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Soundgarden were the major forerunners of the 90's Grunge style, based in Seattle, Washington. Born as the alternative to the glitzy styles of the 80's glam and showcase rock bands. Along with the likes of "Alice in Chains", "Pearl Jam", and "Nirvana", they were somewhat overshadowed by the latter, even though Soundgarden were the real deal and embodied the style and era. They pioneered their blend of harsh sound, and profound ballad to become one of the most prominent bands of the time. Their short lived, yet powerful presence is still a cornerstone in rock history, and has influenced many metal and indie bands that followed in their footsteps.

Biography

1981 - Graduating from high school, Kim Thayil, Hiro Yamamoto and Bruce Pavitt were friends in Illinois who headed to Olympia, Washington, primarily with the idea of attending college. They soon became involved in music, Thayil played guitar, Yamamoto played bass, Pavitt did not play, but he later founded a fanzine that later became the "Subpop" record label, (for which Soundgarden eventually recorded).

1981 - Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto meet Matt Dentino, in Seattle, Washington, and decide to form a band. Called "The Shemps". The band covered songs by "Hendrix", "The Doors", and even "Buddy Holly"? Chris Cornell joined as vocalist, (his was also a talented drummer).

1984 - After the demise of "The Shemps", Cornell and Yamamoto, (Drums and Bass), decide to form another band and invite Thayil, (Guitar), along. They decided on the name "Soundgarden", taken from a sculpture in Seattle's Sand Point. With Cornell doubling with drums and vocals, they began gigging the local circuit, before finally enlisting drummer Scott Sundquist, so Cornell could concentrate on vocals.

1986 - After a year or so playing small clubs and venues, they record 2 tracks for a compilation album entitled "Deep Six", with their songs "Heretic", and "All your lies". The album also featured the band "Skin Yard", with drummer Matt Cameron. (This album, originally CZ records, was reissued in 1994 on A&M records). Sundquist decides to quit, and the trio manage to entice Matt Cameron to join them, (Thayil and Cornell had previously known Cameron and also Ben Shepherd, from the early days with their own cover band).

1987 - The band released their first single, "Hunted", and recorded their first EP, "Screaming Life", for the Sub Pop record label, (Bruce Pavitt). With a follow up EP the following year, entitled "Fopp". Both EP's were later reissued together on CD entitled "Screaming Life/Fopp".

1988 - Soundgarden sign to SST records and release their first album entitled "Ultramega OK". They are eventually signed to A&M later that year.

1989 - in Autumn, the band release their A&M debut "Louder than Love".

1990 - Yamamoto decides to quit the band, (heaven knows why?), and with a tour already pending, the band are left to find a speedy replacement on bass. Jason Everman, (ex Nirvana), joined to fill the tour, (as ideally, he already knew the songs), even though Ben Shepherd also auditioned. Soundgarden fullfilled their tours of Europe and US, but things with new bassman Everman did not work out. The band finally decide to approach Ben Shepherd and offer him the position.

1991 - In tribute to former "Mother Love Bone" singer, Andy Wood, (who had died of a drugs overdose the year previous); Chris Cornell and Matt Cameron joined forces with "Pearl Jam" guitarist, Stone Gossard, who in turn approached fellow musicians Jeff Ament, Mike McCready and Ed Vedder, ("Pearl Jam"). Together, they recorded the excellent collaborative album, "Temple of the Dog". (Released on A&M records).

By Spring of 1991, Soundgarden were back in the studio recording their next album, "Badmotorfinger" with producer Terry Date. This album was the bands turning point, eventually a Platinum seller, despite being overshadowed by Nirvana's album release "Nevermind", the same year. Featuring single and MTV promo video, "Rusty Cage", and a new version of previously released EP track "Room a thousand years wide". The band were now reaching a wider audience and critical acclaim.

The band began extensively touring the US and Canada in late 1991, supporting the likes of "Guns'N'Roses", and "Skid Row", the following year.

1992 - Soundgarden tour Europe supporting "Swervedriver" and "Monster Magnet". Later supporting "Guns'N'Roses" yet again for their European tour. By summer, the band were back in the US, and after a summer tour, were due for some R&R.

1993 - The Soundgarden video "Motorvision" was released, with footage of 1991-92 tour. Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron appeared on the album, "Hater", released on A&M records late September. Kim Thayil formed side project "Dark Load", with Bill Rieflen, (Ministry). Chris Cornell contributed songwriting for Alice Cooper.

1994 - The band toured Australia and Japan, and in March, Soundgarden release their fourth album, "Superunknown". They then follow up with a European tour starting in London, UK. By the beginning of the summer, Soundgarden are back home in the US to complete a lengthy tour, ending late August in their home state, Seattle.

September 94 - Soundgarden win "Best Heavy metal, Hard rock video" on MTV for "Black Hole Sun".

1995 - August, Soundgarden tour Europe yet again, playing the Reading and Pukkelpop festivals.

1996 - Soundgarden record "Down on the Upside", and release the first single "Pretty Noose" in March. May 14, they release their fifth album. The band again toured the US and Europe extensively throughout Spring/Summer finishing up back in Seattle in December.

1997 - After problems with his voice, Cornell rested up, and the band took a well earned holiday break before restarting the Australian, New Zealand tour in early 97. "Blow up the Outside World" was released, and caused some controversy in Europe, eventually being banned by MTV.

1997 - April 9, Soundgarden shock the music press and announce their split to pursue other projects.

1998 - Matt Cameron eventually joined Pearl Jam after touring with them on their "Yield" tour in replacing Jack Stone on drums. Chris Cornell went on to release his first solo album "Euphoria Morning" the following year, (after initial release delays).

2002 - Cornell then went on to join ex "Rage against the machine" trio Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford and formed "Audioslave". They released their self titled debut album 2002.

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