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EntertainmentPosted at: Apr 30 2025 8:06PM


Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil says late member Chris Cornell would’ve been ‘stoked’ about band’s Rock Hall induction

Los Angeles, Apr 30 (UNI) Soundgarden lead guitarist Kim Thayil said that his late friend and fellow band member Chris Cornell would’ve been “stoked” to see the band being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), stating that it was Cornell who made him appreciate the value of the institution.
The legendary Seattle based metal band, best known for classics such as ‘Black Hole Sun’, ‘Jesus Christ Pose’, and ‘Fell on Black Days’, are classified as one of the big four of the grunge movement in the 90’s alongside Alice In Chains, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
“I felt fairly confident that there was absolutely no reason why we wouldn’t qualify for induction — from how I appraised the work we did and from what I received over the years from our peers and the music industry,” the Indian-origin Thayil (64) said. “I’m much more appreciative now, especially when I saw the response people have given me when they learn about the nominations.”
“I kinda came from a subculture of rock that didn’t quite get what all the fuss is about,” Thayil told Billboard. “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.”
“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,” he added. “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 honour). I
“I know I felt that way about bands I believed in, whether the MC5 or the Ramones or Kiss. 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.”
Saying that Cornell, who unfortunately committed suicide in 2017, would have been "stoked" about the band’s induction, Thayil said “He’s the one who convinced me how appreciative the fans and our peers and the Soundgarden community — that includes the people that we work with and work for us — would be about it.
“He realised how important that was, and he understood that would be important to us because it’s important to people who cared about us and helped us and supported us all along.
“That’s how I believe Chris would respond to this. I think he’d be very appreciative and thankful to all the people who have believed in him and believed in the work he did and the work that we all did, collectively.”
The guitarist noted that drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd are both “very happy” about the induction news. Additionally, he is also pleased that original bassist Hiro Yamamoto — who was with Soundgarden from 1984 to 1989 and played on its first two EPs and first two albums — is being included in the induction.
“It’s the classic lineup and the foundational lineup,” Thayil said. “(Yamamoto) was really enthused, too. You have to reflect upon our formation and all the hard work, just the weird things we went through — walking miles and stapling posters to telephone poles for a gig 40, 50 people will be at, the van tours — not just of the US but in Europe — sleeping on floors in Motel 6. It’s a long way, and I enjoy sharing and seeing enthusiasm from my bandmates and our people in the Soundgarden community — management, crew, everybody. It’s great.”
Soundgarden will be inducted into the Rock Hall on November 8, alongside fellow rockers The White Stripes, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, OutKast, Cyndi Lauper and Chubby Checker. The ceremony will be staged at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Saying that Cornell’s absence has always been top of mind whenever the subject of the band’s induction is put forth, he said “It’s a high bar, not just technically, but emotionally.
“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’ work and Chris’ creativity, as well as the regard and reverence we have for ourselves collectively and for each other.”
Expressing her delight at Soundgarden’s long awaited induction, Cornell’s widow Vicky shared her appreciation on Instagram.
She posted: “Thank you @rockhall… And huge thanks to all the fans who voted whose constant love and support keep his legacy alive. It’s always bittersweet but Chris would be so honoured and it is well past due and beyond well deserved! On behalf of Chris and our family - thank you!! Loud love”

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