Mastering the art of drumming has always been a complex endeavor. While some may assume that maintaining a steady tempo and relying on the band to do the rest is all it takes, a skilled drummer understands the importance of adapting to the song, understanding the band’s vision, and delivering precisely what is required whenever a fill is called for. Taylor Hawkins may have already had a significant role to take on in Foo Fighters, but he genuinely believed that Matt Cameron was one of the most exceptional drummers to emerge from the 1990s.
But seriously, who would dare to question Dave Grohl’s status as one of the most renowned drummers in the world? Grohl’s humble demeanor may overshadow his immense talent, but his exceptional drumming skills on the early Nirvana albums played a significant role in their success.
Let’s analyze the introduction of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit‘. People often discuss the profound influence of this song on the rock and roll scene. They attribute it to Kurt Cobain’s creation of a generational anthem. However, it’s worth considering whether the song would have made such a lasting impact without the exceptional drum breaks from Grohl. These breaks seamlessly transition into the song.
Grohl’s resume in the early 1990s was undeniably impressive for a grunge rocker. However, Cameron’s accomplishments as a drummer since then are truly unparalleled. After his time with Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog, Cameron found himself joining another well-known band. This happened following the end of the grunge era.
Following the breakup of Soundgarden, Cameron received a call to temporarily join Pearl Jam on drums. He decided to stick around and became an integral member of the band for more than twenty years. Hawkins faced a challenging task in capturing Grohl’s exceptional drumming abilities on every Foo Fighters record. However, he recognized that Cameron’s skills surpassed those of most drummers.
When discussing Soundgarden, Taylor Hawkins expressed his admiration for Cameron’s exceptional talent as a drummer and Cornell’s captivating presence and incredible vocals. Hawkins said their music was truly remarkable and had a lasting impact.
While Cameron may not always steal the spotlight on the drums, his dedicated work ethic when performing a song stands out. It has been a fundamental aspect of both Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Although he has his moments to shine, such as in the breakdown section of ‘Spoonman‘, some of the most remarkable highlights of his career occurred when he skillfully added the perfect fill to tracks like ‘All Night Thing’ from Temple of the Dog or managed to maintain the intrigue of a midtempo song like ‘Black Hole Sun’.
However, Cameron manages to navigate through a song that constantly changes tempo. Soundgarden’s memorable guitar riffs were built upon a captivating circular groove. This kept listeners guessing about the downbeat. Cameron effortlessly tackled every intricate drum part. It seemed second nature to him, even if it deviated from the traditional 4/4 rhythm.
