The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was a night to remember for Soundgarden fans, packed with heartfelt tributes to the late Chris Cornell, powerful performances from guest stars, and a look ahead at the band's future.

TL;DR

  • Soundgarden was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after three nominations, with Jim Carrey delivering a passionate speech.
  • Chris Cornell's daughters, Toni and Lily, offered poignant words, and Toni performed an acoustic "Fell on Black Days" with Nancy Wilson.
  • The surviving Soundgarden members reunited on stage with an all-star lineup including Taylor Momsen, Brandi Carlile, Mike McCready, and Jerry Cantrell.
  • The band is "over halfway done" with their final album featuring Chris Cornell's vocals, with discussions open for future touring.

When Toni Cornell stepped onto the grand stage of the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 8, 2025, a palpable hush fell over the crowd. Flanked by Heart's Nancy Wilson on guitar, the 21-year-old launched into an acoustic rendition of her father's iconic track, "Fell on Black Days." Her performance was not just a song; it was a raw, emotional echo of her father, Chris Cornell, whose powerful voice defined a generation of grunge music. It was a moment that underscored the bittersweet joy of Soundgarden's long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Toni's voice, bearing an unmistakable resonance with her father's, soared through the melody, a touching tribute to the man who was "the whole reason why I do music." Later, in the press room, she confessed, "I just wish he was here to see this tremendous honor for himself. I know how proud he would have been." This sentiment encapsulated the evening: a celebration of Soundgarden's immense legacy, intertwined with the deep longing for their inimitable frontman.

A Resounding Induction for a Truly Majestic Band

Soundgarden, after previous nominations in 2020 and 2023, finally received their rightful place among rock's elite. Actor Jim Carrey, a longtime fan, had the honor of inducting the band. His speech was a blend of humor and heartfelt reverence, recalling his "audio baptism" when he first heard Soundgarden perform "Pretty Noose" during his 1996 hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. He even shared a cherished memory of Chris Cornell gifting him the very Fender Telecaster played on that show. Carrey lauded Soundgarden as "one of the most majestic, powerful and influential bands ever to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame," his words underscoring the profound impact of their sound.

The surviving members – drummer Matt Cameron, guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Ben Shepherd – were joined by original bassist Hiro Yamamoto, who left the band in 1989. Each offered their gratitude, with Yamamoto poignantly stating, "Chris Cornell, we are so missing you tonight on this stage." Chris's other daughter, Lily Cornell, also shared moving words, expressing her happiness that her father "got to make music with his friends," and that "I know how much purpose that gave him."

Seattle Stars Align to Honor the Enduring Soundgarden Legacy

The induction ceremony also featured a powerful reunion performance by the surviving Soundgarden members, augmented by a "cavalcade of musical all-stars" who ensured the iconic grunge sound reverberated through the venue. This lineup of guest musicians was a deliberate choice, aiming to keep the tribute "Seattle-centric" and rooted in the band's origins. Source: [Consequence, "Soundgarden Reunite Alongside Taylor Momsen, Jerry Cantrell & Mike McCready at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony", November 8, 2025].

Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless, who toured with Soundgarden before Cornell's passing, took lead vocals on a searing rendition of "Rusty Cage," with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready adding a powerful layer on his Gibson Les Paul. Brandi Carlile, another artist with a history of performing with Soundgarden, then stepped up to deliver a striking vocal performance on the anthemic "Black Hole Sun," joined by Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell on his G&L Rampage guitar. Source: [Guitar World, "Jim Carrey remembers Chris Cornell and Soundgarden’s generous guitar gift as he inducts them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame", November 9, 2025]. Momsen even joined Carlile for the iconic refrain, ensuring the song's signature vocal harmonies were honored.

A Daughter's Unwavering Dedication to Her Father's Musical Path

Toni Cornell's performance of "Fell on Black Days" wasn't just a highlight of the evening; it was a continuation of her personal journey to honor her father's legacy. She has previously paid tribute to Chris Cornell in deeply personal ways. In 2017, just months after his passing, a then 12-year-old Toni performed "Hallelujah" on "Good Morning America" alongside OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, dedicating it to her father and his friend Chester Bennington. Source: [Page Six, "Chris Cornell’s daughter honors father at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 'I wish he was here'", November 9, 2025]. The following year, on Father's Day, she released a poignant duet with her father: a recording of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U."

Toni shared that her father taught her not to "believe in putting yourself in a box or a genre," a philosophy she's embracing as she explores her own music. This approach reflects the expansive, boundary-pushing spirit Chris Cornell himself embodied. Her dedication ensures that his musical spirit continues to inspire new generations, not just through his recordings, but through the living artistry of his children.

“It's so surreal, and I'm so honored that I get to be here and do this for my dad at the end of the day. I just wish he was here to see this tremendous honor for himself. I know how proud he would have been, but he's the whole reason why I do music.”

— Toni Cornell, 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Example: Imagine Sarah, a lifelong Soundgarden fan, watching the induction from her living room. When Toni Cornell's performance begins, a wave of emotion washes over her. She remembers attending a Soundgarden concert years ago, captivated by Chris Cornell's stage presence. Now, seeing Toni channel that same raw emotion, Sarah feels a bittersweet connection, a sense of loss, but also profound hope for the future of the Cornell legacy. She knows that even without Chris physically present, his spirit and music live on vibrantly.

The Future: An Unreleased Album and Potential Touring Possibilities?

While the Hall of Fame induction celebrated Soundgarden's past, discussions also turned to the band's future. The surviving members are diligently working on their final album, which will feature vocal tracks recorded by Chris Cornell before his death in 2017. Drummer Matt Cameron confirmed the project is "over halfway done," with guitarist Kim Thayil meticulously finalizing his guitar parts. Source: [NME, "Jim Carrey inducts Soundgarden as band reunite alongside Taylor Momsen, Jerry Cantrell & Mike McCready at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony", November 9, 2025].

Bassist Ben Shepherd offered more insight into the recording process, mentioning that he blistered his hands on one particularly "mighty" song and that at least one track features a "tricky" time signature, classic Soundgarden hallmarks. He reflected on the emotional weight of finishing the album, questioning what it means for the band's identity moving forward: "Without Chris we aren’t Soundgarden."

The question of whether Soundgarden will ever tour again with a new vocalist, similar to how Alice in Chains or Linkin Park have, remains an open one. While Matt Cameron stated, "We haven't really gotten there yet," he acknowledged that "there might be some situations where it would be really cool to do that." The band has performed with various vocalists since Cornell's passing, including Taylor Momsen, Brandi Carlile, and Shaina Shepherd (under the anagram Nudedragons). These performances show a willingness to keep the music alive, but the path forward is still being charted.

It's important to acknowledge a couple of counterpoints here. First, while the guest vocalists delivered incredible performances, the unique and irreplaceable presence of Chris Cornell on stage was undeniably felt. No matter how talented a stand-in, the original magic of his voice and artistry remains a singular force. Second, while the prospect of new music is thrilling, the completion and release date of the final album remain somewhat fluid, and discussions about future touring are clearly still in very early stages, making it speculative to predict specific outcomes.

A Celebration of Rock's Diverse Icons

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony wasn't just about Soundgarden. It was a broad celebration of musical pioneers. The White Stripes, OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, and Chubby Checker were also inducted into the Performer category. Icons like Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Lenny Waronker were recognized in special categories, ensuring a diverse and rich tapestry of musical history was honored.

The night saw many other memorable moments: Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performing The White Stripes' "We’re Going to Be Friends," Stevie Wonder leading a Sly Stone tribute with Flea and Questlove, and Elton John honoring Brian Wilson with "God Only Knows." It was a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll to bring together disparate artists and fans in a shared appreciation for groundbreaking music.

Practical Takeaways for Music Fans

  • Catch the Replay: If you missed the live event, the 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is available to stream on-demand on Disney+.
  • Anticipate New Music: Soundgarden's final album featuring Chris Cornell's vocals is in progress and promises to be a poignant release for fans.
  • Follow Toni Cornell's Journey: Keep an eye on Toni Cornell's burgeoning music career as she honors her father's legacy while forging her own path.
  • Reflect on Legacy: The ceremony was a powerful reminder of Chris Cornell's enduring impact and Soundgarden's crucial place in rock history.

Sources

  • Consequence, "Soundgarden Reunite Alongside Taylor Momsen, Jerry Cantrell & Mike McCready at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony", November 8, 2025.
  • Guitar World, "Jim Carrey remembers Chris Cornell and Soundgarden’s generous guitar gift as he inducts them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame", November 9, 2025.
  • Page Six, "Chris Cornell’s daughter honors father at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 'I wish he was here'", November 9, 2025.
  • NME, "Jim Carrey inducts Soundgarden as band reunite alongside Taylor Momsen, Jerry Cantrell & Mike McCready at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony", November 9, 2025.
  • Loudwire, "Will Soundgarden Tour Again? Members Discuss", November 9, 2025.