A Tribute in Seattle
Heart honored Soundgarden’s recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction with a special performance of “Black Hole Sun” during their Sunday night show. The tribute took place at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, a fitting venue given both bands’ deep ties to the city. Heart also dedicated “Magic Man” to Michael Fisher, an important figure from their early years who passed away in August.
Fans at the show captured the moment on video, showing Heart’s emotional and respectful take on one of Soundgarden’s most well-known songs. The performance stood as a reminder of the long connection between the two Seattle groups.
Soundgarden’s Induction and Jim Carrey’s Role
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held earlier this month in Los Angeles, where Soundgarden was honored by actor Jim Carrey. He first met the band in 1996 while hosting Saturday Night Live, insisting they appear as the musical guest.
“I stood right in front of them, letting the waves of electricity wash over me, like an audio baptism,” Carrey said during his speech. “They pushed me under and when I came up I was free.”
Following his remarks, Toni Cornell, daughter of the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, delivered a heartfelt performance of “Fell on Black Days.” Nancy Wilson of Heart accompanied her on guitar, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Keep going for the video below:
A Celebration of Seattle’s Musical Legacy
The ceremony continued with an all-star group performance featuring Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Brandi Carlile and others. Together, they played “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun,” honoring Soundgarden’s influence on the Seattle scene and the wider rock world.
Before the event, guitarist Kim Thayil reflected on what the recognition meant to the band and their hometown. “To have our peers, friends and creative collaborators from [Seattle] share that with us is very important,” he said. “It’s very important because it’s part of our identity. We’re not simply ‘rock guys’ in this band Soundgarden. We’re rock guys in this band Soundgarden that helped establish the Seattle scene and the sound. The geography is very important to our identity. It’s where we are, it’s where we came from. It’s who we are.”
