Matt Cameron, who spent more than two decades behind the kit for Pearl Jam, has opened up about the reasons he recently decided to part ways with the band. In a new interview with Billboard, the veteran drummer acknowledged that the physical and mental toll of the group’s demanding tour schedule ultimately pushed him to step back.

Cameron officially announced his departure in July, ending a tenure that began in 1998 after he first sat in with Eddie Vedder and company during their Yield era. While his split from the Seattle icons was amicable, Cameron said the nonstop pace of life in Pearl Jam had become too much.

“I was having some issues with the constant touring,” he admitted. “Those three-hour shows they do—it’s an art form, being able to sustain that level of performance night after night. At a certain point, I realized I needed something different.”

Cameron, now in his early sixties, emphasized that his decision was less about leaving music altogether and more about pursuing projects that fit his own creative rhythm. He revealed that he has been pouring his energy into Is This Real?, a new band inspired by his love for Portland punk pioneers Wipers.

The group started as a tribute act but has since evolved into an outlet for Cameron’s songwriting. This time, though, he won’t just be behind the drum kit. Instead, he’s stepping into the roles of lead vocalist and guitarist. “I’ve been writing songs for years that never had a proper home,” he explained. “Now I get to bring them to life in a way that feels authentic to me.” An album of original material is already in the works, with Cameron hoping to release it in the near future.

At the same time, Cameron remains active with 3rd Secret, the supergroup featuring fellow Seattle legend Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, and Void’s Jon “Bubba” Dupree. The ensemble debuted in 2022 with a surprise release and has been slowly building momentum. Cameron confirmed that live shows are being discussed, though he was quick to note the difference in approach compared to Pearl Jam’s grueling marathon sets.

“I’m at a point now where what excites me is doing a face-melting 70-minute set,” Cameron said. “That’s where my focus is, something intense, something powerful, but not three hours long.”

The comment underscores how Pearl Jam’s career-spanning shows can be both exhilarating and exhausting. For Cameron, who has spent most of his life on the road between Pearl Jam and his earlier years with Soundgarden, the change represents not only a creative shift but also a lifestyle one.

Despite stepping away, Cameron stressed that there is no bad blood with his former bandmates. He said he gave the group ample notice before going public with his decision and has kept in touch with bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard since the news broke.

“It’s been fine,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll get back together at some point and have a beer or something.”

Pearl Jam, meanwhile, has not yet announced who will replace Cameron on drums. For now, the group is on a break from the road, with no shows scheduled for the remainder of 2025 and nothing confirmed for 2026. That downtime may give the band time to weigh their options before deciding how to move forward.

Cameron leaves behind a significant chapter in Pearl Jam’s history. He joined during a transitional moment in the late ’90s and helped anchor the band through numerous tours, studio albums, and high-profile appearances. His powerful but versatile style became a steady presence as Pearl Jam moved into their third decade.