Last night I went to see Soundgarden at the Riv. It was a deafening performance to say tge least. I got up close with a good view of the stage, but also a bit too close to the speaker.  My makeshift ear plugs did not help much. My ears are still ringing and muted the next day.

I was a bit disappointed to hear Chris Cornell mess up the lyrics twice. I was also dissapointed that he announced what a great night it was at the Vic, even though he was actually performing in the Riv. At least he knew it was Chicago.

All of that aside, I was pleasantly surprised that his voice seems even better than last time, though maybe not as good as 1998 Chris Cornell.

Ben Sheperdson was very animated and creepy on the base. It always seems as if something is mot quite right with him.

Kim Thayil was calm and reserved on the guitar. Even though he is supposed to be an amazing guitarist, he left many of the melodies and solos to Cornell. When he did come out with a riff on some of Cornells vocals only songs, he was spot on.

My favorite member of the band excluding Cornell is Matt Cameron on drums. He seems to be having a blast and getting a workout in while playing drums. His solos and flares were amazing, and he ended most songs with a big smile.

This is the third time I’ve seen Soundgarden and the fifth time I’ve seen Cornell (Audioslave @ Lollapalooza, Cornell Carry On Tour in Cleveland, Cornell Songbook Tour in Chicago, Soundgarden @ Lollapalooza, Soundgarden @ UIC Pavilion,  Soundgarden King Animal Tour). Ok so I miscounted, I’ve seen Cornell six times now.

Will I see them again? Probably,  though it’s not as big of a thrill anymore. Let’s see what the next album brings.