Sadeq Al Sabbah Awarded Lebanon's National Order of the Cedar

Sabbah receives his honor.
Sabbah receives his honor.
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Sadeq Al Sabbah Awarded Lebanon's National Order of the Cedar

Sabbah receives his honor.
Sabbah receives his honor.

Lebanese producer Sadeq Al Sabbah was awarded the National Order of The Cedar on Sunday.

Held at Beirut's Grand Serail, the ceremony was attended by politicians, artists, and media personalities.

The honor was ordered by President Michel Aoun. He was represented at the ceremony by Prime Minister Najib Mikati who hosted the event.

Al Sabbah arrived early to the Serail, before the launch of the ceremony at 6:00 pm. He was calm, smiling, and seemed a modest man proud of his remarkable achievements. He welcomed the guests, thanked those who congratulated him with flowers, and embraced his grandchildren expressing his happiness on the occasion.

The ceremony was led by poet and journalist Zahi Wehbi who said honoring a successful Lebanese figure warms the heart, especially since this initiative comes while Sabbah is in the peak of his success.

The event was inaugurated with a short film listing the producer’s best cinema and TV works, followed by several keynotes.

Among the attendees were Industry Minister George Boujikian, former prime minister Tammam Salam, Lebanese and Arabic artists including Elham Shahin, Rafic Ali Ahmad, Georges Khabbaz, Claudia Marshalian, Rola Beksmati, and Adel Karam.

“His name tells so much about him. He is honest (Sadeq in Arabic means honest) in his work, honest in his productions, and honest with his country. We worked together several times, and I felt how honest he is to this country. He has made Beirut the capital of drama series. His persistence impressed us and made us proud,” Mikati said in his keynote.

“Every day, we look at you, waiting for more successful productions,” he said.

After the ceremony, responding to a question by Asharq Al-Awsat on whether he watches Lebanese drama, Mikati said: “Of course, I do and I know the names of all the stars.” Then he turned to his wife and asked her about the name of the series they plan to watch soon, she said: “The Rain Dance,” which is a Sabbah production.

Boujikian addressed a keynote in which he said: “Who among us doesn’t remember ‘Al Hayba’ series, and the millions of viewers who waited in front of their TVs for more episodes. How can Lebanon, the state, and the people not honor Sadeq Al Sabbah, who despite all the difficult circumstances, kept his studios operating in Lebanon, offering opportunities to many actors and actresses, and widening the horizons to welcome more talents from the Arab world as part of his global, Arabic vision.”

“It’s hard for me to express my thoughts and emotions, but I am so happy, not only for the medal that I respect and honor, but for accomplishing the goal I inherited from my family, grandfather, and father. I am from Nabatieh, a city of culture, light, knowledge, and scientists like Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah. I belong to a southern Arabic city, to an Arabic family proud of its roots that built a wide, regional network of fraternal and familial connections,” Sabbah said after he received the medal which he has dedicated to Lebanon.

“My goal was to be proud of my country and make my country proud of me even in the most challenging circumstances. Now, I see this goal is accomplished, and I hope to see Lebanon recovered and back to its Arabic entourage like it was and it is supposed to be. These exceptional situations will end despite the compelling circumstances,” he added.

Commenting on this tribute, Sadeq’s daughter and his partner Lama Al Sabbah, said: “I believe this honor is a reward to my father’s long successful journey. I am happy his country considered celebrating him.”

Elham Shahin described Sadeq Al Sabbah as a close friend and a person she respects and appreciates. “He’s a unique producer in this industry. He is professional and knows what he’s doing, and who to choose for every work. He’s a producer and an artist with a fine artistic sense who managed to make great works,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat.



Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
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Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years.

The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.

“Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. 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,” Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.

They made no mention of a replacement.

Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.

But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's “Binaural.”

He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.