In a night filled with emotion, nostalgia, and raw musical power, Soundgarden was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a moment that felt both long overdue and perfectly timed. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was a star-studded affair, but it was Jim Carrey who stole the show with his heartfelt and deeply personal tribute to the band. But here’s where it gets even more meaningful: Carrey’s connection to Soundgarden goes way beyond just being a fan—it’s a story of artistic admiration and a shared moment of liberation.
Carrey recounted his first encounter with the band in 1996, when he hosted Saturday Night Live for the very first time. “I insisted on Soundgarden as the musical guest,” he revealed, painting a vivid picture of the band’s lineup at the time: Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd. “They launched into the dark, epic beauty of ‘Pretty Noose,’” Carrey recalled, describing the experience as an “audio baptism.” He stood in front of them, letting the music wash over him, a moment that felt transformative. “They pushed me under, and when I came up, I was free,” he said. After the show, the band gifted him Chris Cornell’s Fender Telecaster, signed by all of them—a treasure he still cherishes today.
And this is the part most people miss: the induction wasn’t just about celebrating Soundgarden’s music; it was about honoring their legacy and the impact they had on those around them. Chris Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily, joined Carrey onstage, delivering a poignant speech that paid tribute not only to her father but also to her mother, Susan Silver, who managed the band. It was a reminder of the personal stories and relationships that shape the music we love.
The night was filled with performances that showcased Soundgarden’s enduring influence. Taylor Momsen joined the band for a blistering rendition of ‘Rusty Cage,’ while Brandi Carlile lent her powerhouse vocals to ‘Black Hole Sun.’ Later, Chris Cornell’s younger daughter, Toni, took the stage to perform ‘Fell on Black Days’ with Nancy Wilson—a moment that was both haunting and beautiful, a testament to the Cornell family’s enduring connection to the band’s music.
But here’s where it gets controversial: during his speech, founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto brought up a topic that’s both deeply personal and politically charged. He spoke about his parents, who were among the Japanese-Americans interned during World War II. “That affected my life greatly,” he said, drawing a parallel to contemporary issues. “Let’s not add another story like this to our history.” It was a bold statement that invited reflection and, perhaps, debate. Should music events like this delve into such heavy topics, or should they stick to celebrating the art? What do you think?
The rest of the band’s speeches were equally moving. Matt Cameron rattled off a long list of thank-yous, Kim Thayil shared a touching tribute to Chris Cornell, and Ben Shepherd kept it brief but heartfelt. It was a night of laughter, tears, and unforgettable music.
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class also included OutKast, Bad Company, The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker—a diverse group that underscores the Hall’s commitment to honoring all corners of rock history. The ceremony aired live on Disney+ on November 8th and is now available for streaming on-demand. If you missed it, trust me, it’s worth the watch.
As Jim Carrey put it, “Long live Chris Cornell and long live Soundgarden.” But I’ll leave you with this question: In a world where music often feels disposable, what does it mean for a band like Soundgarden to achieve this kind of timeless recognition? Let’s discuss in the comments!
