Chris Cornell’s wife shares thoughts on Soundgarden’s Hall of Fame induction.
Soundgarden, a legendary Seattle grunge band, has recently been announced as one of the inductees into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band consists of guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, the late vocalist Chris Cornell, bassist Ben Shepherd, and the band’s original bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Being recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a significant achievement for the band, especially since they had previously been passed up for this honor in 2020 and 2023.
Chris Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell, expressed her gratitude for Soundgarden’s induction through an Instagram post. She thanked the organization and the fans for their continuous support, keeping Chris Cornell’s legacy alive. While Vicky acknowledged that such moments are bittersweet, she believes that her late husband would be honored by the recognition, considering it well-deserved and long overdue.
In an interview with Billboard, Kim Thayil shared his perspective on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He reflected on the subculture of rock he came from and how it was challenging for him to understand the significance of the honor initially. However, experiences of other members like Matt Cameron, who was previously inducted with Pearl Jam, and Chris Cornell, who inducted Heart in 2013, changed Thayil’s view on the Rock Hall. He realized the importance of the fans’ enthusiasm and validation that came with the induction.
Thayil also touched upon the emotional aspect of having someone step in to sing with Soundgarden during the induction ceremony, following Chris Cornell’s passing in 2017. He emphasized the need for reverence for the missing founder and brother, as well as respect for the band’s collective legacy and creativity. Thayil commented that finding a suitable singer for this occasion requires a high level of technical and emotional prowess, indicating that the band is considering various possibilities but has not made any final decisions.
The 2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be available for live streaming on Disney+ and will later air an edited version on ABC. This recognition of Soundgarden’s contributions to the music industry highlights their impact and significance in the rock genre, solidifying their place among the iconic names in music history.