Soundgarden Shines at 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Soundgarden shined at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in Cleveland, Ohio. The legendary grunge band was inducted by actor Jim Carrey, who shared heartfelt memories of the band’s impact.

Tributes and Performances

During the ceremony, Soundgarden was celebrated with performances by notable artists. Brandi Carlile, Taylor Momsen, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, and Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell joined the band to perform iconic tracks “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun.”

Toni Cornell, the daughter of the late frontman Chris Cornell, delivered a touching acoustic rendition of “Fell on Black Days,” accompanied by Nancy Wilson of Heart.

Jim Carrey’s Induction Speech

Jim Carrey reflected on his first encounter with Soundgarden’s music. He humorously recalled wanting to wear a flannel shirt and shout in excitement. He also spoke of the significance of Chris Cornell’s guitar, which he received as a gift.

Carrey included Cornell’s daughter, Lily, in his tribute. She shared her father’s profound influence on both her and countless fans: “I know how much purpose that gave him, and how much it’s meant to people who have heard that music.”

Band Members’ Reflections

Following the performances, the band’s surviving members shared poignant speeches. Guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and bassists Ben Shepherd and Hiro Yamamoto expressed their admiration and shared personal stories.

• Yamamoto honored Chris Cornell, saying, “We are so missing you tonight on this stage.”
• He reflected on his family’s experience during World War II and advocated against repeating history.

Other 2025 Inductees

This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class included several other notable artists:

• The White Stripes
• OutKast
• Cyndi Lauper
• Bad Company
• Chubby Checker
• Joe Cocker

Warren Zevon and Salt-N-Pepa were recognized with the Musical Influence Award, adding to the ceremony’s celebratory atmosphere.

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction will be remembered as a night of honoring musical legends and their enduring influence on generations of fans.