Soundgarden were recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with actor Jim Carrey doing the honors. During the ceremony, band member Hiro Yamamoto made a political comment.
Hiro Yamamoto talks about World War II
After a performance of “Rusty Cage” (with Taylor Momsen) and “Black Hole Sun” (with Brandi Carlile), the members of Soundgarden walked over to the podium to give their speeches, beginning with founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto, who reunited with the band for the ceremony.
Yamamoto mentioned his parents, who were among the Japanese-Americans held in internment camps in the US during World War II. “That affected my life greatly,” he said. “And it really echoes strongly today. Let’s not add another story like this to our history.” Yamamoto seemed to indirectly be referencing President Trump’s administration.
After a video tribute, Carrey was joined by the late Chris Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily, who also gave a speech and even mentioned her mother and Chris’ ex-wife, Susan Silver, who managed Soundgarden.
Jim Carrey talks about Soundgarden
During the show, Jim Carrey talked about his history with Soundgarden, saying, “I met the band in 1996 when I was hosting Saturday Night Live for the very first time, and I insisted on Soundgarden as the musical guest. By then, the lineup was Chris [Cornell], Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron on drums, and Ben Shepherd on base. They launched into the dark, epic beauty of ‘Pretty Noose.’”
He continued, “I stood right in front of them, letting the waves of electricity wash over me, like an audio baptism. They pushed me under and when I came up I was free. After the show, they handed me what is to this day, one of my most prized possessions. The fender telecaster Chris played on the show, signed by the whole band.”
