Soundgarden to Headline Seahawks' Super Bowl Return Halftime Show

Key points

• Soundgarden announced they will perform at the halftime of the Seahawks' season opener against the New England Patriots on September 9, 2026.
• The lineup includes surviving members Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, and Matt Cameron, joined by Taylor Momsen and Mike McCready.
• Mike McCready will also perform the national anthem, representing the Washington Innocence Project.
• The band has only performed a few times since Chris Cornell's death in 2017, with their last major appearance being the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
• The Seahawks are the current NFL champions, having won Super Bowl LX, and will open the season at Lumen Field.

Background

Soundgarden has been largely inactive since the sudden death of frontman Chris Cornell in 2017. The band faced legal disputes with Cornell's widow, Vicky, but reconciled in 2023. They subsequently performed at their 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, where Taylor Momsen and Mike McCready joined them. The band is also expected to release new music in 2026, the first since their 2012 album 'King Animal,' with eight songs already in the mixing stage.

How outlets are covering it

Stereogum highlights the emotional significance of the reunion, noting the band's limited live appearances since 2017 and the previous legal tensions with Vicky Cornell. Seattle Sports draws a parallel to the 2014 season opener, when Soundgarden performed after the Seahawks' first Super Bowl win, emphasizing the tradition of local bands celebrating team victories. The Seattle Seahawks' official release focuses on the broader 'Countdown to Kickoff' festivities, including a pregame concert by Luke Bryan and community events, while confirming the specific lineup for the halftime show.

Why it matters

This performance represents a major cultural milestone for Seattle, bridging the city's music and sports heritage. It signals a potential new chapter for Soundgarden, who are close to releasing new music, and provides a high-profile platform for the band's return to the stage. For the Seahawks, it underscores their status as reigning champions and enhances the spectacle of the season opener.

What to watch

The game is scheduled for September 9, 2026, at 5:20 p.m. PT on NBC. Fans can expect a pregame concert by Luke Bryan at 2:30 p.m. PT. The band is also expected to release new music in 2026, with eight songs currently in the mixing stage.