CheekyChicago

The 90s had its fair share of grungy alt-rock acts, and Soundgarden is surely among the ranks. The band, which formed in 1984, rose to fame with 1994’s Superunknown, which produced such singles as “Spoonman” and “Black Hole Sun.” But just three years after their huge commercial hit, Soundgarden disbanded (some of them even got haircuts!), undoubtedly one of the final nails in the grunge coffin.

But while party-goers were ringing in 2010, Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell was Tweeting—and it wasn’t “Happy New Year.” Instead, Cornell wrote, “the 12 year break is over & school is back in session. Knights of the Soundtable ride again!” Translation—after a twelve-year hiatus, Soundgarden is reuniting.

Now, not all has been quiet on the Soundgarden front since 1997; Cornell embarked on a solo career, before fronting Audioslave (with former members of Rage Against the Machine). He even managed to collaborate with Timbaland, releasing his third solo LP (and one dud of a record), Scream, earlier this year (perhaps the final push to reunite his defunct former rock band). Drummer Matt Cameron has since joined Pearl Jam, where he remains their current drummer (since 1998). Though reunion details have yet to be released, Cameron’s involvement with Pearl Jam raises a few questions, as the band has a handful of 2010 dates already scheduled.

One thing is for sure (and you can take our Cheeky word for it), expect to see Soundgarden headlining this year’s top festivals — Lollapalooza, we’re looking at you. Details will surely spill in during the coming weeks; in the meantime, pull out your dusty Soundgarden records and resurrect the nostalgic spirit of 1994.

Photo: Mark Seliger