SOUNDGARDEN'S KIM THAYIL RESPONDS TO "CASH-GRAB" CLAIMS

If you haven't already heard, Grunge legends Soundgarden recently released their first album in sixteen years, King Animal. The album received massive amounts of critical acclaim across the musical board, and even reached no. 5 on the Billboard charts. Well played, Soundgarden, well played, especially considering most Rock reunions end up looking like half-assed attempts at making money.

In fact, these same claims were made about Soundgarden, even by some famous rockers, such as the Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, who called the reunion a "cash-grab". Soundgarden's lead guitarist Kim Thayil [left] spoke out against these claims in an interview with The Phoenix, asking  “How is it a cash grab? Since when is there money in making records anymore [laughs]?”

 He continued “… and by the way, since when do we need money? We’re not like the Afghan Whigs or Pavement. We had a fairly successful career. [drummer] Matt Cameron played in Pearl Jam for God’s sake! What the hell does he need to spend another, you know, 20 hours a week dedicated to writing and rehearsing Soundgarden songs and tending to Soundgarden’s business? He’s doing just fine thank you.” Thayil said he believes that Cameron was the driving force behind the band's reunion and writing.

The band is currently on tour in support of King Animal, and is even auctioning off special meet-and-greet ticket packages to hang out with frontman Chris Cornell [right] at the tour stops. Two tickets are being auctioned off for each show and all proceeds go to the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, which helps children suffering from homelessness, abuse, neglect and poverty.