The surviving, non-singing members of Soundgarden — guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron — are reuniting under their previous alias Nudedragons for what’s being billed as a “brief encore performance” Dec. 14 at the Showbox in Seattle as part of the annual SMooCH fundraiser for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Seattle vocalist Shaina Shepherd will fill in for late frontman Chris Cornell, who died by suicide in 2017.
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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 will offer additional performances by Sebadoh (their first in nearly five years), Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Built to Spill frontman Doug Martsch, who will perform solo for VIPs during a “unique food and wine experience” with noted local chef Ethan Stowel.
Previous SMooCH performers have included Phantogram, The Head and the Heart, Father John Misty, Afghan Whigs, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses, Jason Isbell and the Helio Sequence.
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.”
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