American rock band formed in Seattle in 1984. Lineup: Chris Cornell (vocals, 1984-1997, 2010-2017, died 2017), Kim Thayil (guitar), and Matt Cameron (drums, 1986-1997, 2010-2017). Bassist Ben Shepherd joined in 1990, replacing Hiro Yamamoto. Foundational to the grunge wave alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains; the first grunge act signed to a major label (A&M, 1989).
Six studio albums between Ultramega OK (1988) and King Animal (2012). Commercial peak: Badmotorfinger (1991), Superunknown (1994, featuring "Black Hole Sun"), and Down on the Upside (1996). The band split in 1997 and reunited in 2010. Cornell died by suicide in May 2017, ending the band again.
