Soundgarden Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: A Bittersweet Celebration

Photo: Peter Alfred Hess

On November 8, 2025, Soundgarden became the third grunge-centric band to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—a long-overdue honor for one of the genre’s most influential acts. While many fans of grunge and alternative rock have long questioned the Hall’s relevance, citing its inconsistencies and perceived disconnect from rock’s rebellious spirit, the musicians themselves often appreciate the recognition. Whether or not they admit it, being inducted means something. It means legacy.

Whatever Soundgarden’s personal feelings about the accolade, they surely understand that inclusion in the Hall ensures they’ll be remembered—not just by fans, but by history. They were honored alongside the 2026 class of inductees: The White Stripes, Bad Company, Outkast, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, and Joe Cocker.

Four living members of Soundgarden—bassist Ben Shepherd, guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto—were present. But of course, the absence of legendary vocalist Chris Cornell loomed large. He’s been gone for years now, and nights like this make the loss feel fresh. Widely regarded as the most gifted vocalist in grunge history, Cornell’s voice could grow the tastiest crops a garden ever knew. But he was more than grunge—his range, emotion, and versatility transcended genre.

Soundgarden’s influence is undeniable. They helped shape the sound of grunge, heavy metal, and alternative rock. Their aggressive, emotionally raw vocals, experimental guitar tones, and daring rhythmic structures inspired countless bands. Even those who weren’t fans respected them. Their street cred was unmatched. They could be thunderously heavy, darkly poetic, and occasionally humorous—but they always led listeners into the shadows with unforgettable power.

Jim Carrey inducted the band, recalling how he insisted on Soundgarden as the musical guest when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 1996. He contextualized the band within the early ’90s grunge explosion, name-dropping Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Mudhoney, and Mother Love Bone. True to form, Carrey added levity with references to his Fire Marshall Bill character from In Living Color.

The tribute video featured interviews with Tom Morello, Lzzy Hale, Jerry Cantrell, Chris Cornell, Hiro Yamamoto, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Geddy Lee. Cornell’s daughter Lily spoke about her father, Soundgarden, and Susan Silver—Cornell’s ex-wife and longtime manager—who was in the audience. Krist Novoselic was also in attendance.

The live performance was electric. Jerry Cantrell, Mike McCready, Brandi Carlile, and Taylor Momsen joined the original members on stage. Momsen kicked things off with a ferocious rendition of “Rusty Cage,” followed by Carlile’s powerful take on “Black Hole Sun,” with Momsen joining midway for a haunting vocal interplay.

Yamamoto delivered the most heartfelt speech, touching on Chris, his imprisoned parents, his Japanese heritage, and his deep love for his bandmates, friends, family, and fans. The crowd rose in applause.

Cameron offered a long list of thank-yous, including nods to Pearl Jam, Nirvana, the Melvins, The Wipers, and Alice in Chains—then called Chris his hero. Thayil followed, echoing Cameron’s thanks and adding his own, including a tribute to his immigrant parents and praise for Cornell’s fearless experimentation. Shepherd, unprepared but sincere, simply said “Hi Mom” and shared a few humorous and loving words.

The night closed with a somber performance of “Fell On Black Days,” sung by Chris’s daughter Toni. Backed by Nancy Wilson on acoustic guitar and Adrienne Woods on cello, Toni’s low, mournful delivery occasionally erupted into raw, anguished cries. It was a fitting end—beautiful, painful, and unforgettable.

For Soundgarden fans, it was as good as it could get. But it was missing Chris. And that’s a reality that still hurts.