Following the announcement that Soundgarden will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’s Class of 2025, guitarist Kim Thayil and Chris Cornell‘s widow, Vicky Cornell, have shared their thoughts on the long-awaited honor.
The Seattle grunge pioneers, previously nominated in 2020 and 2023, will officially join the prestigious institution in the Performer category this year. Speaking to Billboard, Thayil admitted his perspective on the Rock Hall has evolved over the years.
“I kinda came from a subculture of rock that didn’t quite get what all the fuss is about,” Thayil explained. “Back in the ’80s, ’90s, when the Hall started, I probably was not alone in being part of a punk rock or indie metal scene that had an aversion to the idea. It was kind of hard to wrap my head around both a qualitative appraisal and a quantitative assessment.”
Thayil noted that his view shifted significantly after late frontman Chris Cornell inducted Heart in 2013, and drummer Matt Cameron was inducted with Pearl Jam. Their experiences highlighted the importance of the recognition for the fans.
“Chris lived the experience and said the enthusiasm of the fans was eye-opening for him, and understanding how important that was — and Matt seconded it,” Thayil recalled. “In so many ways the fans got some kind of validation by having a band that was important to their heart and that they championed get (the honor)… Chris explained that to me, and that kind of changed things. Plus I heard this from the Nirvana guys, the Pearl Jam guys, other friends and other bands. So it really changed my perspective.”
The members being inducted include Thayil, Cameron, Cornell, bassist Ben Shepherd, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Discussing the potential performance at the induction ceremony, Thayil acknowledged the challenge of finding someone to fill Cornell‘s role on vocals.
“It’s a high bar, not just technically, but emotionally,” Thayil stated. “There has to be a reverence for the missing brother and founder, and there also has to be reverence for the legacy — both for Chris‘s work and Chris‘s creativity, as well as the regard and reverence we have for ourselves collectively and for each other. Some suggestions have come out; I’m not prepared to share that, but I’ll just say it’s a higher bar than the usual composite of guitarists and drummers or singers.”
Chris Cornell tragically passed away in May 2017. His widow, Vicky Cornell, shared her reaction to the induction news on Instagram, expressing gratitude to both the Rock Hall and the fans.
“Thank you @rockhall. And huge thanks to all the fans who voted who’s [sic] constant love and support keep his legacy alive,” she wrote. “It’s always bittersweet but Chris would be so honored and it is well past due and beyond well deserved! On behalf of Chris and our family -thank you!! Loud love”.
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for November 8th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will stream live on Disney+.
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