Soundgarden Members Reunite as Nudedragons for Special Seattle Performance

Soundgarden’s surviving members, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, and Matt Cameron, reunited under the anagram-inspired moniker Nudedragons for a special performance in Seattle. The trio played a short but powerful set at the 1100-capacity Showbox on Saturday night, marking their first time onstage together since 2021.

A Tribute to Chris Cornell
Seattle-based artist Shaina Shepherd joined the group as the lead vocalist, dedicating the performance to the late Chris Cornell. Shepherd stepped into the monumental role with grace, honoring the legendary singer while adding her own touch to the band’s timeless tracks.

A Night of Iconic Songs
The six-song set featured fan favorites:

Hunted Down
Outshined
Flower
Beyond The Wheel
Kickstand (which featured Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan as a guest vocalist)
A fiery cover of the MC5 classic Kick Out The Jams closed the show.
A Cause Close to Home
The performance was part of a benefit concert for SMooCH (Seattle Musicians for Children’s Hospital), an organization supporting uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Founded in 2012 by Pete and Brandy Nordstrom, SMooCH raises critical funds for families in need of pediatric care.

Star-Studded Fundraiser
Nudedragons weren’t the only highlight of the evening. Other performers included indie rock mainstays like Sebadoh and Doug Martsch of Built to Spill. Past SMooCH events have featured acts such as Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine, Jason Isbell, and J. Mascis, showcasing Seattle’s deep-rooted musical culture.

A Memorable Reunion
For fans of Soundgarden, the reunion brought both nostalgia and hope as the band members honored their legacy while celebrating the city that birthed their music. With powerful tributes and stellar performances, Nudedragons’ set added a meaningful chapter to the legacy of Seattle’s legendary music scene.


Photo Credit: Brian Patterson Photos / Shutterstock.com