Soundgarden honor Chris Cornell during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
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From left, Soundgarden's Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, Hiro Yamamoto, and Kim Thayil. Photo: Kevin Kane/Getty Images for RRHOF
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame welcomed another one of Seattle's grunge titans on Saturday night.
Why it matters: Soundgarden's induction cements the band's legacy as one of the most impactful rock acts of the past 40 years, which was at the forefront of the early-1990s grunge revolution.
Driving the news: The Rock Hall's class of 2025 was honored during a ceremony at Los Angeles' Peacock Theatre.
- Band members Kim Thayil, Hiro Yamamoto, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron were on hand to accept their awards, presented by actor Jim Carey and late singer Chris Cornell's eldest daughter, Lily.
Flashback: Soundgarden formed in Seattle in the late 1980s and helped pioneer the city's grunge music scene, which gave birth to the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.
- Soundgarden has been eligible for the Rock Hall since 2012 and got in on its third nomination this year.
What they're saying: Cornell, who passed away in 2017, was at the center of the band's tribute.
- "We are missing you tonight on this stage," Yamamoto said during his speech. "We all love you and we would not be here without you."
State of play: The bandmembers performed backed by fellow Seattle legends Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) and Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains).
- Singers Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless) and Brandi Carlile stood in for Cornell on renditions of "Rusty Cage" and "Black Hole Sun."
- Cornell's youngest daughter, Toni, closed things with a moving performance of "Fell on Black Days" alongside Seattle rock legend Nancy Wilson.
What's next: Soundgarden's induction follow those of Nirvana, in 2014, and Pearl Jam, in 2017.
- All eyes, perhaps, turn towards Alice in Chains, the last member of Seattle's big four grunge bands who has yet to be nominated.
How to watch: The 2025 Rock Hall ceremony is available to stream on Disney+.
- ABC will air a highlight special at 8pm on Jan. 1.