SOUNDGARDEN Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony Highlights
SOUNDGARDEN, the renowned Seattle grunge icons, received their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony featured actor and comedian Jim Carrey as the inducting presenter, who humorously pondered the choice of his involvement, saying, “Spank you kindly, spank you all. You might ask why would SOUNDGARDEN — the heaviest of rock and roll royalty — want Jim Carrey to induct them into the Hall Of Fame?”
Jim Carrey’s Heartfelt Tribute
Carrey reminisced about the impact of the Seattle music scene, expressing how it revitalized his love for rock and roll. “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!'” He continued with a personal anecdote, recalling his first meeting with the band during his debut hosting of “Saturday Night Live” in 1996. Carrey described the experience as transformative, stating, “They launched into the dark, epic beauty of ‘Pretty Noose’. I stood right in front of them, letting the waves of electricity wash over me, like an audio baptism.”
Emotional Speeches and Performances
Adding to the heartfelt atmosphere, Chris Cornell’s daughter, Lily, took the stage to honor her father’s legacy, saying, “I am just really, really happy that he got to make music with his friends. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
The surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN—Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil, and Ben Shepherd—were accompanied by original bassist Hiro Yamamoto and special guests for a powerful performance of “Rusty Cage,” alongside Brandi Carlile and Jerry Cantrell from Alice In Chains, who joined for “Black Hole Sun.” Later, Cornell’s daughter Toni performed “Fell On Black Days” with HEART’s Nancy Wilson, creating a poignant moment in the ceremony.
Reflections from the Inductees
During their acceptance speeches, the members of SOUNDGARDEN expressed their deep appreciation for Cornell. Yamamoto poignantly stated, “Chris Cornell, we are so missing you tonight on this stage,” while Thayil reflected on Cornell’s encouraging nature in the creative process, emphasizing the band’s unity and identity.
Cameron commented on the choice of artists involved in the performance, highlighting the importance of Seattle’s music scene to their identity: “We’re rock guys in this band SOUNDGARDEN that helped establish the Seattle scene and the sound.” He noted that the geographical roots of the band are integral to who they are.
Recognition and Legacy
SOUNDGARDEN was first nominated for the Rock Hall in 2020 and again in 2023 before finally being inducted this year. They finished sixth in the fan vote, receiving over 233,000 votes. This induction marks the second for Matt Cameron, who previously entered the Hall with PEARL JAM in 2017.
Personal Reflections from Matt Cameron
Cameron expressed his gratitude for receiving this honor twice, saying, “It’s a huge honor… I haven’t really wrapped my head around it.” He emphasized the significance of this induction, noting that his role in SOUNDGARDEN allowed him to contribute more directly to its creation and sound compared to his experience with PEARL JAM.
Conclusion
The induction of SOUNDGARDEN into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to their profound influence on rock music and their enduring legacy. The event not only celebrated the band’s achievements but also honored the memories of Chris Cornell, reminding fans of the power of music to connect and inspire.
FAQs
When was SOUNDGARDEN inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
SOUNDGARDEN was inducted on November 8, 2023.
Who inducted SOUNDGARDEN into the Hall of Fame?
Actor and comedian Jim Carrey inducted SOUNDGARDEN.
What performances took place during the induction ceremony?
The surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN performed “Rusty Cage,” and Brandi Carlile with Jerry Cantrell performed “Black Hole Sun.” Additionally, Cornell’s daughter Toni performed “Fell On Black Days” with Nancy Wilson.
How many times has Matt Cameron been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Matt Cameron has been inducted twice, once with SOUNDGARDEN and once with PEARL JAM.
