Matt Cameron recently shared his thoughts on Soundgarden and Pearl Jam’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He explained why Soundgarden’s induction is more significant for him in a statement to Billboard.
The drummer has been inducted twice into the Rock Hall with both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. He reflected on the personal meaning behind each honor.
“It’s a huge honor. I haven’t really wrapped my head around it, and it’s not lost upon me that it’s pretty real to get in there two times,” Cameron said. “I’m feeling great about everything.”
Cameron went on to explain why Soundgarden’s induction carries deeper personal significance for him as an artist.
“They’re both huge honors, of course. For me, personally, I helped build Soundgarden from the ground up, and I helped create the sound, I think, a little bit more than I did with Pearl Jam, which was definitely more of an established thing that I came into,” he continued. “So in that sense [Soundgarden’s induction] is a little more meaningful for me as an artist and musician and songwriter to go in with a band that I helped establish itself.”
Cameron’s comments come as Soundgarden prepares for their official induction ceremony. This marks a significant milestone for the Seattle grunge pioneers.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame confirmed that Soundgarden’s induction ceremony is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be streamed live on Disney+. Replays will be available on ABC and Hulu, allowing fans worldwide to witness this historic moment.
The band being inducted includes the core lineup that defined their sound: Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, Matt Cameron, and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Pearl Jam Online reported that Soundgarden dramatically changed rock music in the 1980s and 1990s by blending alternative, metal, and punk into a unique sound that gave voice to a generation.
Soundgarden’s impact on rock history is undeniable. Their landmark albums such as Badmotorfinger, Superunknown, and Down on the Upside achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Statesman Journal noted that these releases cemented their place as pioneers of the grunge movement that emerged from Seattle’s music scene.
Cameron’s dual induction achievement places him among an elite group of musicians honored twice by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His unique perspective on both bands highlights the different roles he played in shaping two of rock’s most influential acts. This makes his comments about Soundgarden’s induction particularly meaningful for understanding his artistic journey.
