Soundgarden Members to Reunite for Benefit Concert

The surviving members of the iconic rock band Soundgarden are set to reunite for a special benefit concert titled SMooCH (Seattle Musicians for Children’s Hospital) in their hometown of Seattle. This marks their first performance in the city in over a decade. The concert will be held at The Showbox on December 14 and serves a dual purpose: celebrating Seattle’s rich musical heritage and supporting the Seattle Children’s Hospital’s uncompensated care fund. This charity provides vital healthcare funding to families who cannot afford medical expenses for their children. The benefit show is expected to draw significant attention not just from local fans, but from music lovers around the globe.

In anticipation of the event, the members—Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd—have chosen to perform under the alias Nudedragons, a clever anagram of Soundgarden, to bring some nostalgia to their longtime followers. They last used this pseudonym when they reunited in 2010 for their first live show since their 1997 split. The group’s profound legacy looms large, especially considering the tragic passing of their frontman Chris Cornell in 2017. This event holds a poignant significance as it also acts as an homage to Cornell, who passed at the age of 52, imprinting an indelible legacy on both Soundgarden and the music industry at large.

Adding a new dimension to their sound for the benefit concert, Seattle-based singer Shaina Shepherd will lend her powerful vocals to the ensemble. Known for her work with Bearaxe, a soul-grunge band, Shaina’s collaboration with the surviving members aims to honor Cornell’s legacy while infusing fresh energy into their live performances. Their set list promises to be a retrospective of Soundgarden’s storied career, and concertgoers can expect a deeply emotional experience as the band revisits some of their most cherished tracks.

The event will also feature notable performances, including Sebadoh’s first show in five years, along with appearances by Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Built to Spill’s Doug Martsch. This eclectic lineup exemplifies SMooCH’s tradition of uniting different generations and styles of rock music under one roof. The concert is already sold out, with all proceeds going towards Seattle Children’s Hospital, underscoring the event’s dual role as both an unforgettable live performance and a crucial fundraising effort for children’s healthcare.

The SMooCH benefit is spearheaded by Pete and Brandy Nordstrom, who founded the initiative following personal experiences at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Their commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of financial status, receive comprehensive medical care, is mirrored in the passion that Soundgarden brings to the stage. For the band members, this event serves as a testament to the healing power of music and the lasting impact of community support.