“Seattle, this one’s for you.”

The lights dimmed and a hush settled over Climate Pledge Arena, broken only by the gentle strum of a guitar. Shadows stretched across the stage as Nancy Wilson lifted her instrument, her fingers finding familiar chords that seemed to float in the air. The city’s skyline glimmered faintly through the arena windows, a quiet reflection of the music’s intimacy. Fans leaned forward, caught between anticipation and reverence, as Heart’s voices wove through the melody, soft but resolute, echoing a history that felt almost tangible in the room.

Heart paid tribute to Soundgarden following their 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, performing “Black Hole Sun” and dedicating “Magic Man” to Michael Fisher. The evening highlighted the enduring connections between Seattle’s iconic bands, celebrating the city’s musical legacy in a calm, heartfelt moment.

A Tribute in Seattle

Heart honored Soundgarden’s recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction with a special performance of “Black Hole Sun” during their Sunday night show. The tribute took place at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, a fitting venue given both bands’ deep ties to the city. Heart also dedicated “Magic Man” to Michael Fisher, an important figure from their early years who passed away in August.

Fans at the show captured the moment on video, showing Heart’s emotional and respectful take on one of Soundgarden’s most well-known songs. The performance stood as a reminder of the long connection between the two Seattle groups.

Soundgarden’s Induction and Jim Carrey’s Role

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held earlier this month in Los Angeles, where Soundgarden was honored by actor Jim Carrey. He first met the band in 1996 while hosting Saturday Night Live, insisting they appear as the musical guest.

“I stood right in front of them, letting the waves of electricity wash over me, like an audio baptism,” Carrey said during his speech. “They pushed me under and when I came up I was free.”

Following his remarks, Toni Cornell, daughter of the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, delivered a heartfelt performance of “Fell on Black Days.” Nancy Wilson of Heart accompanied her on guitar, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments.

A Celebration of Seattle’s Musical Legacy

The ceremony continued with an all-star group performance featuring Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Brandi Carlile and others. Together, they played “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun,” honoring Soundgarden’s influence on the Seattle scene and the wider rock world.

Before the event, guitarist Kim Thayil reflected on what the recognition meant to the band and their hometown. “To have our peers, friends and creative collaborators from [Seattle] share that with us is very important,” he said. “It’s very important because it’s part of our identity. We’re not simply ‘rock guys’ in this band Soundgarden. We’re rock guys in this band Soundgarden that helped establish the Seattle scene and the sound. The geography is very important to our identity. It’s where we are, it’s where we came from. It’s who we are.”