Grunge legends Soundgarden officially entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. The induction ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, featured powerful performances and heartfelt tributes to the band, especially their late frontman Chris Cornell. Iconic musicians Brandi Carlile and Taylor Momsen joined the surviving members on stage for a memorable rendition of "Black Hole Sun."
Key Takeaways
- Soundgarden was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
- Brandi Carlile and Taylor Momsen performed "Black Hole Sun" with the band.
- Toni Cornell honored her father, Chris Cornell, with a performance of "Fell On Black Days."
- Actor Jim Carrey delivered the induction speech, praising Chris Cornell's unique presence.
Soundgarden's Induction into the Class of 2025
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame welcomed Soundgarden into its prestigious ranks this year. The band joined a diverse group of inductees including Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and The White Stripes. This recognition solidifies Soundgarden's place in music history, acknowledging their profound impact on the grunge movement and rock music as a whole.
The ceremony itself was a celebration of their legacy. Fans and fellow musicians gathered to honor the Seattle quartet. The event highlighted the band's innovative sound and the enduring power of their music.
Induction Class of 2025 Highlights
- Soundgarden: Grunge pioneers
- Bad Company: Classic rock supergroup
- Chubby Checker: Rock and roll dance icon
- Joe Cocker: Legendary blues-rock vocalist
- Cyndi Lauper: Pop music icon
- Outkast: Influential hip-hop duo
- The White Stripes: Modern rock innovators
Emotional Tributes to Chris Cornell
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to remembering Chris Cornell, Soundgarden's iconic vocalist who passed away in 2017. Actor Jim Carrey delivered the induction speech for the band, focusing heavily on Cornell's unique artistry and profound stage presence.
"It felt like he had given us an all-access pass to some monumental apocalyptic dream he was having," Carrey stated during his speech. "He had a deeply authentic presence. When you looked into his eyes, it was like eternity was staring back."
Carrey's words painted a vivid picture of Cornell's impact, resonating deeply with the audience. His tribute underscored the lasting void left by the singer's passing but also celebrated the powerful legacy he created.
Toni Cornell's Moving Performance
One of the most poignant moments of the night came from Toni Cornell, Chris Cornell's daughter. She performed a moving rendition of Soundgarden's "Fell On Black Days," accompanied by Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson. Her performance was met with a warm reception, a testament to her talent and the emotional weight of the song.
Following her performance, Toni shared her feelings about the honor. She expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to honor her father.
"It’s so surreal, and I’m so honoured that I get to be here to do this for my dad," Toni said. "I just wish he were here to see this tremendous honour for himself. I know how proud he would have been, but he’s the only reason why I do music so being here and being able to share my voice because of him, is amazing."
Her words highlighted the personal significance of the induction, not just for the band, but for his family and fans worldwide.
Star-Studded Musical Collaborations
The musical performances were a highlight of the ceremony. Soundgarden took to the stage with an impressive lineup of guest musicians. Pearl Jam's Mike McCready and Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrell joined guitar duties, adding their distinctive styles to Soundgarden's sound.
The vocal parts of Chris Cornell were taken on by two powerful female vocalists: Brandi Carlile and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. Their collaboration on "Black Hole Sun" was a particularly anticipated moment. This performance showcased the enduring appeal of Soundgarden's music and the respect it commands across genres.
The Enduring Legacy of Grunge
Soundgarden emerged from the vibrant Seattle music scene of the late 1980s, becoming one of the "Big Four" grunge bands alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. Their sound blended heavy metal power with punk energy and psychedelic influences, creating a unique sonic landscape. Albums like 'Badmotorfinger' and 'Superunknown' are considered masterpieces, defining a generation's sound. The band's induction into the Hall of Fame underscores the lasting cultural significance of grunge and its continued influence on contemporary music.
The Band Members Receive Their Due
Before the main performances, the surviving members of Soundgarden were formally inducted. Guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, original bassist Hiro Yamamoto, and his successor Ben Shepherd received their well-deserved recognition. Jim Carrey's speech specifically acknowledged their collective contributions to the band's legendary status.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of Soundgarden's innovative spirit and the profound impact they had on music. Their induction is a fitting tribute to a band that pushed boundaries and left an indelible mark on rock and roll.
The event celebrated not only the band's past achievements but also their ongoing influence on new generations of musicians and fans. The performances and tributes ensured that the spirit of Soundgarden, and Chris Cornell, will continue to resonate.