LDT “Toni Cornell Delivers Heartfelt Tribute to Her Father at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, delivered many memorable moments—but none as powerful as Toni Cornell’s tribute to her late father, Chris Cornell.
Toni, now following in her father’s musical footsteps, took the stage to perform an acoustic rendition of “Fell on Black Days,” the haunting 1994 Soundgarden classic. Accompanied by Nancy Wilson of Heart on guitar and Adrienne Woods on cello, her delicate yet commanding performance visibly moved the audience to tears as a photo of her father illuminated the backdrop.
“It’s so surreal, and I’m so honored that I get to be here to do this for my dad,” Toni said, her voice trembling slightly. “I just wish he were here to see this tremendous honor for himself.”
— via Loudersound
Honoring a Legacy
Chris Cornell, who passed away in 2017 at age 52, remains one of rock’s most revered vocalists—celebrated for his work with Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog. This year marked Soundgarden’s official induction into the Hall of Fame, with surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, and Hiro Yamamoto taking the stage to reflect on the band’s Seattle roots and enduring influence.
Actor Jim Carrey introduced the group with humor and heartfelt admiration, recalling the time Cornell gifted him a guitar after a 1990s Saturday Night Live appearance—a story that drew laughter and applause from the crowd.
“Soundgarden didn’t just make music—they redefined it,” Carrey said. “And Chris… he gave it soul.”
— via EW
A Daughter Continuing the Song
This isn’t the first time Toni has honored her father. She previously performed “Hallelujah” in his memory in 2017 and released a touching posthumous duet with him—“Nothing Compares 2 U”—in 2018. Her Hall of Fame performance felt like a full-circle moment, both deeply personal and universally resonant.
“My dad was the only reason why I do music,” she shared backstage. “He never wanted to be put in a box. That’s something I’m learning from him now.”
— via MyNBC15
An Emotional Night for Rock History
Beyond Soundgarden’s induction, the 2025 ceremony featured standout moments from Cyndi Lauper, Cher, and Salt-N-Pepa, but it was Toni Cornell’s tribute that defined the night—a moment where grief transformed into grace, and legacy into living art.
As the final notes faded, the audience rose to its feet, offering a standing ovation that seemed to echo across generations—an affirmation that Chris Cornell’s voice still lives on, carried by the one who knew it best.
Sources: Page Six, Loudersound, EW, AP News, MyNBC15
