Get ready to relive one of the most emotional and star-studded nights in rock history—Soundgarden’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this ceremony a fitting tribute to the band’s legacy, or did it fall short of capturing their raw, Seattle-born essence? Let’s dive in.
The event was nothing short of a musical extravaganza, bringing together the surviving members of Soundgarden alongside a who’s who of guest artists. Think Brandi Carlile, Taylor Momsen, Jerry Cantrell, Mike McCready, and more. Now, the Rock Hall has released official videos of select performances, with the full ceremony available to stream on Disney+. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about the music—it was a deeply personal celebration of a band that helped define the Seattle sound.
One of the standout moments? Brandi Carlile’s haunting rendition of ‘Black Hole Sun,’ backed by Momsen’s vocals and a lineup that included Cantrell, drummer Matt Cameron, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto. It was a powerful reminder of Soundgarden’s enduring impact.
Here’s where it tugs at your heartstrings: Following the band’s speeches, Chris Cornell’s daughter, Toni, took the stage to perform ‘Fell on Black Days,’ accompanied by Heart’s Nancy Wilson on guitar. It was a moment so raw and emotional that it left the audience in awe.
Meanwhile, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready joined forces with Momsen for a fiery take on ‘Rusty Cage.’ While the official clip hasn’t been released yet, a fan-filmed version is making waves online. But here’s the question: Did these performances truly honor Soundgarden’s legacy, or did they lean too heavily on guest stars?
In an interview with the Seattle Times, Matt Cameron shed light on the band’s vision: ‘We wanted to keep it as Seattle-centric as possible and include some people that were there with us in the beginning.’ Kim Thayil echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of their roots: ‘We’re not just ‘rock guys’ in Soundgarden. We’re rock guys who helped establish the Seattle scene. The geography is part of our identity.’
Soundgarden’s induction was a long time coming—this was their third nomination, following attempts in 2020 and 2023. But here’s the debate: Did the ceremony do justice to their groundbreaking contributions, or did it feel more like a nostalgia trip than a celebration of their innovation?
Stream the official performances below and decide for yourself. While the ‘Rusty Cage’ clip is still pending, a fan-captured version is included for your viewing pleasure. Now, we want to hear from you: Did this induction ceremony capture the spirit of Soundgarden, or did it miss the mark? Let us know in the comments!
