Matt Cameron, the celebrated drummer known for his work with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Temple of the Dog, recently offered fans a rare glimpse into his iconic drumming on Soundgarden’s timeless hit “Black Hole Sun.” In a newly released Drumeo video, Cameron dissects his performance on the track, explaining both his approach and the specific gear that helped shape its distinctive sound.
The segment begins with Cameron recalling how organically the song came together during the Superunknown recording sessions. Despite arriving late in the process, the band didn’t spend much time rehearsing the track before laying it down in the studio. Cameron emphasized the natural ease of the session, noting that the arrangement was already strong and required minimal tweaking. According to him, the entire recording took just an afternoon, thanks to the intuitive structure and the freedom it gave the drums.
Describing it as “a super fun track to play,” Cameron highlights the openness in the arrangement that allowed him to explore cymbal crashes and expressive tom patterns. The loose feel of the song gave him space to experiment and lean into the dynamics, making the drumming feel both powerful and fluid.
A major focal point of the video is Cameron’s breakdown of the specific equipment he used, including the legendary seven-inch Keplinger snare drum featured on the Superunknown album. Constructed by Gregg Keplinger in the early 1990s, the snare drum was custom-built for Cameron and played a critical role in achieving the signature sound of the track. The drum itself is made of stainless steel, featuring a prominent weld across the middle — a characteristic Cameron says adds to its unique “Frankenstein” nature.
Cameron explains that the tonal goal was to create a blend that seamlessly integrated the snare with his toms and cymbals, delivering a cohesive and impactful percussive voice on the recording. The Keplinger snare’s sharp, cutting tone proved vital in unifying the different elements of the drum kit during the sessions.
In addition to the main walkthrough, Drumeo also recreated Cameron’s Pearl Jam drum kit for the shoot, incorporating the Keplinger snare from the “Black Hole Sun” session. This recreation allows viewers to see the interplay of gear and technique up close, giving deeper insight into Cameron’s legendary style.
For those wanting to experience Cameron’s playing live, he will be back on the road with Pearl Jam as the band kicks off their spring tour on Thursday, April 24th, in Hollywood, Florida.
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