On Saturday, June 14, significant “No Kings” protests and demonstrations erupted nationwide, as reported by The New York Times. Thousands of individuals rallied across the United States to voice their dissent against Donald Trump’s military-themed birthday parade. This wave of activism extended to social media platforms, where iconic rock and metal band Soundgarden took a stand by sharing a statement associated with the “No Kings” movement, along with their unique “Non-State Actor” flag.
Soundgarden’s Bold Statement on Social Justice
Recently, Soundgarden shared a series of striking images on their Instagram account. The sequence includes the American flag, a customized black and white version of the “Non-State Actor” flag, the official “No Kings” emblem, and the “King Animal” logo from their acclaimed 2012 studio album, King Animal.
Accompanying these visuals was a powerful message:
Hello friends, fans, family, and fellow misfits! Today is Flag Day; here’s our flag! Be sure to check out this incredible visualizer/video for “Non-State Actor,” crafted by Soundgarden’s talented art director, Josh Graham. The link is in our bio!
“Non-State Actor” is a standout track from Soundgarden’s seventh studio album, King Animal. The music was expertly crafted by Ben [Shepherd], with lyrics penned by Kim [Thayil] and later modified by Chris [Cornell] for his vocal delivery.
On our U.S. flag, the stars symbolize our 50 states. However, on our Non-State Actor flag, those stars have been replaced with the iconic King Animal logo. … do you get it? Non-Skate Actor!
Let your unique flag wave high during today’s significant birthday parade! More importantly, let’s honor the brave men and women who serve under the flag to uphold and protect our constitution, rather than focusing on military hardware, a birthday celebration, or the notion of monarchy. U.S.A.!
XOSG!
Check out their insightful post below:
READ MORE: 5 Grunge Albums Every Vinyl Collector Should Own (And How to Buy Them)
How Fans Are Reacting to Soundgarden’s Message
In the past day, Soundgarden’s Instagram post has drawn a plethora of responses, showcasing a wide range of opinions.
Many fans resonate with Soundgarden’s sentiments. One commenter expressed, “I love Soundgarden! No kings, we are a democracy,” and another conveyed appreciation with, “Thank you for your music and your voice during this crucial moment in history. Soundgarden has always stood for free thinkers and rock and roll rebels who advocate for the right side of history!”
Conversely, some individuals have criticized the band for their political stance or for engaging in political discourse at all. One response read, “God bless the USA and President Trump, happy birthday to the Army, and happy Flag Day.” Others chimed in with comments like, “Chris Cornell wouldn’t approve of this looting and rioting” and “Just play music; nobody cares about your political opinions. I hate when bands do this.”
There’s even a Reddit thread discussing Soundgarden’s post, with a predominance of positive feedback. Statements like “Of course Soundgarden is on the right side of history,” “I absolutely love these guys!” and “Chris Cornell has always been clear about his support for challenging the status quo” are just a few examples of the encouraging remarks.
One user even noted, “Okay, so the overall message aligns with the band’s values, but they really should consider hiring a better social media manager. The tone is odd, and the grammar is off.”
Understanding the “No Kings” Movement and Its Goals
The official No Kings website outlines the motivations and objectives driving this significant movement:
As ICE raids intensify and President Trump doubles down on authoritarian strategies—including the politicization of the military—we are responding with action. Our journey is not about a single protest or a solitary day. It’s about cultivating a movement robust enough to combat the authoritarian forces determined to dismantle our democracy.
We draw inspiration from the 3.5% principle: it only requires 3.5% of the population engaging in consistent, strategic protest against authoritarianism to foster meaningful political change. Our future actions are anchored in three core commitments: remaining in the fight, taking immediate action, and investing in long-term solutions.
The website further emphasizes the following sentiment: “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, vanished people from the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”
The date of June 14, 2025, was intentionally chosen for the rallies as it marks both Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Consequently, the protests were organized in defiance of “a rare military parade hosted by Trump in Washington D.C.,” following several days of protests in Los Angeles and other cities over his immigration policies, as noted by BBC News.
According to The New York Times, these nationwide protests witnessed individuals filling plazas, streets, and parks across the country, resulting in a large-scale mobilization advocating for the protection of American democracy from a president many critics accuse of overstepping the powers of his office.
The publication elaborates:
The demonstrations unfolded in waves throughout the day, occurring in both small towns and major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles, at the heart of a growing protest movement against President Trump. Approximately 2,000 events, organized under the slogan No Kings, were scheduled across all 50 states, fueled by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, federal spending cuts, and the military parade in Washington. Many protests across the nation attracted large crowds, featuring demonstrators embracing patriotic themes, waving American flags, or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
For further insights into the events that transpired, you can refer to news articles from Newsweek and NBC News, and view photos from the protests through The Atlantic and the Associated Press.
Exploring the Legacy of Soundgarden
Recently, Loudwire highlighted Soundgarden’s monumental third studio album, Badmotorfinger from 1991, in our article featuring 5 Grunge Albums Every Vinyl Collector Should Own (And How to Buy Them). We described this album as the perfect choice for those seeking something a bit more intense yet still moody.
In May, during the Live Semi-Finals of NBC’s The Voice, standout contestant Lucia Flores-Wisemen delivered a stripped-down orchestral performance of what is arguably Soundgarden’s most iconic song: “Black Hole Sun.”
Following her performance, country-pop artist and The Voice coach Kelsea Ballerini remarked, “I believe the possibilities with your voice are limitless. I’m a fan. You’re a star, and you don’t need my validation. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Exploring the Big 4 of Non-U.S. Grunge Bands
While many associate grunge with Seattle, it’s essential to recognize that some of the most influential grunge bands hail from outside the U.S. Discover the ‘Big 4’ of non-U.S. grunge bands that made a significant impact on the genre.
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
