Soundgarden Delivers Powerful, Emotional Performance at Rock Hall

Grunge legends Soundgarden marked a significant milestone at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. They delivered a stirring performance that showcased their classic hits, enriched by special guest appearances. The event was memorable not only for the music but also for the heartfelt tributes from loved ones.

Soundgarden’s Emotional Performance

The ceremony began with a moving introduction by actor Jim Carrey. He set the tone for the evening, which included a poignant tribute from Chris Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily. Following these tributes, Soundgarden and their guests electrified the stage with a powerful display of rock talent.

Special Guest Performances

• Taylor Momsen, frontwoman of the Pretty Reckless, opened the performance with a strong rendition of “Rusty Cage.” She has previously collaborated with Soundgarden’s surviving members at the 2022 Taylor Hawkins tribute concert.
• Brandi Carlile, who also performed at the 2019 tribute concert for Cornell, followed with a moving version of “Black Hole Sun,” originally released in 1994.
• Additionally, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam and Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains contributed their iconic sounds to the performance.

With Soundgarden now inducted, Alice in Chains is the last major grunge act yet to receive this honor, following the inductions of Nirvana in 2014 and Pearl Jam in 2017.

Tributes to Chris Cornell

After the band’s performances, each surviving member of Soundgarden expressed their gratitude during acceptance speeches. Jim Carrey returned to introduce Cornell’s younger daughter, Toni Cornell, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Fell on Black Days,” accompanied by Nancy Wilson of Heart on acoustic guitar. Toni has previously recorded tracks written by her father and released a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 2018.

Celebrating Seattle’s Legacy

Soundgarden’s connection to Seattle was a central theme throughout the evening. Thayil emphasized the importance of Seattle’s influence on their identity. He stated, “We’re not simply ‘rock guys.’ We’re rock guys that helped establish the Seattle scene and the sound.” This connection to their birthplace was celebrated with performances featuring local talents.

Looking Ahead

Throughout the evening, the absence of Chris Cornell was deeply felt, yet Soundgarden found joy in commemorating their late frontman. The band has indicated plans for a final album featuring unreleased material recorded with Cornell, ensuring his legacy continues to resonate.

This year’s ceremony also recognized icons like Bad Company, Joe Cocker, and Warren Zevon, making it a historic night for rock music.