Soundgarden Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 by Jim Carrey, Performs with All-Star Guests

Grunge Royalty Takes Its Place: Soundgarden Enters the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) induction ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, delivered one of its most anticipated moments in recent history as Seattle grunge pioneers Soundgarden were officially enshrined. The band, known for its complex rhythms, heavy riffs, and the soaring four-octave voice of the late Chris Cornell, was inducted by actor and comedian Jim Carrey during the star-studded event.

For fans, the highlight of the evening was the powerful performance by the surviving members—guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd, and drummer Matt Cameron—who were joined by a rotating cast of high-profile guest vocalists to honor their iconic catalog.

The Induction: Jim Carrey’s Personal Tribute

Jim Carrey, known for his dramatic and comedic range, delivered an unexpectedly heartfelt and deeply personal induction speech. Carrey focused on the raw power and emotional complexity of Soundgarden’s music, particularly its resonance during the turbulent 1990s.

Carrey emphasized how the band—alongside peers like Nirvana and Pearl Jam—redefined rock music by blending punk energy with heavy metal power, creating the distinct sound known globally as grunge. He spoke movingly about the genius of Chris Cornell, highlighting his lyrical depth and unparalleled vocal talent, which remains central to the band’s legacy.

“Soundgarden didn’t just make noise; they sculpted sound into architecture. They gave voice to a generation grappling with complexity, and in Chris Cornell, we had a poet who could sing the storm,” Carrey stated during his address.

This induction recognizes Soundgarden’s profound influence, particularly their seminal albums Badmotorfinger (1991) and the commercially successful Superunknown (1994), which cemented their status as one of the “Big Four” of Seattle grunge.

The All-Star Performance: Honoring Chris Cornell

The emotional climax of the evening was the performance, which saw Thayil, Shepherd, and Cameron take the stage to deliver a blistering set. Given the irreplaceable nature of Cornell’s voice, the band chose to collaborate with artists who have publicly cited Soundgarden as a major influence, transforming the performance into a collective tribute.

The setlist focused on their most enduring hits, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and heavy sound:

Soundgarden RRHOF 2025 Performance Highlights

• “Rusty Cage”: Kicking off the set, this track featured Brandi Carlile, who brought a raw, powerful energy to the song’s signature shifting time signatures and aggressive riffing. Carlile has long been an advocate for Cornell’s legacy and previously collaborated with the surviving members.
• “Spoonman”: This performance was fronted by Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. Momsen’s gritty vocal style was perfectly suited to the track’s industrial percussion and heavy groove, demonstrating the song’s enduring relevance.
• “Black Hole Sun”: The band closed with their most recognizable hit. For this iconic track, the vocal duties were shared, with multiple inductees and guests joining in, creating a massive, unifying chorus that served as a poignant memorial to Cornell.

Matt Cameron, who is also the drummer for Pearl Jam, pulled double duty, anchoring the performance with his distinctive, powerful drumming. Kim Thayil’s innovative, often dissonant guitar work—a hallmark of the Soundgarden sound—was on full display, reminding the audience of his unique contribution to modern rock guitar.

Soundgarden’s Legacy in the Hall

Soundgarden’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is not merely an acknowledgment of commercial success; it validates their artistic innovation. They were instrumental in bridging the gap between underground punk and mainstream heavy rock, influencing countless bands across genres.

Their work is characterized by:

• Complex Meter: Unlike many rock bands of the era, Soundgarden frequently utilized unconventional time signatures (e.g., 7/4 in “Outshined,” 7/8 in “Spoonman”), adding a layer of sophisticated complexity to their heavy sound.
• Dissonant Harmony: Thayil’s use of feedback, unconventional tunings, and non-standard scales gave the band a dark, psychedelic edge that distinguished them from their peers.
• Lyrical Depth: Cornell’s writing explored themes of existentialism, spirituality, and societal disillusionment, giving the music intellectual weight.

This induction places Soundgarden firmly alongside other Seattle legends already in the Hall, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam, solidifying the region’s impact on 20th-century music history.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Ceremony

The 2025 RRHOF ceremony served as both a celebration of enduring rock music and a powerful tribute to a lost icon.

• Official Enshrinement: Soundgarden is now officially recognized in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, validating their status as one of rock’s most influential acts.
• Star Power Inductor: Jim Carrey provided a memorable and emotional induction speech, highlighting the band’s cultural significance.
• Collaborative Performance: The surviving members performed their classics with guest vocalists Brandi Carlile and Taylor Momsen, ensuring the band’s music was heard live on the RRHOF stage.
• Legacy Secured: The induction reaffirms Soundgarden’s critical role in the rise of grunge and their lasting impact on heavy music worldwide.

Conclusion

The induction of Soundgarden into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025 was a necessary and long-overdue honor. It was a night that successfully balanced celebration with remembrance, showcasing the raw, enduring power of their music while paying respectful homage to the irreplaceable talent of Chris Cornell. The performance, while bittersweet, proved that the core musicianship of Thayil, Shepherd, and Cameron remains potent, ensuring the Soundgarden catalog will continue to inspire new generations of listeners and musicians.