Soundgarden reunited for a special halftime performance during the Seattle Seahawks’ home opener against the New England Patriots. The Pretty Reckless singer Taylor Momsen joined the band on stage at Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. Footage and reactions from the event quickly spread across social media.
The Seahawks organization commented on the significance of the performance for the hometown crowd.
“A home opener in Seattle needed a Seattle soundtrack,” Sea Hawks said. “Thank you, Soundgarden with Taylor Momsen and Mike McCready.”
The performance drew mixed reactions from fans online. One commenter defended the choice of Momsen as a guest vocalist, noting her past connection to the band.
“I like how people are all upset like yes we know Chris isn’t here but Soundgarden was more than a single person,” one fan wrote. “Also Taylor was one of the singers along with McCready when they were inducted in 2025. Cornell’s daughter Toni also sang, so I feel if his child is ok with her then why not?”
Not all fans shared that view, however. Some expressed a preference for lesser-known artists to have been given the opportunity instead.
“I like Taylor, but not this!!” another fan commented. “So many talented unknown singers who are just waiting for that break. A time like this would have been perfect!!”
Momsen’s presence alongside Soundgarden is far from a one-off arrangement. The fan comments referencing 2025 point to a well-established history between the singer and the band. That connection helps explain why this halftime pairing struck a familiar chord with longtime followers of the group.
Soundgarden entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. Surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd and Hiro Yamamoto accepted the honor at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on behalf of the band and late frontman Chris Cornell. The induction, presented by Jim Carrey, brought together an all-star lineup of Seattle musicians to mark the occasion.
During that ceremony, Momsen stepped in for “Rusty Cage,” backed by Thayil, Cameron and Shepherd. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready joined on guitar. The pairing was not new territory for her. Momsen had previously performed with Soundgarden as an opening act on the band’s final tour before Cornell’s death. She also sang at a 2019 tribute concert honoring him.
Chris Cornell’s daughter, Toni Cornell, also took part in the induction festivities, closing out the night with an acoustic rendition of “Fell on Black Days” alongside Heart’s Nancy Wilson. Her involvement, alongside her sister Lily Cornell Silver’s presence at the ceremony, underscored the family’s continued connection to the band’s legacy.
Given that history, Momsen’s inclusion in the Seahawks halftime show follows a pattern the band and its extended circle have embraced since 2025. The pattern brings familiar voices back into the fold rather than introducing an entirely new lineup for high-profile appearances.
The performance marked a rare reunion for Soundgarden following the band’s 2025 Hall of Fame induction. No further details on future appearances have been announced.
