Soundgarden want to honor its Pacific Northwest roots as the band is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame next month. In an interview with the Seattle Times, the living members of Soundgarden revealed that Heart’s Nancy Wilson, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, and Taylor Momsen of the Pretty Reckless will perform with them on the big night.
“We wanted to keep it as Seattle-centric as possible and include some people that were there with us in the beginning,” drummer Matt Cameron told the outlet.
Soundgarden are being inducted after three nominations, joining the Rock Hall’s 2025 class alongside Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, Outkast, and more. “I’m definitely proud,” Kim Thayil told the Times. “The emotive appraisals are somewhat dynamic. … It’ll probably feel different an hour after it’s concluded or the next week than it does upon initially hearing the announcement or now as we’re preparing.”
“What changes now,” Thayil continued, “is the appreciation of that shared pride that you see with your friends, family and the fans. … I might have an understanding of the band’s accomplishments. But to see the enthusiasm with family — and certainly with the fans — and the pride, that changes the understanding entirely.”
During the interview, the band also reflected on missing frontman Chris Cornell, who died by suicide in 2017 at 52 years old. “I think Chris would have really enjoyed this moment of recognition, because he was always moving as an artist,” Cameron said. “He was always seeking that next phase of his writing career, performing career. … Maybe down the line he will get recognized as a solo artist or [for] Temple of the Dog or something like that because his contribution to music has been absolutely massive.”
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The ceremony, held on Nov. 8 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, will also feature Mick Fleetwood, Janelle Monáe, Heart’s Nancy Wilson, Joe Perry, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell, Bryan Adams, En Vogue, Feist, Nathaniel Rateliff, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and others.
Chappell Roan (who will be inducting Cyndi Lauper), Olivia Rodrigo, the Killers, Elton John, Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, David Letterman, Flea, Iggy Pop, Questlove, and more will also be in attendance.
