Shaina Shepherd, the talented vocalist who led a remarkable benefit performance featuring the iconic members of Soundgarden last month, has addressed the ongoing speculation regarding her potential future with the band. Many fans are curious if her recent collaboration might evolve into a more permanent arrangement, given the group’s storied history and the impact of Chris Cornell’s legacy.

In December, Shepherd joined the surviving members of Soundgarden—Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil, and Ben Shepherd—during an encore performance at the 13th Annual SMooCH benefit for Seattle’s Children’s Hospital. The band performed under the name Nudedragons and delivered a captivating six-song set. Notably, they were joined on stage by Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan for a memorable guest appearance, which added to the excitement of the event.

READ MORE: Watch Soundgarden Members Play Early Hits at 2024 Benefit Show

Understandably, this performance left fans buzzing with questions about the band’s future, especially considering their infrequent appearances following Chris Cornell’s tragic death. Music Magazine Hot Metal sparked a discussion on their Facebook page, asking whether Shepherd’s collaboration with the band should be considered as a potential long-term arrangement. Shepherd herself actively engaged in the comments, providing her perspective on the matter.

Shaina Shepherd’s Insight on Leading Nudedragons

In response to some critical remarks in the comments regarding her singing with the group, Shepherd confidently replied, “Haters gonna hate while I live my dream.” Her response reflects a resilient attitude toward criticism, emphasizing her passion for music. When one commenter defended their opinion without being labeled as a “hater,” Shepherd clarified, “Soundgarden is a revolutionary band that changed my life, your life, the world. I could never front Soundgarden. But I love making music with those guys. I did it for me, for them like any other music endeavor.”

She further expressed her sentiments, stating, “I don’t care what any of you think – never did. I care what they think – always will. This whole article is meaningless. Just like your timeline.” This showcases her dedication to the music and the artists she respects, rather than focusing on the opinions of outsiders.

The Evolution of Soundgarden’s Performances After Chris Cornell

As previously mentioned, the opportunities for the surviving members of Soundgarden to perform together have been quite rare since Chris Cornell’s passing in 2017. Their first notable performance occurred on January 16, 2019, during the “I Am the Highway” tribute concert in Los Angeles. This heartfelt event brought together musicians from various genres to honor Cornell and celebrate the band’s influential music.

During the tribute, the living members of Soundgarden performed eight of their classic songs. They were joined by talented vocalists from various bands, including The Pretty Reckless‘ Taylor Momsen, Zen Guerrilla‘s Marcus Durant, Foo Fighters‘ Taylor Hawkins, and Brandi Carlile, each taking turns to deliver powerful performances that resonated with the audience.

Another significant tribute brought Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron back onstage together in 2022, as they paid homage to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. This time, they collaborated with Nirvana‘s Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Taylor Momsen for soulful renditions of “The Day I Tried to Live” and “Black Hole Sun.” These performances highlight the deep connections and camaraderie among these legendary musicians.

The collaboration of Thayil, Cameron, and Shepherd during the SMooCH benefit marked their third onstage appearance since Cornell’s passing, further igniting the hope among fans for future collaborations and performances.