Shaina Shepherd, the vocalist who recently performed with the surviving members of Soundgarden at a benefit show, has addressed speculation about whether her collaboration with the band could become a more permanent arrangement.
In December, Shepherd joined Soundgarden’s Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil, and Ben Shepherd for an encore performance during the 13th Annual SMooCH benefit concert supporting Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Performing under their pseudonym Nudedragons, the band played a six-song set that also included a guest appearance by Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan.
What Shaina Shepherd Said About Fronting Nudedragons
Following the performance, which sparked questions about Soundgarden’s future, Music Magazine Hot Metal posed a question on their Facebook page, asking whether Shepherd should become a more permanent part of the group. Shepherd herself joined the conversation in the comments, addressing both support and criticism.
When confronted with negative remarks, Shepherd replied, “Haters gonna hate while I live my dream.”
In response to someone who defended their right to voice their opinion, Shepherd clarified her perspective:
“Soundgarden is a revolutionary band that changed my life, your life, the world. I could never front Soundgarden. But I love making music with those guys. I did it for me, for them, like any other music endeavor.”
She continued, “I don’t care what any of you think – never did. I care what they think – always will. This whole article is meaningless. Just like your timeline.”
Soundgarden’s Performances Since Chris Cornell’s Death
The SMooCH benefit marked only the third time Soundgarden’s surviving members have performed together since the 2017 passing of Chris Cornell. Their first post-Cornell performance took place on January 16, 2019, during the I Am the Highway tribute concert in Los Angeles, where various artists, including Taylor Momsen, Marcus Durant, Taylor Hawkins, and Brandi Carlile, joined them on vocals.
In 2022, Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron performed together again, this time as part of a tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. They teamed up with Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Taylor Momsen to deliver renditions of “The Day I Tried to Live” and “Black Hole Sun.”
Their recent performance with Shaina Shepherd at the SMooCH benefit was their third public collaboration since Cornell’s passing, leaving fans eager for any potential developments regarding the band’s future.