Jim Carrey honors Soundgarden with induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Soundgarden has been officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with actor Jim Carrey taking on the role of honoring the grunge legends. This momentous occasion comes after the band received three nominations since becoming eligible in 2013, with this year marking their acceptance into the prestigious hall.

During Carrey’s speech, he brought a combination of animation, humor, and heartfelt sentiment. He reminisced about meeting the band at Saturday Night Live in 1996 and vividly recalled watching them rehearse their song ‘Pretty Noose’, calling it “an audio baptism.” Carrey concluded his speech by ensuring that Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Hiro Yamamoto, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd would be remembered as one of the most magnificent, powerful, and impactful bands to ever be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Following Carrey’s words, Chris Cornell’s daughter Lillian took to the stage to express gratitude to the fans for keeping her father’s music alive. She emphasized how significant it was for him to create music with his friends, highlighting the purpose it gave him and the impact it had on those who heard his music.

The surviving members of Soundgarden – Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto – then graciously accepted the honor. Each member took a moment to speak, expressing their gratitude and sincerity. Yamamoto delivered a powerful tribute to Cornell, recognizing his absence and emphasizing the importance of keeping the dialogue alive through art and empathy.

Matt Cameron followed with acknowledgments to friends, producers, and colleagues, ending his speech with a heartfelt message to the individuals who found solace in Soundgarden’s music. Kim Thayil thanked the fans for their unwavering support over the band’s 40-year journey and shared a story about the band’s chemistry rooted in curiosity and trust. Ben Shepherd concluded the speeches with a simple yet profound message in his native language, translating to “We’re side by side. Let’s go forward.”

After the speeches, Soundgarden graced the stage with a lineup featuring Taylor Momsen, Mike McCready, Nancy Wilson, Cornell’s eldest daughter Toni, and more, delivering a moving performance. The evening was filled with emotions and nostalgia as Soundgarden solidified their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Overall, the induction of Soundgarden into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a poignant and unforgettable moment for both the band members and their fans. The legacy of their music and impact on the grunge era of the 90s has solidified their place in rock history.