Matt Cameron discusses leaving Pearl Jam, upcoming Soundgarden album, and more.

Drummer Matt Cameron sat down with Billboard’s Gary Graff to discuss his decision to leave Pearl Jam, the band he had been a part of since 1998. Cameron, who also played with Soundgarden, the Seattle-based band he joined in 1986, provided insights into his departure from Pearl Jam and updated fans on the status of a final album from Soundgarden.

In July, Cameron announced his exit from Pearl Jam, citing issues with the band’s lengthy shows and constant touring. He expressed a desire to focus on shorter, more intense performances, stating, “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.”

Despite leaving Pearl Jam, Cameron remains on good terms with his former bandmates, including bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard. While he gave the band ample notice of his departure, Cameron hopes to reunite with them in the future for a friendly get-together.

On the Soundgarden front, Cameron shared that the band is working on completing an album they began recording with the late Chris Cornell, the group’s frontman who tragically passed away in 2017. Cameron, along with guitarist Kim Thayil and bassist Ben Shepherd, have made significant progress on the album, with Thayil meticulously fine-tuning his guitar parts.

The forthcoming album, which includes eight new tracks, is a tribute to Cornell’s legacy and musical contributions. While the record is not expected to be released before the end of the year, the band has decided not to release any singles until the album is fully completed.

When asked about Soundgarden’s performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in November, Cameron remained tight-lipped about potential guest performers. However, he did confirm that co-founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto will be part of the festivities, highlighting the band’s commitment to honoring its history.

As Cameron prepares for his second induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, he remains focused on his music and the future of Soundgarden. The band continues to work diligently on their final album, paying homage to Cornell and their shared musical legacy. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of this heartfelt tribute to a beloved frontman and the iconic band that continues to inspire generations of listeners.