The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles became a poignant celebration of the Seattle grunge movement with the induction of Soundgarden. Held on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater, the emotional high point of the evening was the stunning performance by Toni Cornell, the 21-year-old daughter of the late frontman Chris Cornell (who passed away in 2017).
Toni performed a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of the band’s 1994 hit “Fell on Black Days,” a song entirely written by her father about his struggles with depression, which added a layer of profound and intimate melancholy to the tribute.
The Jim Carrey Surprise: A Prized Guitar Gift
The induction of Soundgarden into the Performer category was led by actor and comedian Jim Carrey, a long-time admirer and friend of the band. Carrey’s moving speech revealed a unique connection with Chris Cornell, providing a personal surprise that underscored the late singer’s generosity.
- The Inductee: Jim Carrey
- The Surprise: Carrey recounted that when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 1996, he insisted that Soundgarden be the musical guest. After they performed the song “Pretty Noose”, the band gifted him the Fender Telecaster that Chris Cornell played on the show, signed by the whole band.
- The Tribute: Carrey called the guitar “one of my most prized possessions” and praised Cornell’s stage presence, saying, “When you looked into his eyes, it was like eternity was staring back.”
Toni Cornell’s Heartfelt Performance
Following the induction speeches by surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Hiro Yamamoto, and Ben Shepherd—who also honored Chris Cornell—Toni took the stage, accompanied by fellow rock legend, Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, and cellist Adrienne Woods.
- The Song: “Fell on Black Days” (from the 1994 album Superunknown)
- The Setting: A massive projection of Chris Cornell loomed behind her, visually connecting the past with the present.
- The Quote: Toni, whose voice was praised for carrying the emotional power of her father’s, expressed her feelings afterward: “It’s so surreal, and I’m so honoured that I get to be here to do this for my dad… he’s the only reason why I do music so being here and being able to share my voice because of him, is amazing.”
Data and Other Tributes
- The Inductees: Soundgarden joined the Class of 2025 alongside other music icons, including Bad Company, Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, Outkast, Joe Cocker, and Chubby Checker.
- Other Tributes: Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily Cornell, also delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating her father not just as a rock star but as a person who created music with his friends.
- All-Star Jams: The tribute performances featured a who’s who of rock, including Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless) and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready performing “Rusty Cage,” while Brandi Carlile and Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell joined the band for “Black Hole Sun.”
Toni Cornell’s emotional, acoustic performance served as a deeply personal and poignant centerpiece, ensuring the legacy of Chris Cornell and Soundgarden was celebrated with raw, authentic emotion.
@rockhall @_tonicornell_ sang a beautiful rendition of “Fell on Black Days” to honor her late father, Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. #RockHall2025 #ToniCornell #ChrisCornell #Soundgarden