I am nothing but grateful for Matt's time and contribution to Pearl Jam. Carry on, rock on... Thank you Matt. We are forever in awe, bruddah.
6/27/98 - East Troy, WI
6/29/06 - Milwaukee, WI
9/25/11 - Vancouver, BC
11/4/12 - (Eddie Vedder) Phoenix, AZ
11/1/13 - New Orleans, LA
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10/22/14 - Denver, CO
8/22/16 - Chicago, IL (Wrigley 2) 5/9/22 - Glendale, AZ 5/18/24 - Las Vegas, NV
Klinghoffer is the obvious choice. Toured with the band for the last few years. I think he filled in Oakland. He knows all the songs.
He did an admirable job filling in, but I don't think he's good enough. Listening back to those shows he slips in and out of tempo a lot. Maybe he gets better if he's doing it full time. Reading PJ20, both Richard Stuverud and Josh Freese were auditioned before Jack Irons was hired, maybe they kick the tires on those guys again. Stuverud is buddies with Jeff
East Lansing 98, Detroit 00, Detroit 03, Detroit 06, Chicago 09, EV Detroit 11, Wrigley Field 13
Always guessed Jeff would be first to retire/slow things down, as it seems he’s been nursing a knee issue for many years. This can’t be easy what they do, especially in their sixties. How Mick,Keith and Ron are still doing it is incredible. Good luck Matt! It will never be the same from here on out!
Watching the YouTube video of the ending of the 5/18 show in Pittsburgh makes me think that this was already decided pre Spring 2025 tour. Everyone specifically embraces Matt at the end, so it sure looks like they all knew.
Great catch. Definitely looks like knowing hugs there. Wow, damn
wow i never caught that. yeah i am now sure that they knew. i feel a little better now knowing that this most likely was not something that suddenly came up and had been known for a while.
"You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry." - Lincoln
Comments
27 years is a loooooong time to play with someone.
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2000: 8/15, 8/18, 10/9, 10/11, 10/12
2003: 6/18, 6/21, 6/22
2005: 9/9, 9/28
2006: 5/16, 5/17, 6/26, 6/27
2007: 8/5
2009: 8/23, 8/24
2010: 5/3, 5/4, 5/21
2011: 9/3, 9/4, 9/11, 9/12
2013: 7/19, 11/16
2014: 10/3, 10/9, 10/12, 10/17
2016: 4/16, 8/20, 8/22
2018: 8/18, 8/20, 9/2
2022: 9/18
2023: 8/31, 9/2, 9/5
2024: 5/18, 6/29
Josh Klingoffer: -250
Jack Irons: +350
Dave Krusen: +375
Richard Stuevard: +550
Brad Wilk: +1250
Dave Abruzzesse: +4500
Mansfield '08
Hartford '10
Worcester, Hartford '13
Global Citizen, NY '15
He would certainly be easy enough to announce at the shows during the band intros
"On drums we have the amazing Dave Krusen who played on all of the big ones, hes a Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, and by some act of fate found his way back to us, and we are so happy to have him!" - Said in some sort of classic Eddie style
2012: Atlanta
2013: London ONT / Wrigley Field / Pittsburgh / Buffalo / San Diego / Los Angeles I / Los Angeles II
2014: Cincinnati / St. Louis / Tulsa / Lincoln / Detroit / Denver
2015: New York City
2016: Ft. Lauderdale / Miami / Jacksonville / Greenville / Hampton / Columbia / Lexington / Philly II / New York City II / Toronto II / Bonnaroo / Telluride / Fenway I / Wrigley I / Wrigley - II / TOTD - Philadelphia, San Francisco
2017: Ohana Fest (EV)
2018: Amsterdam I / Amsterdam II / Seattle I / Seattle II / Boston I / Boston II
2021: Asbury Park / Ohana Encore 1 / Ohana Encore 2
2022: Phoenix / LA I / LA II / Quebec City / Ottawa / New York City / Camden / Nashville / St. Louis / Denver
2023: St. Paul II
2024: Las Vegas I / Las Vegas II / New York City I / New York City II / Philly I / Philly II / Baltimore
10/31/09- Philly
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9/2/12- Philly, PA
7/19/13- Wrigley
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10/21/13- Philly, PA
10/22/13- Philly, PA
10/27/13- Baltimore, MD
4/28/16- Philly, PA
4/29/16- Philly, PA
5/1/16- NYC
5/2/16- NYC
9/2/18- Boston, MA
9/4/18- Boston, MA
9/14/22- Camden, NJ
9/7/24- Philly, PA
9/9/24- Philly, PA
Eddie Vedder- 6/25/11- Philly, PA
RNDM- 3/9/16- Philly, PA
Neil Peart was not the original drummer of Rush, yet there is no Rush without Neil.
MFC was PJ’s drummer for 27 out of its 35 year history. That’s significant.
A band is only as good as its drummer.
Thanks for the music and the memories, Matt!
-my dad after hearing Not for You for the first time on SNL .
and I say it will be none of the above.
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These guys are old. This is going to happen. The end is getting closer all the time. Frankly, it is stunning to think Matt was in the band for 27 years. Time flies. Hard to expect a rich 62 year old to keep working, even if it is playing in a rock band.
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/brad-wilk-pearl-jam-audition/
1998 Va. Beach \\ 2000 Va. Beach ~~ Columbia, Md. \\ 2003 Bristow, Va. \\ 2006 DC \\ 2008 Va. Beach ~~ DC \\ 2010 Bristow, Va. \\
2013 Charlottesville, Va. \\ 2016 Hampton, Va. ~~ Fenway 1 & 2 ~~ Wrigley 1 & 2 \\ 2022 Nashville ~~ St. Louis ~~ Oklahoma City \\
2023 St. Paul 1 & 2 ~~ Austin 1 & 2 \\ 2024 Vegas 1 & 2 ~~ Indianapolis ~~ Wrigley 2 ~~ MSG 1 & 2 ~~ Philly 1 & 2 ~~ Fenway 1 & 2 \\
2025 Atlanta 1 & 2 ~~ New Orleans (Jazz Fest) ~~ Nashville 2 ~~ Raleigh 1 & 2 ~~ Pittsburgh 1 & 2 \\
I'm grateful for Matt Cameron. Beyond grateful. I've loved this band since I first saw "Jeremy" on MTV, and the first time I ever saw Pearl Jam live was 1998 - when Matt joined the band on the Yield tour. It's like Pearl Jam was whole, y'know? And for 27 years, yeah, man... That's the band. That's our band!
Matt's the fucking ENGINE! That's about the best way I can sum him up. There are drummers, and then there's Matt Cameron.
I thought I'd be sad, and maybe I will be... today I am nothing but grateful for Matt's time and contribution to Pearl Jam. Carry on, rock on... Thank you Matt. We are forever in awe, bruddah.
6/29/06 - Milwaukee, WI
9/25/11 - Vancouver, BC
11/4/12 - (Eddie Vedder) Phoenix, AZ
11/1/13 - New Orleans, LA
11/19/13 - Phoenix, AZ
11/21/13 - San Diego, CA
10/12/14 - Austin, TX
10/22/14 - Denver, CO
8/22/16 - Chicago, IL (Wrigley 2)
5/9/22 - Glendale, AZ
5/18/24 - Las Vegas, NV
Put it in my pocket when it should've been framed
"Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
Was it a clue?