Grunge will take the spotlight this year as Soundgarden gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band plans to pay tribute to their hometown of Seattle during the ceremony. Soundgarden formed in Seattle in 1984, with members Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, and Hiro Yamamoto. The current lineup includes Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and bassist Ben Shepherd. Sadly, Cornell passed away in 2017.
So, what can fans expect for this special night? Thayil shared that they want to keep the focus on Seattle and include people who were part of their journey from the start.
Soundgarden has invited several notable Seattle musicians to perform at the event. Among them are Mike McCready from Pearl Jam, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Nancy Wilson from Heart, and Brandi Carlile. Taylor Momsen, the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, will also join the celebration. Although she’s not from Seattle, she’s a huge Soundgarden fan and opened for them on tour in 2017 when Cornell passed away.
Thayil emphasized the importance of having their friends and fellow musicians from Seattle involved. “It’s part of our identity,” he said. He added that Soundgarden is more than just a rock band; they helped shape the Seattle music scene.
Cameron and Thayil also discussed the upcoming Soundgarden album, which will feature recordings Cornell left behind. “It’s a way to pay tribute to our beloved brother,” Thayil explained. The emotional weight of this project is significant for the band.
The induction ceremony will take place in 2025 in Los Angeles and will be streamed live on Disney+.
