The vocalist guiding the remaining members of Soundgarden addresses inquiries about the band’s future.

Shayna Shepherd Addresses Soundgarden’s Future

Shayna Shepherd, the singer who recently fronted Soundgarden at a benefit show, responded to a question about the band’s future.

• READ MORE: Chris Cornell Songs: The Best of Soundgarden and Audioslave Frontman

Recent Reunion at SMooCH Benefit Show

Surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd reunited last month for a show at Showbox in Seattle. In an effort to help raise money for Seattle Children’s Hospital as part of the SMooCH benefit show, they were billed as the Nudedragons—an anagram of Soundgarden and the same name they used in 2010 when they reunited to play their first show since 1997.

Releasing tracks such as “Hunted Down”, “Outshined”, “Flower”, and “Beyond The Wheel” featuring vocals from Shayna Shepherd, this marked the third time the surviving members have performed together since the passing of frontman Chris Cornell.

As expected, the performance led to fans speculating whether the band was planning a comeback and how they would feel about the members potentially reforming with a new singer to replace Cornell.

Musical outlet Hot Metal also took part in the discussion, asking followers on Facebook if they wanted Shepherd to become a permanent member of the lineup.

There were many responses to the post, with some adamant that the original singer should not be replaced. The post also sparked a reaction from Shepherd herself, who took to the comments section to dismiss some of the critical comments.

“Haters will hate as long as I live my dream,” she wrote.

One user responded to the singer, stating that he should be able to express his opinion without being accused of “hate.”

Responding again, Shepherd said: “Soundgarden is a revolutionary band that changed my life, your life, the world. I could never front Soundgarden. But I love making music with these guys. I did it for myself, for them, just like any other musical endeavor.

“I don’t care what any of you think—I never have. I care what they think and always will. This entire article is pointless. Just like your timeline.”

Chris Cornell helped found the iconic grunge band back in 1984 and was its frontman until his death by suicide on May 18, 2017. He was 52 years old.

Before the Seattle concert last month, his remaining bandmates had only appeared together twice—once during a tribute show for the singer in 2019 and again in 2021 when they performed with Brandi Carlile.

Also in 2021, the estate of Chris Cornell released the album No One Sings Like You Anymore: Volume One. It was a collection of cover songs selected by the late Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman and compiled in honor of the artists and songs that inspired him.

At the time, his widow Vicky revealed that there was still a lot of music left in the vault and that there were plans to release a second volume.