Soundgarden, the legendary rock band, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in a ceremony full of emotion and celebration. It was a special night, honoring the legacy of the late Chris Cornell, with heartfelt performances from the band’s surviving members and friends from Seattle’s music scene.
The induction featured an entertaining speech by Jim Carrey, who hosted Saturday Night Live back in 1996 when Soundgarden performed. He humorously reflected on how he had insisted the band be the musical guest and shared that he was gifted one of Chris Cornell’s guitars, a treasure he still holds dear. “The Seattle music scene brought rock & roll back to life for me,” he recalled, illustrating the band’s influence on many.
After Carrey, Cornell’s daughter, Lily, took the stage, expressing her happiness about her father making music with his friends. “That gave him purpose and meant so much to everyone who heard that music,” she said, showcasing the deep impact Soundgarden had on fans and musicians alike.
The evening featured a “Seattle-centric” performance led by drummer Matt Cameron, who promised to celebrate the band’s roots. Friends like Mike McCready from Pearl Jam and Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains joined for electrifying renditions of classics like “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun.” This camaraderie illustrated how Soundgarden shaped the music landscape, especially in the grunge era of the 1990s.
All members of Soundgarden spoke during the induction. Hiro Yamamoto, who left the group in 1989, gave a heartfelt tribute, saying they had heard many stories of how their music became personal to fans. “To everyone out there—especially all you brown kids—let’s rock!” he encouraged, underscoring the band’s passion for connecting with listeners.
Continuing the emotional performances, Cornell’s daughter Toni and Heart’s Nancy Wilson delivered an acoustic version of “Fell on Black Days.” Afterward, Toni shared how surreal and special it felt to honor her dad in such a significant way. She mentioned she drew inspiration from his previous performances, hoping to capture the essence of how he would have performed a song so close to their hearts.
Nancy Wilson further emphasized the importance of rock music in today’s scene, saying it feels rare. “I’m glad to see new bands honoring those who paved the way,” she stated.
Cameron also reflected on Chris Cornell’s artistry, expressing hope that he would receive more recognition for his solo work in the future. “Chris was always evolving as an artist, always searching for the next phase,” he said, highlighting the ongoing legacy Cornell left behind.
This induction ceremony wasn’t just about honoring a band; it was a celebration of friendship, artistry, and the lasting influence Soundgarden has had on generations. As music continues to evolve, the spirit of Soundgarden lives on, inspiring both old and new fans.
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Ben Shepherd,Brandi Carlile,Jerry Cantrell,Jim Carrey,Kim Thayil,Matt Cameron,Mike McCready,Nancy Wilson,Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,Soundgarden,Taylor Momsen
