Former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron has opened up about the moment Dave Grohl texted him regarding the Foo Fighters drummer position. Cameron explained that despite the timing coinciding with his departure from Pearl Jam, he wasn’t actually looking to take on the gig. “Well, Dave texted me. We went back and forth a little bit because he’s such a nice supportive guy. But no, I wasn’t really looking to do that gig,” Cameron stated.
He acknowledged that the band ultimately made the right choice with their eventual selection. Cameron noted that he saw them perform with their new drummer and was impressed by the musicianship on display. “But it worked out great, you know. I mean, they got a killer guy. And I saw them with Josh. I thought Josh was crushing it,” he added.
The revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes conversations that occur when established bands seek new members. Multiple high-profile drummers became available around the same time, making this a significant moment in the rock music landscape.
Cameron’s decision to decline the Foo Fighters opportunity proved to be a temporary reprieve from his drumming commitments. After nearly three decades with Pearl Jam, the legendary drummer announced his departure from the band in July 2025. He cited the physical demands of constant touring and the band’s lengthy three-hour performances as primary factors in his decision. The 62-year-old drummer, who had been with Pearl Jam since 1998, felt that the relentless touring schedule had become increasingly challenging to maintain at his stage of life and career.
The Foo Fighters proceeded with their own drummer search following Josh Freese’s departure earlier in 2025. The band ultimately brought in Ilan Rubin, who transitioned from his long-standing role with Nine Inch Nails to join Dave Grohl’s group. Rubin’s appointment marked another significant shift in the band’s lineup as they entered their fourth decade together. This demonstrates the interconnected nature of the rock music community where talented musicians often move between prominent acts.
Cameron’s legacy as a drummer extends far beyond his Pearl Jam tenure. He remains one of only three drummers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. This distinction he shares with Ringo Starr and Dave Grohl himself. His work with Soundgarden before joining Pearl Jam cemented his status as one of rock music’s most respected percussionists. His eventual departure from Pearl Jam marked a notable moment in the band’s history and the broader rock music landscape.
