THE surviving members of iconic rock band Soundgarden have sparked reunion hopes after performing together at a charity fundraiser.
Guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd, and drummer Matt Cameron, reunited under the moniker Nudedragons – an anagram of Soundgarden – for the charity event in Seattle.
Soundgarden with Kim Thayil, Jason Everman, and Matt Cameron; with Chris Cornell crouching front, pictured in 1990[/caption]
The Black Hole Sun rockers suffered a tragedy when Chris died in 2017[/caption]
The performance, part of the annual Smooch benefit concert supporting Seattle Children’s Hospital, featured a six-song set with Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, and vocalist Shaina Shepherd filling in for late frontman Chris Cornell.
The setlist included tracks like Hunted Down, Outshined, Flower, and Beyond the Wheel, with McKagan joining for Kickstand and a rendition of MC5’s Kick Out the Jams.
This marks the first time the trio has performed together since 2021, sparking speculation about a potential full-scale reunion.
In April 2023, Soundgarden reached an agreement to release seven unreleased tracks featuring Cornell’s vocals.
However, no official release date has been announced.
While the recent charity performance has fueled reunion rumours, the band has not confirmed any plans for future projects or tours.
The band shared a photo with fans through a heartfelt post on social media.
The image shows the surviving members standing together, signaling a moment of unity for both them and their fans.
It comes after the tragic death of their legendary frontman Chris in 2017.
Cornell’s death, ruled as suicide, sent shockwaves through the music world and brought increased awareness to mental health struggles.
He was found dead on the bathroom floor of his hotel room in Detroit at around 12.05am on May 18, 2017.
A toxicology report showed he had drugs – including those used to counter the effects of opioids – in his system.
Cornell had spoken openly in interviews of his struggles with drugs as a teenager and later with alcohol.
He said in 2007 he had been sober since checking himself into rehab in 2002 and spoke of periods of depression and agoraphobia.
Chris had been married to wife Vicky for 13 years.
They shared children Toni, 20, and son, Christopher, 19.
Chris also had another daughter, Lillian, 24, from a previous marriage to Susan Silver, who was also the manager of Soundgarden.
Chris Cornell died in 2017. His body was found just after what would be his final performance with his band[/caption]
Help for mental health
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123, jo@samartiands.org.uk
- CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Shout (for support of all mental health) www.giveusashout.org/get-help/, text 85258 to start a conversation
Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
