Legendary rock band's ex-drummer responds to fans about possible reunion
Well, those who wished it would be Dave Abbruzzese will have to keep on wishing.
Abbruzzese addressed the '1000's of posts, messages and emails' he has received from fans 'hoping I would call Pearl Jam and attempt to reconcile with them' in a lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday, July 8.
While the drummer thanked enthusiastic fans, he thought that the years of estrangement between himself and his former bandmates would most likely not result in a reunion.
'The fact that I haven't had any personal contact with any of them leads me to believe the water under the bridge runs too deep and too icy for there to be any reconnection or reconciliation,' Abbruzzese wrote. 'This is a shame and saddens me, greatly. I know I could and would have much to contribute if indeed the call came, but sadly, I don't see that happening.'
Abbruzzese, who played with Pearl Jam from 1991 to 1994, was dismissed from the band over reported creative and personal tensions, according to Billboard. Those tensions resurfaced when the drummer was excluded from Pearl Jam's 2017 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
'I nothing to reconcile with them about. My firing from the band and the subsequent trials and tribulations caused by the actions of the band's management and the band's old label that made things challenging for me weren't completely my doing,' Abbruzzese wrote.
'With the exceptions of some petty comments and actions that I never quite understood or expected, I have never placed blame and harbored resentments towards the members of the band,' he added. 'Although I never truly understood what was so important to destroy the musical chemistry we had back then, it is what it is, and I can't do anything about it. At least nothing that I can figure out.'
The drummer went on to say that 'the years since 1995 have served me well towards growing as a person and a player' and that he has 'been involved in so many wonder-filled projects."
'Plus add to that the personal aspects of my life, blessed with a beautiful and talented daughter... overcoming substance abuse, embracing insanity and coming out on the other side, working in the field of recovery, legal issues, a failed marriage... Needless to say, music is still very important and a continued passion without any doubt,' Abbruzzese wrote. 'My drumming and passion for giving it my all is still as powerful as ever. I wish Pearl Jam and its organization continued success and I do hope that there will come a day that we can again connect on some level. All that being said, I do ask that you please stop sending me messages asking & telling me to contact their management. I appreciate and understand your desire to see what could come out of that reunion musically. I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious, also. With much love and appreciation, Dave.'
Cameron wrote in a statement posted to the band's X profile Monday that he was leaving Pearl Jam after nearly three decades.
'After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,' Cameron wrote.
'I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It's been an incredible journey,' he continued. 'I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Peace and Love, Matt Cameron.'
The rest of Pearl Jam also shared a statement regarding Cameron's departure.
'From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and 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,' Pearl Jam 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.'
A replacement for Cameron has yet to be revealed.
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