Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil has shared his thoughts on the band’s upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in an interview with Billboard.
“Sometimes ideas have been tossed out — sometimes as a lark, just general chatter among buddies, and sometimes as a more serious, sincere thing,” Thayil said. “We would joke around like, ‘Hey, if we ever got in the Rock Hall, what special thing would we do? Who would we want to induct us?’ We’d throw out all sorts of things. Some of it was bulls–t clowning around, some of it was serious. So we’ve given a little bit of thought to it.”
“It’s a high bar, not just technically, but emotionally,” he continued. “There has to be a reverence for the missing brother and founder. 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. 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.”
Soundgarden’s inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 was recently announced. This marks their first induction since the passing of frontman Chris Cornell.
The Seattle grunge pioneers have traveled a long journey to reach this prestigious recognition.
Chris Cornell’s experience of inducting Heart into the Rock Hall in 2013 transformed the band’s perspective about the institution, Loudwire revealed.
Kerrang confirmed the induction will celebrate all foundational members of Soundgarden: Matt Cameron, Chris Cornell, Ben Shepherd, Kim Thayil, and former founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto.
Blabbermouth reported the band will join an impressive class of 2025 inductees. The class includes other legendary acts such as Bad Company and The White Stripes.
Soundgarden received their first Rock Hall nomination in 2020. This recognition underlines their enduring impact on rock music and their significant contribution to the Seattle grunge movement.
