MATT CAMERON SHOOTS DOWN SOUNDGARDEN REUNION RUMORS
Credit: stuff.co.nz
THE STATE OF GRUNGE
While some bands from the era think “grunge” is a dirty word and have distanced themselves from the term, there’s no denying Pearl Jam – along with Nirvana, Mudhoney, Sonic Youth, Alice in Chains and Cameron’s first band Soundgarden – helped define a generation of angsty teens in the early ’90s with their music.
Cameron said he liked the term and was happy for its current revival in popularity.
“I think it represents a pretty cool part of rock ‘n’ roll history. It seems to be on a bit of a nostalgia trip but there’s been enough time between the scene and where the music industry is at right now.
“I think it’s viewed on fondly by a lot of people. A lot of the music represented a certain realness that might be missing these days.”
When he joined Pearl Jam in 1998, Cameron had only just recovered from the break-up of Soundgarden. When he accepted the offer, he was given two weeks to learn Pearl Jam’s entire catalogue.
“I got the phone call two or three weeks before they were going to head out for a six week tour. I had to learn 60 songs, get out there and start rocking.”
Despite his side-projects being forced to take a back seat – he belongs to Seattle jazz band Harrybu McCage, and is a member of rock acts Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy – Cameron said he knew Pearl Jam would be a long-term commitment.
“I always felt like this band had the potential to have the longest career just because the communication between band members was really good, management was really good. They’ve always tackled the music business in a really healthy way.”
And for those of you wanting to know about those Soundgarden reunion rumours, Cameron has some bad news.
“(Singer) Chris (Cornell) is pretty active with his solo career, and I’m super busy right now. The last thing on my mind is getting a band back together.”
*Pearl Jam play at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland tonight. Gates open at 4.30pm, Liam Finn performs at 5.30pm, Ben Harper at 6.30pm, and Pearl Jam at 8pm. Christchurch’s performing times all run an hour later. Limited numbers of tickets are available for both shows.
This for me and Im sure alot of other fans is great news. Dont get me wrong, I love Soundgarden but I dont want them reforming just because they can. Matt is now a Pearl Jam band memeber, he’s an important part and I dont want to see him anywhere else.
Fuck this shit, man. A Soundgarden reunion is long fucking overdue. I love Matt Cameron and respect his decisions, but this is still BS.
This sucks. That why I have doubt.
I was pretty surprised when I read this too. Everything was pointing towards at least a few reunion shows next year with Pearl Jam talking about touring less in 2010, all of Soundgarden attending the Pearl Jam show last month, Cornell’s quotes this year, the Tadgarden show in April, the Download Festival rumors, the rumors back in June about a 2010 tour. They really blew it not reuniting, this was probably their best chance to strike while the iron is hot. I don’t think as many people will care when they eventually do reunite (it’ll happen at some point) in a few years. Cornell’s voice will probably be totally gone at that point and it won’t be as good as it would have been in 2010. I love Soundgarden but reuniting even just for a small tour would have been great for their legacy, it would have made Soundgarden shirts and other merchandise readily available to fans and it would have exposed a whole new generation to Soundgarden.
Phil, Soundgarden doing a short tour or playing some festivals wouldn’t affect Pearl Jam.
This guy on the Download Festival forums thinks Cameron is lying to maintain the surprise:
again i will mention it, but Chris Cornells long term serving band for his solo carrier are NOT touring with him for 2010. is he gonna turn up to shows on his own and play accoustic sets????
no.
no he’s not, the rumour started for a good reason, when Tom Morello gathered the former members of soundgarden and played a show in Seattle, Chris Cornell then seemed shocked that they had done it and expressed his wish to meet with the guys and discuss their future. since then Mr Cornell has 360′d on his last solo album, suddenly deciding he needs to be attracting his old fans rather than the sell outs he was aiming it at. rumour has it that several members of soundgarden have helped him out on his new version of scream.
i dont know how they will work a Pearl Jam/Soundgarden tour, but my opinion is that 2010 is the year of the GRUNGE!! =o)
i think not only will they both be at download, but i think a world tour is iminent. might even get some Temple Of The Dog.
and as said just above, all reunions are rubbished before the publicity is fully in place.
i’ll eat typing hand if i’m wrong on this!! =o) lol
I understand your views, but do we really need yet another band reforming? I loved Soundgarden and still listen to their music but I dont need them reforming just because it seems the right thing to do. Chris Cornell has stated quite clearly in the past that he does not feel that a reunion is the right thing, thats all the proof I need to know that this is just a money making enterprise with no regard for the history and legacy of the band. Im fine with Matt doing some shows but believe me, Pearl Jam will be touring extensively in 2010 despite previous reports.
man! its not about weather the band needs to release a new album, its about just a (at the very least) small tour for all those fans who grew up listening to the band and watching them on MTV who didn’t get the chance to see them in concert. they are such a talented bunch of individuals that I can’t imagine them not touring and playing some of their best work! This same thing happened when RATM reunited tom shot the rumors down and everything and then they went and reunited and I saw them and it was a great show. Soundgarden playing live, now that’s a religious experience that i can’t go through life missing out on. It wouldn’t hurt to play a few shows would it? I’m a huge fan. If STP,Rage,Jane’s addiction and Mudhoney can tour, so can Soundgarden.
Just give it time people.
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Thank God. If Cornell gave up his solo career it would make me sick to my stomach.
I still think that this reunion could very well still happen indeed.
yeah it’s probobly going to happen..i mean why not, ya know? but its going to be one of those it will happen when it happens.
like everybody can see nobody affirms that they won’t reunite.
I think that they go yes =D
i vote for Pearl Jam, hopefully they will make a tour to Mexico :´( please
Chris cant hang anyways.
I would kill for a Soundgarden reunion. I like Pearl Jam, but if I could trade Pearl Jam breaking up for even ONE little tour from Soundgarden I would gladly do it. Soundgarden is 1000 times better than Pearl Jam and I never got to see them live.. they really should do it for the fans like me who were children in the early 90s. They are my favorite band and I would pay any price for that show!
This is really God news!
No, that isnt a type, Matt Cameron is a god.
I’m glad he is sticking with PJ, who really wants to see a nostalga tour like that? It would only be cool if they put out a new album.
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