Video: Allison Hagendorf Backstage With Soundgarden: Legacy, Loss & the Spirit of Chris Cornell | Rock Hall Exclusive
Video: Backstage With Soundgarden: Legacy, Loss & the Spirit of Chris Cornell | Rock Hall Exclusive
Channel: Allison Hagendorf Published: Nov 19, 2025
AI Overview
Host Allison Hagendorf sits down with Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd backstage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They discuss their induction, the emotional weight of the evening, the "final" Soundgarden album produced by Terry Date, and share fond memories of Chris Cornell.
Interview Highlights & Key Topics
Emotions on the Induction & Rehearsals
[01:20] When asked how they are feeling, Kim Thayil admits to "anxiety," while Hiro Yamamoto and Matt Cameron express honor. Hiro notes that while the "rock star" treatment is nice, he is flooded with memories of Chris and wishes he were there to share the moment.
[02:42] Allison and the band discuss the emotional impact of watching the tribute rehearsals (featuring Brandi Carlile, Taylor Momsen, Mike McCready, etc.). Matt Cameron mentions feeling Chris’s presence ("something out there in the world") during the first run-through.
[04:23] They touch on Jim Carrey inducting them. Allison recalls Carrey insisting Soundgarden perform when he hosted SNL in 1996. Matt notes the "Grinch" connection between Carrey and Taylor Momsen (who played Cindy Lou Who).
Chris Cornell’s Perspective & Early Influences
[04:48] When asked what Chris would think of the induction, Kim jokes he might be "flipping them s***" initially but would ultimately appreciate the fan enthusiasm, referencing Chris’s positive experience inducting Heart in 2013.
[09:05] Kim discusses the band's early influences, mentioning how Scott Sundquist (original drummer) acted as a "big brother" figure to Chris, introducing him to punk bands like the Dead Kennedys, which helped broaden Chris's musical horizons beyond his initial tastes.
The "Final" Album & Terry Date
[11:34] The conversation shifts to the new music—the final album from the band's last sessions—which is being produced by Terry Date. Kim describes it as a "full circle moment."
[12:05] Kim praises Terry Date for not imposing a "signature sound" (like a Phil Spector "Wall of Sound") but rather facilitating the band’s own vision.
[13:10] Matt Cameron describes the new material as having familiar elements but also representing a "new chapter" in their songwriting. He admits listening to it can be "overpowering" and "bittersweet," but he is super proud of the work.
[14:12] Ben shares a story about hearing the tracks played back by Terry Date and assistant engineer Nate. He went to get coffee, heard the music from down the hall, and was struck by the sheer power of it, thinking, "Holy... that’s Soundgarden." He notes that the tracks have a distinct "before and after" quality compared to the original demos.
The "Soundgarden Sound" & Live Performance
[15:39] Allison shares her own "fan credential," recalling seeing Soundgarden perform early on at the Gorilla Gardens in Seattle when the power went out, yet the sound remained "huge."
[17:20] Hiro reflects on their live performances, noting that he and Chris weren't always verbally communicative but transformed into different people on stage. He believes their uniqueness came from "sincerity" and letting emotions out rather than just technical proficiency.
Stories of Chris Cornell: "Batman" & The Basketball Hoop The band shares stories highlighting Chris's athleticism and unpredictable nature:
[21:03] Paris: Ben recalls a time Chris slid into a hotel window from a Spanish tile roof "like Batman" or "Spider-Man," 16 stories up, followed closely by a security guard.
[21:37] St. Louis: Ben and Chris climbed to the very top of the Fox Theater building to find a quiet spot, only to realize they were late for soundcheck and had to bolt all the way back down.
[22:30] New Orleans: Kim tells a story about a show (implied to be at Tipitina's, though the audio is slightly garbled) where Chris swung from the plumbing/rafters and climbed onto a basketball hoop. He sat on the rim singing while the entire audience turned away from the stage to watch him. The hoop eventually bent, and while the band feared the venue would be angry, the management simply thought it was "cool."
Legacy
[18:52] Kim expresses pride in Soundgarden's legacy, specifically that they have influenced new bands to be "authentic" and "innovative" rather than just imitators. He values the "attitude" and "forward-thinking" spirit they passed down.
