With the exciting news of Soundgarden being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, guitarist Kim Thayil has taken the initiative to advocate for other talented bands that deserve similar recognition. This moment marks a significant milestone not just for Soundgarden, but also for the larger community of rock music, highlighting the importance of honoring influential artists.

In a memorable moment at the induction ceremony, Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament made a bold statement by wearing a T-shirt that showcased a variety of deserving bands. However, Thayil’s list of recommendations is more concise, focusing on a select few acts that he believes have made a lasting impact on the music scene.

Kim Thayil’s Top Picks for Rock Hall Induction

During a recent discussion with Rolling Stone regarding the significance of their Rock Hall induction, Kim Thayil was prompted to share his thoughts on which bands he feels should be honored next. The interviewer presented a list of potential candidates, and Thayil found common ground with some of their choices.

Thayil enthusiastically mentioned, “I did an interview last week, and the first band that came to my mind was Alice in Chains, followed closely by Iron Maiden.” He continued, “The third name I brought up was Sonic Youth, and I also strongly believe that The New York Dolls deserve a spot as well.”

Expanding on his admiration for The New York Dolls, Thayil explained, “When the Stooges were inducted, I couldn’t help but question, ‘Why did the Stooges get in before the MC5?’ It’s essential to recognize that the MC5 were pivotal figures in that music scene. Even though they were not from Detroit, I categorize the New York Dolls alongside them due to their contemporaneous recording period.”

He elaborated further, stating, “These bands are essentially the forerunners of both metal and punk music. They significantly influenced the development of these genres. Notably, the attitude and aesthetic of the New York Dolls had a profound impact on the glam rock movement in Los Angeles a decade and a half later, which is a fascinating twist of irony, reminiscent of the Brooklyn Dodgers relocating to Los Angeles.”

READ MORE: Which Soundgarden Tracks Should Highlight Their Rock Hall Induction?

When the interviewer suggested a couple of other bands, Thayil was quick to express his agreement, stating, “I fully support the inclusion of The Pixies, and as for Motörhead, I couldn’t agree more—I’m 200 percent on board!”

Exploring More Bands with Kim Thayil

While Thayil articulated his top six choices for Rock Hall induction, he also took the opportunity to address additional bands that were mentioned by the interviewer, which have yet to receive this prestigious honor.

When discussing the absence of New Order and Joy Division from this year’s induction after being nominated for the first time, Thayil shared his admiration, saying, “I’m a massive fan of Joy Division. Their lack of induction is disappointing, yet I believe their time will come. Being nominated is already a huge acknowledgment of their profound influence on numerous bands that have been inducted in recent years, as well as those that will be recognized in the future. Joy Division’s unique sound and style set them apart and serve as a distinct influence for many artists and songwriters.”

Another band that sparked Thayil’s surprise was King Crimson, as the suggestion of their omission from the Rock Hall left him astounded. “Oh my God. King Crimson isn’t in?” he exclaimed, adding, “What about Robert Fripp? And later, Adrian Belew? This is unbelievable!”

Potential Plans for Soundgarden’s Rock Hall Induction Ceremony

While Thayil was somewhat hesitant to confirm the specific plans for Soundgarden’s induction ceremony, he expressed optimism regarding the possibility of a live performance. When asked if they would take the stage, he replied, “I think so, provided that they want us to perform. It appears that the invitation is open. Ultimately, it’s up to the Hall to determine how they will craft their program, but we would absolutely love to play there.”

Thayil noted that Matt Cameron has been busy touring with Pearl Jam, which has limited their discussions about the performance so far. However, he hinted that their approach might resemble how Nirvana handled their performance after the passing of Kurt Cobain, potentially inviting various guest vocalists to join them on stage.

Regarding potential collaborators, he mentioned, “You could look at the artists that Matt, Ben, and I have worked with over the last several years, particularly since the Chris Cornell Tribute Concert in 2019. There are several individuals we have performed with who would likely be the first ones we’d consider reaching out to.”

He added, “A name might pop up in a message saying, ‘You should reach out to this person,’ but we’ll figure it all out. You can probably gather our inclinations from our previous collaborations, though.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for 2025 is currently scheduled for November 8 at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.