The surviving members of Soundgarden were set to perform at an all-star concert featuring the original lineup of Black Sabbath. However, fans noticed their absence after the show. So, what happened? Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd shared a statement explaining why they couldn’t make it. They thanked Tom Morello, the event’s musical director, and expressed their disappointment: “We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate our schedules to attend and contribute to the festival.”
In their tribute to Black Sabbath, Soundgarden said, “Thank you for an astounding career that provided us and your legion of fans with a lifetime of beauty, horror, love, power, happiness, melancholy, and a profoundly sublime, yet viscerally rocking transcendence informed by both doom and hope. Your majestic brilliance has inspired greatness in scores of other bands, musicians, and songwriters. However, the crown will forever remain yours!”
Since the passing of lead singer Chris Cornell in 2017, Soundgarden has been on hiatus. Recently, there have been some positive signs. The surviving members reunited for a charity show benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital, with Seattle singer-songwriter Shaina Shepherd stepping in as the frontwoman. Additionally, Soundgarden is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November as part of the 2025 class.
In a big update, drummer Matt Cameron announced he is leaving Pearl Jam after 27 years. He joined Pearl Jam in 1998 after Soundgarden split in 1997. When Soundgarden reformed in 2010, he balanced both bands. After his departure from Pearl Jam, he stated he is “still an active musician.” It’s unclear if he will reunite with his Soundgarden bandmates. Stay tuned for more updates!
