This year has been strange for rock music. Specifically, for rock drummers. Several of the biggest bands in the world areparting ways with their drummersone way or another, and for the most part, fans have been left in the dark about the reasons for the sudden departures and who will take their place. In April,The WhofiredZak Starkey,the son of the most famous drummer in the world,Ringo Starr,who had been with them since 1996. Then, in May,Josh Freeseannounced thatDave Grohland theFoo Fightershad dismissed him. And finally, on July 7,Matt Cameronmade the shocking announcement that he was stepping down from his role inPearl Jam.Here’s everything we know about the drummers' mystery.
Foo Fighters and The Who Fired Their Drummers
In April and May, two great rock bands unceremoniously let go of their drummers. It all started with Zak Starkey being fired fromThe Whoafter a disagreement with singerRoger Daltrey.The drummer, who had been with the band for almost 30 years, was reinstated three days later,with guitaristPete Townshendmaking a statementexplaining that it had all been a big misunderstanding, and they had cleared the air.
“He’s not being asked to step down from The Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily,” Townshend wrote. However, the peace didn’t last long. Shortly after, the drummer was fired for a second time. Not only that, butaccording to Starkey, he was asked to say it was his choice. “I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors. This would be a lie. I love The Who and would never have quit,” he clarified.
In the midst of all that, another rock band was going through personnel changes as well. The Foo Fighters hired drummer Josh Freese to take the lateTaylor Hawkins’place, but while he did a great show on tour, it seems they didn’t click.The drummer was the one to announce it on his Instagram, saying that the news came as a shock, but ultimately, he was okay with the decision.
Dave Grohl’s Silence Speaks Volumes Amid Foo Fighters Drummer Controversy
With news of Dave Grohl’s infidelity and the alleged firing of their replacement drummer, could this be the end of the band?
“The Foo Fighters called me on Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given,” he shared. “Regardless,I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off-stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.” While Foo Fighters haven’t said anything about Freese’s dismissal,Dave Grohl recently acknowledged his contributions in a letterannouncing the band’s newest single. The Who are currently touring with drummerScott Devours,who plays with Roger Daltrey’s solo band, but there is no news so far on who will be taking Josh Freese’s place inFoo Fighterswhen they return to the stage in October.
Matt Cameron’s Unexpected Departure From Pearl Jam
Another shocking departure, but this time no one was fired. On July 7, Matt Cameron and Pearl Jam announced that the drummer would be leaving the band. Cameron said that he had taken his “final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam” after “27 fantastic years.” The former Soundgarden drummer joined the band in 1998, and his departure took the fans completely by surprise.
InPearl Jam Twenty, guitaristMike McCreadyexplained how the drummer ended up joining after Soundgarden’s breakup. Pearl Jam’s former drummer,Jack Irons,had quit right before the tour. The two bands were close friends, soEddie Veddercalled Cameron and asked him to fill in, initially temporarily. They ended up having great chemistry, and they asked him to stay permanently. McCready said that Cameron made them “a better band” than they’d ever been. Which is why this announcement was so surprising. In his announcement, Cameron said that there would be “more to follow,” and fans are already speculating on what the next step will be.Some even believe he might join the Foo Fighters.
The band made their own statement on the matter, and while it’s clear there are no hard feelings,it’s heavily implied that the decision was not mutual. “From beingone of our first musical heroesin the bands Skinyardand the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,” they wrote.
“He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love you Matt.”
It’s been a rocky year for drummers so far, and there are a lot of questions unanswered. Hopefully, with time, the bands will shed some light on the future and quell the uncertainty plaguing the fans.
