Jim Carrey, the renowned actor and comedian, played a pivotal role in Soundgarden's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Carrey shared a personal story about his first encounter with the band in 1996, when he hosted 'Saturday Night Live' and insisted on Soundgarden as the musical guest. The band, featuring Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd, performed 'Pretty Noose', leaving a profound impact on Carrey. He described the experience as an 'audio baptism', emphasizing the electric energy of the performance. As a memento, Carrey received the Fender Telecaster guitar used by Chris Cornell during the show, signed by the entire band, which remains one of his most cherished possessions.
Following a video tribute, Lily, the eldest daughter of the late Chris Cornell, took the stage. She paid tribute to her father and mentioned Susan Silver, Soundgarden's manager and Chris' ex-wife. The ceremony continued with performances of 'Rusty Cage' and 'Black Hole Sun', after which the band members delivered their speeches. Hiro Yamamoto, the founding bassist, spoke about his Japanese-American heritage and the impact of his parents' internment during World War II. Matt Cameron followed, expressing gratitude to a long list of individuals. Kim Thayil, in a heartfelt message, recalled Chris Cornell's open-mindedness and creativity, emphasizing the band's unity. Ben Shepherd, though brief, conveyed his love and respect for his bandmates.
The induction ceremony, broadcast live on Disney+ on November 8th, 2025, celebrated Soundgarden's musical legacy. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2025 class also honored OutKast, Bad Company, The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker. The event was a testament to the enduring influence of these artists, with Carrey's induction speech highlighting the emotional connection between artists and their fans.
