Matt Cameron’s vitalogy is simple: He was getting too old for this shit. The drummer, who unexpectedly departed Pearl Jam this summer after nearly 30 years thrashing with the band, has confirmed his decision was due to physical necessity — which often happens to kitmen when they reach a certain age. “I was having some issues with three-hour shows and constant touring and stuff,” the 62 year-old told Billboard in a new interview. “That’s definitely an art form unto itself, to be able to do those types of shows. I’m at a point now where I want to do a face-melting 70-minute set, and that’s kind of what I’m focusing on right now.” Cameron stressed that his departure was amicable and he’s still in touch with his now-former bandmates Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard. “I definitely gave them a lot of notice,” he added. “It’s been fine. Hopefully we’ll get back together at some point and have a beer or something.” Unlike the Who, Foo Fighters, and Nine Inch Nails — all of whom lost their drummers during the great cymbal crisis of 2025 — Pearl Jam has yet to find someone worthy enough to fill Cameron’s position. Let’s hope the candidates don’t spontaneously combust … or perish in a bizarre gardening accident.
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