Soundgarden was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, marked by a memorable ceremony featuring performances from the surviving band members alongside prominent musicians from Seattle and the presence of Chris Cornell’s daughter. This significant event celebrated the band’s enduring influence on rock music, underscoring their legacy within the genre. The moment was made even more notable by Jim Carrey’s role as the band’s inductee, highlighting a unique connection between the actor and the legendary group.
Jim Carrey’s Connection to Soundgarden and His Induction Speech
Jim Carrey, who had hosted a 1996 episode of Saturday Night Live where Soundgarden was the musical guest, delivered the induction speech. Known for his energetic and comedic style, Carrey opened with a playful remark,
“Spank you kindly, spank you all,”
before reflecting on his decision to bring Soundgarden to SNL and his admiration for them. He joked about why the band chose him for this honor rather than another musician, saying,
“You might ask why would Soundgarden — the heaviest of rock & roll royalty — want Jim Carrey to induct them into the Hall of Fame? Is there some deep, cosmic connection between them, or was the ‘Spoonman’ not available?”
Carrey also shared a personal anecdote about receiving Chris Cornell’s Fender Telecaster after the SNL episode, describing it as his most treasured possession. He credited the Seattle music scene for reviving rock & roll in his life, saying,
“When I heard Soundgarden for the first time, I wasn’t just excited. I wanted to put a flannel shirt on and run into the streets screaming, ‘My mother smoked during pregnancy!’”
This heartfelt tribute conveyed the profound impact Soundgarden’s music had on him.
Tribute from Chris Cornell’s Family and Words from Band Members
After Carrey’s speech, Chris Cornell’s daughter, Lily, took to the stage, expressing her joy that her father had the opportunity to make music with his close friends. She remarked,
“I am just really, really happy that he got to make music with his friends,”
and emphasized the meaning this had for both her father and fans, stating,
“At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
The surviving members of Soundgarden—guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and bassist Ben Shepherd—along with former bassist Hiro Yamamoto, who left the band in 1989, also delivered speeches. Reflecting on Cornell’s absence, Yamamoto shared,
“Chris Cornell, we are so missing you tonight on this stage. We’ve heard so many stories of how the music we created became your own, and that is the greatest recognition of all.”
He ended with a rallying call,
“To everyone else out there — especially all you brown kids — let’s rock!”
These remarks reinforced the deep bonds within the band and their connection to diverse audiences.
Memorable Performances Celebrating Soundgarden’s Legacy
Drummer Matt Cameron had promised a “Seattle-centric” performance for the occasion, and it materialized with an impressive lineup of local musicians joining Soundgarden on stage. Friends like Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, and Taylor Momsen of the Pretty Reckless performed iconic songs including “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun.” Momsen, who was the opening act on Soundgarden’s final tour before Cornell’s passing in 2017, lent her voice to the tribute, emphasizing the close-knit nature of Seattle’s rock community.
The evening also featured a poignant acoustic performance of “Fell on Black Days,” delivered by Cornell’s daughter Toni and Heart’s Nancy Wilson. Toni shared with reporters backstage the deep emotional significance of being part of the tribute, saying,
“It’s so surreal, and I’m so honored that I get to be here to do this for my dad. I just wish he were here to see this tremendous honor for himself.”
Inspired by her father’s Songbook tour performances, Toni aimed to honor his legacy through her own rendition, explaining,
“I was always really touched by just him and his voice, his guitar, and eventually with a cellist … Everyone can relate that song on so many levels, like I fell on black days. We’ve all been there.”
Reflections on Rock’s Past and Future from Fellow Musicians
Before the performance, Nancy Wilson reflected on the state of rock music, highlighting its decline and the importance of the new generation carrying the torch. She observed,
“Rock and roll is almost a lost art. Hard rock bands… the bands we grew up with are not that many roaming the planet anymore, so I’m really happy to see the new ones coming up and still honoring those that left the big dinosaur footprint behind us.”
Matt Cameron also commented on the significance of the honor for Chris Cornell, underscoring his ongoing influence as an artist. Cameron stated,
“I think Chris would have really enjoyed this moment of recognition, because he was always moving as an artist. He was always seeking that next phase of his writing career, performing career.”
He suggested that Cornell’s contributions could be further acknowledged in the future for his work beyond Soundgarden, such as with Temple of the Dog or as a solo artist, calling his impact “absolutely massive.”
What This Induction Means for Soundgarden and Rock Music
The induction of Soundgarden into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame not only cements the band’s place in the history of rock music but also highlights the enduring spirit of the Seattle music community. The participation of artists from related bands and the emotional presence of Cornell’s daughters underline the deep connections forged through music. This tribute signals both a celebration of Soundgarden’s trailblazing path and a hopeful reminder of rock’s continuing evolution and relevance.
As fans and musicians reflect on the night’s performances and speeches, the legacy of Chris Cornell and Soundgarden remains a powerful influence, inspiring future artists to carry forward their musical innovation and passion.
