Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil has looked back on the origins of the grunge movement, the band's journey to global success, and the enduring impact of late frontman Chris Cornell.

Speaking as he releases his new memoir, A Screaming Life, Thayil described how Soundgarden helped shape Seattle’s emerging music scene during the 1980s, rejecting the flashy image of mainstream rock in favour of a heavier and more authentic sound.

The guitarist recalled how the band evolved from a local underground act into one of the defining names of grunge, with songs such as Black Hole Sun helping introduce their music to a worldwide audience. Despite initial doubts about the track’s mainstream appeal, it went on to become one of Soundgarden’s most successful releases.

Thayil also paid tribute to Chris Cornell, praising the singer’s extraordinary vocal range and dedication to pushing creative boundaries. He described Cornell as a naturally gifted performer whose talent became central to the band's identity.

Reflecting on Seattle’s influential music community, Thayil remembered the close connections between artists who would later define a generation, including Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. He noted that the success of grunge transformed alternative rock and left a lasting mark on global music culture.

Today, Thayil continues to celebrate Soundgarden’s legacy while preserving the history of a movement that changed rock music forever.