Kim Thayil of Soundgarden to Chronicle His Life in Upcoming Memoir

Celebrate the life story of Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil through his memoir, revealing the journey behind the iconic Seattle sound.

A Rock Legend’s Story Finally in Print

If you’ve ever lost yourself in the raw power of Soundgarden’s riffs, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Kim Thayil—the band’s legendary guitarist—is gearing up to share his life story. Titled A Screaming Life: Into the Superunknown With Soundgarden and Beyond, this memoir promises to pull back the curtain on the man behind those unforgettable chord progressions. Co-written with Adam Tepedelen, the book is scheduled for release on May 19, 2026, by Harper Collins, perfectly timed as Thayil prepares to celebrate his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The memoir dives deep into Thayil’s roots and rise, weaving a narrative that’s as much about identity and culture as it is about music. In his own words, he shared on Instagram:

“It tells my story as an American son of immigrants growing up in Chicago. Then, along with another immigrant’s American son, Hiro Yamamoto, we travel to Seattle as idealistic youths, involve ourselves with underground and independent subcultures and connect with Chris Cornell to form Soundgarden. It follows my experiences, journeys and growth with the band and the building of the Seattle music scene, ultimately, to partner with Matt Cameron and later Ben Shepherd as we worked and played towards our worldwide successes. I explore the heights, depths and insights gained from my experiences within the unique and special brotherhood we built.”
— Kim Thayil

From Chicago Roots to Seattle’s Sonic Boom

Kim Thayil’s story isn’t just about trademark guitar licks or chart-topping albums; it’s about the nuanced experience of growing up caught between cultures. His parents migrated from India in the late 1950s, and Kim was born in Seattle in 1960 before spending his formative years in Chicago. This blend of immigrant heritage and American upbringing painted his worldview with complex strokes.

Reflecting on his identity in a 2020 interview, Thayil noted:

“I mean, I look at my loves and they’re so distinctly American, from baseball to comic books to rock‘n’roll. But at the same time, there’s an important allegiance to an immigrant identity that I see with uncles, aunts, cousins, my grandparents. There’s the kind of values that are instilled in you in terms of education and things like that that add to the greater culture as a whole.”
— Kim Thayil

It’s this rich cultural tapestry that informs not just his music but his perspective on life and the band’s journey. Alongside fellow immigrant son Hiro Yamamoto, Thayil ventured to Seattle, where the grunge scene was bubbling beneath the surface, waiting to erupt.

The Brotherhood Behind Soundgarden's Rise

Soundgarden’s legacy is often encapsulated by its frontman Chris Cornell’s soaring vocals and the band’s innovative sound. However, as Kim’s memoir reveals, the story is so much more than that—it’s about the brotherhood forged in the fires of Seattle’s underground scene.

The band’s lineup evolved over time, bringing in drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd, who helped steer Soundgarden toward worldwide acclaim. Thayil’s memoir promises to chart these dynamics, exploring the highs and lows of their shared journey.

As the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction approaches, the band’s lineage will be honored on November 8, including a rare reunion with original bassist Hiro Yamamoto, who left in 1989. Rumors swirl about who will sing in place of the late Chris Cornell, who tragically passed away in 2017, but the spirit of their music remains undiminished.

Matt Cameron recently gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes by posting photos of the band rehearsing with special guests like Taylor Momsen of the Pretty Reckless and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready—a true celebration of Seattle’s musical family.

The Seattle Sound’s Enduring Legacy

From their early days in dive bars to filling arenas around the world, Soundgarden’s trajectory is one of persistence, innovation, and brotherhood. Thayil’s forthcoming memoir invites fans to relive those moments—not only through music but through the personal tales that shaped the band’s signature sound.

If you want to dive deeper into rock’s greatest legends, you might enjoy checking out the ongoing list of top rock stars that highlight the genre’s vibrant history.

FAQ

• What is the title of Kim Thayil’s memoir?
  The memoir is titled A Screaming Life: Into the Superunknown With Soundgarden and Beyond.
• When will the memoir be released?
  It’s set for release on May 19, 2026.
• Who co-wrote the book with Kim Thayil?
  The memoir was co-written with Adam Tepedelen.
• What themes does the memoir explore?
  It covers Thayil’s immigrant upbringing, the Seattle music scene, Soundgarden’s rise, and the bonds within the band.
• Will the memoir discuss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction?
  Yes, it coincides with Thayil’s induction and reflects on the band’s career and impact.

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