The surviving, non-singing members of Soundgarden — guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron — reunited under their previous alias Nudedragons last night (Dec. 14) at the Showbox in Seattle as part of the annual SMooCH fundraiser for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Seattle vocalist Shaina Shepherd filled in for late frontman Chris Cornell, who died by suicide in 2017. Among the favorites unearthed were “Hunted Down,” “Outshined,” “Flower” and “Beyond the Wheel.” Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan then took the mic for “Kickstand” and a set-closing cover of MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams.”
Soundgarden’s first reunion show in 2010 after a 14-year hiatus was also billed as Nudedragons at the same venue. The group went on to tour and record a new album, King Animal, and was working on a follow-up at the time of Cornell’s passing. They have since been engaged in legal action over the release of that music with Cornell’s widow, Vicky, although the parties settled their issues in April 2023.
The SMooCH benefit offered additional performances by McKagan, Sebadoh (their first in nearly five years) and Built to Spill frontman Doug Martsch, who performed solo for VIPs during a “unique food and wine experience” with noted local chef Ethan Stowell.
The event aims “to celebrate and support the extraordinary work that Seattle Children’s Hospital does for all children, regardless of means or circumstances. Children’s Hospital is an extremely important community asset that provides incredible care and hope for all kids.”