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SETLIST FROM SOUNDGARDEN’S PERFORMANCE AT PRESIDENT OBAMA’S INAUGURAL BALL

By: 22 January 2013 76 Comments

Here is the setlist from Soundgarden’s performance at President Obama’s inaugural ball.

Setlist:
Been Away Too Long
Outshined
Rusty Cage

76 Comments »

  • Kirill said:

    Should have played GUN

  • Kris said:

    This whole story sickens me. Although I am glad to hear a story about how at least Cornell is SINGING (his profession) as opposed to yammering about how he worships the ground this community-organizing, arrogant douche walks on. I’m so fucking sick of it! I’m surprised they didn’t sing “Jesus Christ Pose” since that seems to sum up how they worship this ass. Frankly, I think they should have sang “Fell on Black Days” since that is where our country is at now after four years of this debacle he has created!

  • Is he one? said:

    @Kris
    You know nothing man. You’re just so wrong.

  • Pingfah said:

    Obama is president. You lost. Get used to it and stop fucking whining.

  • Search and Destroy said:

    Hmm..idk about this. They are free to do and play whatever they want. The pic above just reminds me that they are middle aged men now.

  • juca said:

    this is the magical return of Soundgarden? playing in possession of politician? hahaha what a joke … Accept any invitation to stay in the media shit .. band trash

    PJ >>>>>>>>> abism >>>>>> SG :D

  • juca said:

    Soundgarden is missing festival to play? hahahaha very decadence hahaha

  • Is he one? said:

    I know I am very proud of them. I guess some people in the USA don’t know how proud they should be that Romney lost the last elections. People of the earth know it very well I’ll tell you.

  • Kris said:

    Whining?! Oh because you guys were SO cordial and conciliatory when Bush was president right!? FUCK YOU! I have every right to state my opinion and I’m sick of paying my “fair share” and helping the “less fortunate!” SICK OF IT! I work my ass off to help people that sit on their ass and do shit! Get a fucking job (yeah, they ARE out there!) and stop living off MY hard work and accomplishments! It used to be admirable to work hard and achieve success but not anymore. I give ENOUGH of my hard earned dollars via taxes to the shit bags out there. SOCIALISM – that’s our system now my friends!

    @Is he one? – Yeah dude, I know nothing just because I don’t AGREE with you! Typical liberal!

    @Pingfah – Yes, I lost but so did this entire country. Our country lost … we lost morals, dignity, the sense of hard work and pride, and personal responsibility.

    I visit this site to read about music yet I feel I have to pussy-foot around all the progressives on here!

  • Is he one? said:

    @Kris
    I’m sick of paying my “fair share” and helping the “less fortunate!” SICK OF IT!

    Do you even hear yourself? Truly you think this kind of attitude is gonna take the world to a better state ? I mean at least you seem to admit your views are only based on egoistic matters.

    Sad.

    Happily your kind seems to be more and more rare.

    Sorry.

  • Raven said:

    Lest we forget that we’re here for the music? Lest we forget that the ‘grunge’ (I along with many Seattle-ites detest that word) breakout was lead by this and many other bands of Seattle? And lest we forget that regardless of party affiliation, it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be asked by the president of the united states to play your music at a historical event? After almost 30 years together as a band, SG is still together and making great music that clearly the president of the united states still enjoys and in all likelihood, has on his ipod. I, as a very, VERY long time fan of SG am proud of the guys to not only play at the inaugural ball but to accept this invitation with graciousness and humility. Besides, the idea of having them ROCK out a crowd of black ties & ball gowns makes me even prouder! So lighten up everyone. :-)

  • Kris said:

    You are right Raven! We are indeed here for the music.

    My bad on starting a political tirade on here. Sorry ’bout that.

    I’m done.

  • Pingfah said:

    Kris, your tears are like sweet nectar to me.

  • kingchaz said:

    “HEY! Uh- you didn’t bill that!”

  • kingchaz said:

    Also, “Binders Full of Women” sounds like an early SG b-side (figured I’d throw one in for the libs here). :D

  • Is he one? said:

    Lucky women vote in the USA, thanks to them the right president has been elected. I love women, they know what’s right.

  • Danielle A said:

    Raven, I couldn’t have said it better! So proud of them! And Chris looks great in a suit!

  • kingchaz said:

    Is he one?,

    Be careful. It’s been the lesser of two evils for a long time here. Lucky women listen to grunge and heavy metal, that’s how I see it.

    One has to admit there’s a certain irony to a band that once fed off fighting the machine, now being a cog.

    :D

  • now hes not one said:

    Is he one must be a part of the “I” “me” generational vote. I went to college, give me my job. I want my free health care. I want this, give me that… Do I think its fair that 50% of my income is taxes now because of my bracket? Its not fair but Im not the one making the demands. I didn’t vote for the socialistic president we now have. History has proven that socialism doesn’t work, it eliminates the middle class. So unfortunately for you, if you are in the middle class and voted for this guy, you’ve pretty much done yourself in. Don’t believe me? Read the 900 page “Obamacare” act. If you are one of the poor souls who believe its truly about health care, then you have my condolences. Its about entitlements and taxes.

    So the likes of Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder support this guy.. Guess what, they are in the 1% and they made it look trendy to vote for a guy who is making it his mission to attack the constitution, which if you didn’t know, our country was founded on. SO, rather than continue to hurl insults at those who voted for the other guy, a thank you would be nice. Thanks for paying taxes and continuing to support those who pay less.

    And by the way, for those who think you voted for the 1st black president, hes just as much white as black

  • Is he one? said:

    @now hes not one

    Stupid name by the way.

    I’ll only say I am doing VERY well financially and I am very happy to pay my fair share of taxes to help the less fortunate. I would even gladly accept to pay more.

    The global well-being before the individual.

    Stop trying to find something evil in my beliefs. I don’t believe in any god or religion but I believe in socialism.

  • mandingo said:

    Except he is black

  • mandingo said:

    Except he is black , I like the guy black or white its at least nice to have someone who can string a fucking sentence together when speaking to the public and he is at least better then the fucking moron we have running my country …David the dick Cameron !

  • now hes not one said:

    “the global well being before the individual” WOW, I guess you subscribe to the new world order of one governement having complete control over society.

    WOW, there are really no words. I sincerely hope you can educate yourself on whats truly happening.

  • Corporal Perdidor said:

    Fell on BLACK days! Ahahahahahhaha

  • Pingfah said:

    @now hes not one

    You sure do make a lot of totally unfounded assumptions about people.

    You sound paranoid to me, you probably think Sandy Hook was a government plot, and the moon landings were hoax. In between beating up blacks and gays, that is.

    See, two can play at your idiotic game!

  • Is he one? said:

    Thanks Pingfah, I would like to be able to defend my point better but english isn’t my first language so it’s not that easy.

    I can read english perfectly though and the likes of “now hes not one” make me want to cry.

    I bet “Kris” and him are the same guy.

  • kingchaz said:

    Man, this place reminds me of blabbermouth… hours of entertainment!

  • Pingfah said:

    @Is he one?

    I was thinking that myself.

    I mean we are talking about a guy who can’t spell “no” here, I’m guessing subterfuge is not one of his special skills.

  • Raven said:

    Although I am a Seattle-ite, I temporarily work in DC for now. While I could join the political debate taking place here with some degree of first hand experience, I won’t because I read the GrungeReport for the music.

    Here for the music, guys…..MUSIC!

    So please read the notice prior to posting, “Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.”

    :-) :-) :-)

  • now hes not one said:

    @pingfah..if youre referring to my name, I meant now,this is the kind of ignornace that reelected this guy.

    Check your history on socialism. I wasnt talking conspiracy theory here but nice attempt at a rebuttal.

    When I said read Obamacare and see what its truly about I meant it. You dont here that stuff reported on mainstream media. You poor souls buy into the charisma of this president because he says all the right things but you clearly dont think for yourself. You gang up on people because of independent thinking that differs from yours.

    As much as Id love the debate your ignorance, I must go make a living, after all, someone has to pay taxes for this country.

  • NirFooPearlTempleChainsBushGarden said:

    @Kris
    MOVE TO CANADA…DOUCHE!!

  • Pingfah said:

    Yes, there’s nothing worse than ignornace.

    What a douche.

  • Maverick785 said:

    Can’t we all just be happy that they didn’t play Live to Rise?

  • Goodmotorfinger said:

    I love my country, but I just don’t respect artists who play for politicians regardless of who it is. Of course it’s just my opinion, but this has got to be the most disappointing thing the band has ever done.

  • Soundgarden Talk Future Albums, Perform at Inaugural Balls - The Rock Station 99X said:

    [...] Soundgarden are currently on tour, but made a detour to Washington, D.C., Monday for pair of President Obama inauguration galas. Cornell played a solo set at the Commander-in-Chief’s ball that included covers of Elvis Costello’s ‘Peace, Love & Understanding,’ Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Long As I Can See the Light’ and John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ He would later return with the full Soundgarden lineup to perform ‘Been Away Too Long,’ ‘Outshined’ and ‘Rusty Cage’ at Obama’s Inauguration Ball. [...]

  • Tastes Grungey said:

    Am I the only one who doesn’t give a shit about this? If you don’t like or respect SG for doing this enough to stop listening to them, then alright – see you later. But for me, a music group’s political stance isn’t going to make me quit being a fan of their craft. I actually think it’s pretty cool that good rock music got some exposure among a concert of mostly mainstream hip hop and pop artists.

    Sidenote: Imagine if Romney won. His inaugural concert would have the likes of Kid Rock, Meat Loaf and Ted Nugent haha

  • Is he one? said:

    @Tastes Grungey
    Haha actually this is funny. I agree with you it shouldn’t stop a real fan from listening to their music. For instance I don’t stop listening to Tool despite Maynard being a redneck.

  • Axel said:

    at least it wasn’t Mittens and balls with Ted Nugent and Kid Rock.

  • bf3engi said:

    sigh, the comments section of this site always makes me cringe…

  • Soundgarden Talk Future Albums, Perform at Inaugural Balls - Music. Movies. News. said:

    [...] Soundgarden are currently on tour, but made a detour to Washington, D.C., Monday for pair of President Obama inauguration galas. Cornell played a solo set at the Commander-in-Chief’s ball that included covers of Elvis Costello’s ‘Peace, Love & Understanding,’ Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Long As I Can See the Light’ and John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ He would later return with the full Soundgarden lineup to perform ‘Been Away Too Long,’ ‘Outshined’ and ‘Rusty Cage’ at Obama’s Inauguration Ball. [...]

  • Soundgarden Talk Future Albums, Perform at Inaugural Balls - Music. Movies. News. said:

    [...] Soundgarden are currently on tour, but made a detour to Washington, D.C., Monday for pair of President Obama inauguration galas. Cornell played a solo set at the Commander-in-Chief’s ball that included covers of Elvis Costello’s ‘Peace, Love & Understanding,’ Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Long As I Can See the Light’ and John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ He would later return with the full Soundgarden lineup to perform ‘Been Away Too Long,’ ‘Outshined’ and ‘Rusty Cage’ at Obama’s Inauguration Ball. [...]

  • BOB said:

    they should have played LIMO WRECK.

  • Superunknown said:

    Obama just steals more of our money, nuff said.

  • Is he one? said:

    Truly you “Superdontknow”.

  • Raven said:

    Tastes Grungey said:

    “Am I the only one who doesn’t give a shit about this? If you don’t like or respect SG for doing this enough to stop listening to them, then alright – see you later. But for me, a music group’s political stance isn’t going to make me quit being a fan of their craft. I actually think it’s pretty cool that good rock music got some exposure among a concert of mostly mainstream hip hop and pop artists.”

    I’m with you. Plus, let’s remember Chris played for our troops at the Commander in Chief’s ball. SG played for more than just politicians but also average Americans (including soldiers) who attended the ball and outnumbered the politicians.

    And I agree whole heartedly that it’s really cool that a GREAT ROCK band (not a poser band) got stage time among pop artists. They have stayed true to their musical roots, fan base and each other. Kudos for them. I’m a true and loyal SOUNDGARDEN fan so for everyone else who is here yammering about politics, I’m here for the music.

  • warriorwoman25 said:

    Obama was not my President of choice. Regardless of that, it is still an honor and privilege for CC solo and Soundgarden to play at two inaugural functions. This only happens once in four years!! Way to go guys!

  • Butthead said:

    Who cares about politics??? Politics suck. Both sides are full of idiots. I bet this all Chris’s idea. I honestly any of the other guys really give a shit.

  • samtam said:

    I wannna watch the video.

  • Christine said:

    In your wildest “I wish my band would play (name venue) someday” did anyone think that one of OUR bands would get to here?

    Pretty amazing really. Well done men, well done.

    I feel represented.

  • Christine said:

    PS: @Kris, I’ve never been cordial about Bush Jr., Sr., Reagan, nor Nixon (if that’s any consolation to you).

  • Deviate said:

    Gotta love liberals. They think that the gov’t removing our rights, and controlling our money (as well as everything else) is freedom.

  • Scott in AZ said:

    I know one thing… you will NEVER see Alice in Chains do these kind of ass kissing gigs. Pathetic Soundgarden, just pathetic.

  • Raven said:

    I doubt this is just a “Chris” thing. Read and watch all the interviews. They are managing their own affairs now which means that all four of them make the decisions. Seriously, I can’t imagine that “Chris” decided anything this big and “forced” it on the other members on the band. And if you do think that, that’s a serious insult to Kim, Ben and Matt, and their status as contributing members of the band.

    Recall it was the music industry machine that they walked away from in 1997 and all the BS that went with it like constant touring, scheduling tours for the next album before they had even written the songs for the next album, expensive MTV-type videos over which they had little artistic control, etc.

    “Slaves and Bulldozers” probably sums up their view of the music industry machine that they walked away from. A machine, mind you, that chewed up and spit out far too many of their brethren, including 2 members of Alice in Chains, 1 from Nirvana and 1 from Mother Love Bone just to name a few.

    So in sum, I’m proud they, as a whole band, accepted the President’s invitation to play to our troops and other citizens at the inaugural ball. They were the only serious ROCK band on the playbill.

    :-) Be nice.

  • Amy said:

    Where is the picture of Cornell’s wife bending over and licking Obama’s crack and then turning around and chewing out her own servants & calling Chris’s middle class fans stupid out of the other side of her double sided mouth?

  • SuperSG said:

    Holy cow Amy… Language!

  • Carl said:

    I just saw them at the Tower in Philly. I figured Chris wouldn’t sound like he did back when they hit the scene…even Robert Plant can’t deliver like he used to…but Chris and the band sounded great. Glad I didn’t miss that one.

    @Kris You’re a piece of sh** of a human being. It’s fine though. Your callous attitude toward your fellow man is becoming as extinct and irrelevent as the GOP. The only chance they have to continue to be a political force is to (genuinely) embrace the growing latino/hispanic community. They’re a no-brainer potential GOP constituency…christian/family values/strong work ethic…but the dinosaurs in the GOP are going to cling onto the past until they are the past. ;)

  • Evan said:

    Fuck Obama. That is all.

  • Kris said:

    I can’t stay silent any more on this …

    Thanks to those on there who at least don’t call me names for expressing my views. And kudos to those who can comprehend where our country is at.

    @now hes not one – you are one of the most intelligent and insightful guys on here. You have pointed out everything I believe in. Great job and thanks for having my back.

    @NirFooPearlTempleChainsBushGarden: To quote you … “MOVE TO CANADA – DOUCHE.” Very nice! Don’t worry … I’m working on it. My husband and I have a plan to move the hell out of this progressive, entitlement-based, socialist country in the future. There’s no looking back. I know the majority of this country will now always vote Democrat because they are all getting free shit! Why not? If I got free shit, I’d vote for the guy too! BUT, I have pride and won’t take hand-outs.

    @Amy – You rock! Well said!

    My points made here are not because I’m Republican. I used to be but they are fucked up in so many ways too. I’m libertarian – no government intrusion, following the constitution, and fiscal responsibility. This makes me egotistical huh?! WTF?

    If you guys want to “make the world a better state” then dammit “give back” by going up to a “less fortunate” person and giving them half your bank account and possessions!? No one is stopping you.

    @Is He One: “I love women, they know what’s right” THANKS DUDE! I appreciate that compliment! :)

    See what the community organizer created, my friends? It’s now a divisive country where everything is about race and “giving back!” I ain’t giving SHIT! I give enough in my paycheck! No one gave me anything – I worked for it. So no need for me to give back since the community organizer steals it from me anyway.

    And finally … my family immigrated here from Hungary with nothing but the clothes on their backs yet they never received shit from anyone and did just fine. So …. before anyone calls me a racist (which is what liberals LOVE to do), I will go out on a limb and say I don’t owe black, red, yellow or purple people for that matter shit. I don’t feel guilty about being white and am tired of kissing ass. THIS is what the community organizer wants! Screw that!

  • bvdlb56 said:

    Kris,

    I waited 15 years to see them in DC on Friday night and it was amazing. I was very disappointed that they would sell out for any political stance. That is Eddie’s job to bore people on stage about Obama.

  • Grungecaster 1 said:

    SOUNDGARDEN ROCK ON FOREVER
    LETS HEAR NEW SOUNDGARDEN
    AND VOTE FOR A NEW AND BETTER PRESIDENT

  • Pete said:

    There’s nothing more pathetic than Americans arguing “us v. them” politics.

  • FUCK KRIS said:

    Fuck KRIS!

  • Kris said:

    Looking forward to it… Your Mom called & said she would join! Can’t wait! :)

  • SuperSG said:

    Kris, Canada is Socialist.

  • Kris said:

    True. Singapore seems pretty attractive as does the Caman islands.

  • SuperSG said:

    Singapore is ranked high in the unhappiest nations in the world ranking

  • the keeper said:

    Kris you have very biased and misquoted assumptions based on the liberal party and Obama as a whole. Facts are facts and they directly contradict your statements and it just makes you look like a typical basher, regardless of party affiliation

  • kez said:

    hmm i do have a problem with them playing for obama it is his administration that has funded the same thugs in syria that are killing us+australian soldiers in afghanistan..i thought that might bother sg just a little but it obviously doesnt

  • BillyL said:

    Videos?

  • SuperSG said:

    SOUNDGARDEN PLAYED ZERO CHANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME LIVE EVERRRRRRRR! Oh and Rhinosaur too!

  • Philip said:

    SuperSG- What show are you referring to that they played ‘Zero Chance’?

    Oh and some of you other types can put your dick back in your pants now. Soundgarden played the Inaugural Ball, get the fuck over it if you don’t ‘approve’. Assholes.

  • SuperSG said:

    Today’s/ well yesterday’s nows show.

  • Raven said:

    I give up. No more reading the comment section much less posting. Was just trying to appreciate the music but inevitable it turns to hateful comments.

    Good luck.

  • Pingfah said:

    Oh don’t be so dramatic.

    This IS a story about a band performing at the Presidential Inauguration, of course it is going to get political, and therefore heated.

  • JD said:

    Kris I could give a shit about if you are red or blue but, Obama was elected to a second term he is the leader of the country.
    I’m not going to tell you what to do but, personally no matter what the politics are or their beliefs are, I still respect whoever is president. I respected Bush as much as I respect Obama. Also, what exactly is so wrong with socialism? You use it like liberals use conservative. For your information I did vote for Obama as he is the lesser of two evils but the left has to open their eyes and see that obama isn’t sacrosanct.

  • Kris said:

    @JD: 1) Has socialism EVER worked in any society? 2) If you think socialism is so great, give half your posessions to someone “less fortunate.” Next time you go out to eat, take half your plate of food and share it with a homeless person. Let someone move in with you who has less than you and give them half your wealth. Go ahead! After all, to them you are rich! I, on the other hand, admire success and am glad to see people who have made it. That USED to be an admirable trait in this country. I’m not jealous of people with money – good for them! It’s none of my business. Yet, liberals seem to condemn anyone who is rich EXCEPT for them of course. That’s different!

    I, for one, believe in taking care of myself and working hard for what I earn. There is NOTHING in the Consitution stating we should give free shit to people. There is such a thing as personal responsibility, ya know. Perhaps you can move to Venezuela and live under that oh-so-great socialist society. See how things work out for you.

    For those out there who are “less fortunate” … well my message to them is a BIG “I-don’t-give-a-shit! It ain’t my problem!”

    And also …. “less fortunate” … what the fuck does that mean? Fortune means luck – people who are successful have worked hard for that – it wasn’t by luck, ya know!

    As tragic as it is to me, I know Obama is the president. If I met him today I would have every ounce of respect for him because you are right in that he is the leader of this country. Nonetheless, I still don’t like him personally and find him to be an elitist, and an cocky and arrogant person. I do, however, credit him with being a wonderful husband and father and I think that is admirable.

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