Taylor Momsen, Mike McCready, Matt Cameron, Robbie Mangano, and Tom Morello took the stage together as Suns of Soundgarden at Power to the People Fest, playing a tribute set to the band. The five-piece performed “Loud Love,” “Outshined,” and “Spoonman” during their performance.
Morello introduced the set with a reflection on Soundgarden’s legacy. “Soundgarden redeemed hard rock and metal music by unapologetically embracing thunderous riffs and melding them with deep, dark, soul-searching poetry that opened the door for generations of artists who felt empowered to use their brains along with their musical brawn,” he said. “They were a huge influence on many of the artists playing today.”
The Lineup
Momsen, McCready, and Cameron made up three-quarters of the lineup. Mangano and Morello completed the quintet.
Songs Played
| Song | Performed |
|---|---|
| “Loud Love” | Yes |
| “Outshined” | Yes |
| “Spoonman” | Yes |
Morello’s Words
Morello framed the performance as a tribute to a band that shaped a generation of musicians. He noted that Soundgarden’s blend of heavy riffing and poetic lyrics created a template that other artists followed.
“They were a huge influence on many of the artists playing today.”
The Halftime Connection
The performance at Power to the People Fest was not the only recent appearance for the group. The surviving members of Soundgarden reunited alongside Momsen and McCready to perform the halftime show at the NFL kick-off between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
A Festival With a Cause
Power to the People Fest is an event whose name suggests both a celebration and a commitment to a cause. One observer shared their view on the event’s significance.
“I love seeing all the #RockNRoll represented at a pro #democracy event @soundgarden #powertothepeople @MSNOWNews,” Matt Larsen tweeted.
The Tribute’s Reach
The set was a small one, but it traveled far. The songs are not new, and the musicians brought their own histories to the performance.
What We Make of It
The performance was a straightforward tribute. Five musicians gathered to play songs written by another band, and they did so at an event whose name suggests both a cause and a festival.
The set was brief, but it held up.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
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