Seattle Times | "Soundgarden Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction was an emotional trubute"
Soundgarden Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction was an emotional tribute
Photo: Meghan Foresman
Article: Seattle Times
Author: Michael Rietmulder
Excerpt:
While Carrey spoke of Soundgarden’s rise from the “gritty bars of Seattle” to astonishing commercial heights “without fear or compromise,” it was Cornell Silver’s words that carried more weight back home.
“The band’s impact is of course massive,” she began after helping ensure mom got a well-deserved round of applause. “But growing up within the Seattle music community, what’s always been the most special part to me is that it comes from friends making music together and then being able to turn that into a life.
“Seeing my dad not as a public figure but as a person, a father and someone who faced his struggles out loud, I am just really, really happy that he got to make music with his friends.”
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The world already knew Chris Cornell was on everyone’s minds, but being the first to give his acceptance speech, Yamamoto made sure to acknowledge their friend’s absence.
“Chris Cornell, we are so missing you tonight on this stage,” he said. “We all love you. … We would not be here without you.”
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Among the laundry list of thank yous Cameron and Thayil delivered, there were plenty of Seattle names: Sub Pop founders Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman (who released Soundgarden’s first EPs), producer Jack Endino and short-term Soundgarden members Scott Sundquist and Jason Everman. But naturally, it kept coming back to the memory of Cornell.
“I accept this honor on behalf of the fans of our music,” Cameron said. “And also the misfits, the loners and the introverts who found comfort and solace in the lyrics and music of my hero and bandmate Chris Cornell. I love you, Chris.”
“Together, we built a culture of encouragement and creative risk that would nurture our curiosity and creative spirit collectively and individually,” said Thayil in his speech. “And if anyone would ever hesitate in sharing an idea, Chris would be the first to say, ‘Let’s just try it out and see.’”
“I miss him and I love him,” Thayil continued, growing emotional. “And I love all of my Soundgarden brothers.”
