Soundgarden Make Their Long Awaited Debut in Lima

March 27, 2014, will forever remain in the memories of Peruvian rock fans who gathered at Lima’s renovated National Stadium to witness an event they had been waiting for more than two decades: the long awaited first concert of Soundgarden in Peru.

The night began with local heroes Emergency Blanket, one of the most experienced rock bands on the Peruvian scene. Their opening set was sharp and full of energy, perfectly warming up the audience. A highlight came when drummer Jeremy Castillo delivered an explosive solo that shook the stands of the José Díaz stadium. The band’s confidence and chemistry were undeniable, reminding everyone why they earned international recognition by winning The People’s Music Awards in London back in 2010.

After a short stage reset, the lights dimmed and the atmosphere turned electric. The unmistakable sound of Searching With My Good Eye Closed signaled the arrival of Soundgarden, the Seattle legends and pioneers of the grunge movement. The crowd erupted as the band launched into Spoonman, triggering an intense mosh pit that felt like a storm of sound and emotion sweeping through the stadium.

Chris Cornell proved once again why he remains one of rock’s greatest vocalists. His voice, powerful yet soulful, soared through every corner of the venue. His years of experience with Audioslave and his solo work clearly kept his vocal technique sharp and commanding.

The setlist was a dream come true for any Soundgarden fan. From Black Hole Sun and Jesus Christ Pose to Outshined which stood out as one of the night’s best performances every song hit hard. Other highlights included My Wave, The Day I Tried to Live, Blow Up the Outside World, Fell on Black Days, Superunknown, Pretty Noose, Burden in My Hand and Rusty Cage.

Bassist Ben Shepherd and guitarist Kim Thayil delivered outstanding performances, keeping the band’s signature heaviness and precision intact. Behind the drums was not the usual Matt Cameron, but rather Matt Chamberlain, a highly respected drummer known for his brief stint with Pearl Jam during the Ten era, even appearing in the iconic Alive video. His performance was tight and professional, adding weight and flow to the sound.

The concert exceeded every expectation. The audience responded passionately, filling over 80 percent of the venue a remarkable turnout for Lima. Soundgarden’s chemistry, power and authenticity were undeniable, and their music connected across generations of fans who grew up with their sound.

At the end of the night, Chris Cornell promised to return to Peru. The crowd roared in approval, hoping it wouldn’t take another twenty years.

Setlist:
Searching With My Good Eye Closed
Spoonman
Let Me Drown
Rowing
Black Hole Sun
Jesus Christ Pose
Outshined
Beyond the Wheel
Taree
My Wave
The Day I Tried to Live
Been Away Too Long
Blow Up the Outside World
Fell on Black Days
Non-State Actor
Superunknown
Pretty Noose
Burden in My Hand
Rusty Cage
Encore: Like Suicide, Flower, Slaves & Bulldozers