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Ben Shepherd

Hunter Benedict "Ben" Shepherd (born September 20, 1968) is an American musician best known as the bassist for the rock band Soundgarden. Born in Okinawa, Japan, to a family connected to the U.S. military, Shepherd moved to Texas at age three and later settled in the Seattle area, where he became part of the burgeoning grunge scene. Originally a guitarist, he joined Soundgarden in 1990 as bassist, replacing Hiro Yamamoto, and contributed to the band's signature heavy, psychedelic sound on albums like Badmotorfinger (1991), Superunknown (1994), and Down on the Upside (1996). With Soundgarden, Shepherd earned two Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance for "Spoonman" and Best Hard Rock Performance for "Black Hole Sun," both from the 1995 ceremony honoring the Superunknown era. Beyond Soundgarden, Shepherd has been active in side projects, including the bands Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy, showcasing his versatile songwriting and multi-instrumental skills. Following Soundgarden's initial breakup in 1997 and reunion in 2010, he participated in the band's final tours until frontman Chris Cornell's death in 2017, after which the group has focused on archival releases, including an unreleased final album. On November 8, 2025, Soundgarden, including Shepherd, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with surviving members Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil honoring Cornell's legacy during the ceremony.

Early life and background

Childhood and family

Ben Shepherd was born Hunter Benedict Shepherd on September 20, 1968, in , on an , where his parents were stationed as part of the U.S. armed forces. His father worked in the missile program during his . When Shepherd was three years old, his family moved from Okinawa to before relocating again to , a near in the , where he was primarily raised. The family background was rooted in military life, with his father serving as a drill sergeant, which emphasized discipline and structure in the household. Shepherd has an older brother, Henry, who is ten years his senior. The early home life in Kingston unfolded amid the region's frequent rain and overcast skies, shaping a relatively insular environment for the working-class military family. Shepherd faced early challenges from the instability of multiple relocations tied to his father's career, as well as brief but formative exposure to culture and surroundings during his first years in Okinawa. These experiences marked his childhood before he transitioned to musical interests in .

Entry into music

Growing up in the area after his family's relocation from to , Ben Shepherd discovered music through his father's daily playing of records and his older brother Henry's introductions to diverse artists like , , , and by age eight. The vibrant music scene of the and , fueled by radio airplay and vinyl records, exposed him to the emerging and proto-grunge sounds, including local legends like and , igniting his passion for guitar-heavy rock. Self-taught on guitar from a young age, Shepherd often skipped school to practice in his bedroom, jumping around while trying to mimic riffs, and began performing at local parties alongside future Nirvana members like and . In high school, he switched to bass to fill needs in informal groups, drawing influences from icons such as Black Flag's and early metal acts, while honing his skills through jams in Seattle's underground community. His enthusiasm led him to sneak out and attend early shows at venues like the Central Tavern starting around 1984, where he immersed himself in the raw energy of the scene despite his youth. By his late teens, Shepherd's dedication prompted him to drop out of formal around age 18 to pursue music full-time, supported by his mother but facing skepticism from his , as he joined his first proper band, the punk outfit Tic Dolly Roe, and continued playing in various local punk-rock groups.

Musical career

Soundgarden era (1990–1997)

In 1990, following the departure of founding bassist , sought a replacement and held auditions in . Ben Shepherd, then a guitarist with limited bass experience from local bands, impressed the group with his musical knowledge and creative energy during his tryout, though he initially lacked familiarity with their catalog. While temporarily filled the role for a brief period, Shepherd officially joined as bassist later that year, bringing a fresh dynamic to the rhythm section alongside drummer Matt Cameron. Shepherd's debut with the band came on their third studio album, (1991), where his inventive bass lines helped solidify Soundgarden's heavy, sound amid the emerging scene. Tracks like "" showcased his aggressive, locking grooves that intertwined with Kim Thayil's riffing, contributing to the album's raw energy and commercial breakthrough. This was followed by (1994), Shepherd's most prominent work with the band, featuring his dynamic playing on hits such as "," where his bass anchored the song's percussive intensity and odd time signatures. The album propelled Soundgarden to mainstream success, peaking at No. 2 on the and earning the band in 1995 for Best Metal Performance for "" and Best Hard Rock Performance for "." Throughout the mid-1990s, experienced intense touring schedules across and , riding the wave alongside peers like Nirvana and , which amplified their fame but strained band relations. Shepherd noted a natural chemistry in their interplay, yet the relentless pace fostered day-to-day frustrations and creative dissatisfaction. These internal tensions, compounded by Shepherd's personal struggles with , culminated in the band's abrupt in April 1997 after over a decade together.

Interim projects (1997–2010)

Following Soundgarden's disbandment in 1997, Ben Shepherd continued his musical explorations through the side project Hater, which he had co-founded in 1993 with drummer and guitarist John McBain. Although the band's self-titled debut album was released in 1993 on , Hater remained sporadically active during the hiatus, with Shepherd contributing guitar and vocals to a second album, The 2nd, compiled from archival demos and issued independently in 2005. The release reflected Shepherd's ongoing commitment to the group's raw, grunge-inflected rock sound amid his personal challenges. Shepherd also participated in Wellwater Conspiracy, another collaborative venture with Cameron and McBain that emphasized psychedelic and elements. Formed in 1993, the project saw Shepherd handling bass and lead vocals on early releases, including the 1997 debut Declaration of Conformity and contributions to Brother the Cloud (1996), before he departed the band in 1998. These albums blended '60s-inspired psych-rock with lo-fi production, allowing Shepherd to experiment beyond Soundgarden's heavier style. Beyond these core projects, Shepherd lent his talents to select collaborations, notably on Mark Lanegan's 2001 solo album Field Songs, where he co-wrote tracks like "Blues for D," played acoustic and , lap steel, , , and provided backing vocals. He also had brief involvement in earlier outfits like 600 School and Tic Dolly Row during his formative years, though these remained short-lived endeavors without significant post-1997 output. The Soundgarden breakup served as a catalyst for these ventures, enabling Shepherd to pursue diverse creative outlets. Amid these activities, Shepherd grappled with personal struggles, including addiction to alcohol and drugs in the wake of the band's dissolution, which led to the end of relationships, housing instability, and a period of isolation in . He maintained a low-profile life in the city, focusing on recovery and sobriety by the early 2000s, which allowed him to stabilize and continue sporadic musical work without the pressures of major-label commitments.

Soundgarden reunion (2010–2017)

Soundgarden announced their reunion on January 1, 2010, with original members , , Ben Shepherd, and reuniting after a 13-year hiatus to perform live shows starting that spring. The band's initial performances included a surprise appearance at in in May 2010, followed by festival slots and headline dates across North America and , marking Shepherd's return as and his enthusiastic re-engagement with the group's heavy, riff-driven sound. The reunion culminated in the recording and release of on November 13, 2012, the band's first studio album in 16 years and a testament to their evolved chemistry post-hiatus. contributed significantly to the creative process, co-writing music for the lead single "Been Away Too Long" with Cornell and providing lyrics for "," drawing from riffs he had developed during the interim years. The album's production, handled by , captured a matured dynamic where 's innovative bass lines and the band's collaborative jamming sessions revitalized their roots with fresh intensity. From 2013 to 2017, embarked on extensive tours, including a 22-date summer run in , headline arena shows, and festival appearances at events like , , and 98 Rockfest, solidifying their enduring appeal. Internally, the post-hiatus period fostered a renewed sense of brotherhood and creative flow, with Shepherd later reflecting on the excitement of rebuilding momentum despite underlying tensions that surfaced during the 2017 North American tour. However, the tour was abruptly halted after Cornell's death by on May 18, 2017, in following a performance at the Fox Theatre, leaving the band devastated. Shepherd, who had sensed foreboding unease the night before departing for the tour, described an overwhelming premonition of tragedy, though he never anticipated losing Cornell. In the wake of Cornell's death, Thayil announced in October 2018 that would disband permanently, honoring their frontman's irreplaceable role. The band canceled the remaining six dates of their 2017 tour and ceased activity as a performing unit, though legal disputes soon arose over ownership and royalties for seven unfinished recordings from sessions that began in 2016. , alongside Thayil and Cameron, countersued Cornell's widow Vicky in 2020, claiming the tracks belonged to the band, but the conflict was resolved amicably out of court in April 2023, paving the way for potential future release.

Post-reunion activities (2017–present)

Following the death of frontman in May 2017, which effectively ended 's run as an active band, Ben Shepherd shifted focus toward preserving the group's legacy through archival projects and reflective contributions. In 2019, Shepherd participated in the release of Soundgarden: the Artists Den, a live album and documenting the band's February 2013 performance at the Wiltern Theatre in ; he appeared in over 30 minutes of bonus interviews alongside bandmates , , and , offering insights into the group's creative process and enduring appeal. Soundgarden's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025, marked a significant milestone in honoring the band's influence, with Shepherd joining Thayil, Cameron, and original bassist for the ceremony. Inducted by actor , the surviving members performed several classic tracks, while delivered a tribute performance of "." Shepherd delivered a concise acceptance speech, greeting his mother and invoking a phrase in an —"Ǧungida barigo mabét," meaning "We’re side by side. Let’s go forward. There’s a lot of work to do"—before expressing love to all involved. Reflecting on the induction in a subsequent , Shepherd described it as "an honor for the fans and a nod to them," while expressing ambivalence about the institution's politics. In an October 2025 interview with Bass Magazine, Shepherd opened up about the unease he felt ahead of Soundgarden's final 2017 tour, recounting a premonition the night before departure: "I knew that something bad was going to happen," leading him to bid farewell to his family despite frustration over halting studio work. He detailed ongoing efforts to complete what he called the band's "final" album using Cornell's unfinished vocal tracks from 2016 sessions, produced by , with drummer Matt Cameron's parts already recorded and recent studio work alongside Thayil, whose "weird overcast electricity" on guitar Shepherd praised as irreplaceable. The project, completed by early 2025 following the legal resolution, was suggested by Shepherd as a potential release around to coincide with the induction, though no release date has been announced as of 2025; he noted the process has been emotionally taxing, as "Finishing this album totally makes me miss more," yet cathartic in allowing Cornell's voice to "help" through the process. Shepherd has continued low-key performances and tributes to Cornell, including a December 2024 appearance with Thayil, Cameron, and his daughter Shaina Shepherd under the informal banner Nudedragons, blending material with new explorations. On the eighth anniversary of Cornell's passing in May 2025, he shared a heartfelt tribute emphasizing their bond and teasing the unreleased album, writing, "Just hearing Chris's voice helps, I know he did that for everyone he knew," while highlighting tracks like "" co-written by Cornell and Cameron. Regarding future plans, Shepherd affirmed no intention to reform without Cornell, prioritizing the album's completion and occasional collaborative outlets over full-band revival.

Artistic style and equipment

Musical style and influences

Ben Shepherd's bass playing is characterized by an aggressive yet melodic approach, blending heavy with psychedelic undertones that complement Soundgarden's grunge-metal fusion. He employs fingerstyle plucking to deliver driving lines that lock tightly with the guitar riffs, often utilizing drop-D tuning to achieve a low, rumbling foundation that adds intensity to tracks like those on . This technique allows for seamless integration with the band's complex structures, including odd time signatures and alternate tunings, creating a raw energy that defined the group's output. Shepherd's influences draw heavily from the punk scene, where he honed his skills in bands like 600 School and March of Crimes, alongside figures such as Black Flag's and Minutemen's , who inspired his energetic, no-frills delivery. He has cited 's original bassist as a direct mentor, as well as rock icons of Led Zeppelin and for their melodic versatility, and jazz innovator for conceptual depth. These roots shaped a style that evolved from the visceral punk-infused aggression of his early tenure to more experimental explorations in side projects like Hater and , where he incorporated broader sonic textures. Critics and peers have praised Shepherd for infusing Soundgarden's sound with substantial depth, elevating the band's heavy riffs through his inventive contributions that echo bassists' emphasis on rhythm and texture. His lines provide a to Chris Cornell's soaring vocals and Kim Thayil's angular guitars, often described as a "force" that propelled the group's evolution into mainstream success. In interviews, Shepherd has downplayed his technical prowess, yet his intuitive songwriting—frequently starting on before adapting to bass—has been lauded for its punk-edged creativity and lasting impact on bass playing.

Equipment and gear evolution

During his tenure with Soundgarden in the 1990s, Ben Shepherd relied primarily on Fender Precision Basses, including 1960s reissues, paired with amplifiers for their robust, versatile tone suitable for the band's heavy . setups were essential for tours, often incorporating multiple cabinets like 8x10s to achieve the high-volume, aggressive projection needed for live performances. He also frequently used Bass 400+ heads driving 2x15 and 4x10 cabinets, providing the punchy low-end that defined tracks from albums like . In 2008, Shepherd experienced a devastating theft when thieves broke into Soundgarden's Seattle storage warehouse, stealing his entire collection of instruments, amplifiers, and a recording console. This loss occurred during a period of personal and professional hiatus for the band. Post-theft, Shepherd methodically rebuilt his setup in preparation for Soundgarden's 2010 reunion, shifting toward a streamlined yet powerful configuration centered on a modified Fender Precision Bass '51 Reissue equipped with a Badass bridge for enhanced sustain and a Jazz Bass neck pickup for added tonal flexibility. Amplification evolved to include an Ampeg SVT-VR head as his primary tone source, supplemented by a Mesa/Boogie Carbine M6 and PowerHouse 1200 for onstage monitoring and volume, reflecting a blend of classic reliability with modern power demands. As of 2025, Shepherd continues to favor fingerstyle and pick playing with minimal effects, including a Mesa Boogie V2 preamp and Dunlop Bass Wah pedal. Shepherd consistently favors heavy-gauge strings in .045–.105 sets for their durability and tension, which support his aggressive playing style across standard and alternate tunings. He has occasionally added piezo pickups to select basses, enabling acoustic-like tones for hybrid electric setups during collaborative and solo work.

Solo and collaborative works

Solo projects

Ben Shepherd's solo endeavors represent a shift toward intimate, self-directed musical exploration, distinct from his band work. His debut solo album, In Deep Owl, released on August 27, 2013, under the moniker HBS, was recorded in the industrial neighborhoods of and Interbay in , capturing a raw, atmospheric essence through haunting and introspective tracks layered with multi-instrumental elements, including and subtle percussion. Shepherd began developing material for In Deep Owl in , initially as an acoustic project to reconnect with his roots amid personal challenges following Soundgarden's disbandment, during which he grappled with and life upheavals that led to a period of isolation. Self-produced by Shepherd, the album evolved from sparse demos into a moody collection emphasizing lyrical depth and experimental textures, diverging from his grunge-associated sound. The received niche acclaim for its brooding, innovative approach, with critics praising its poetic and departure from heavier rock influences, evoking comparisons to folk-blues traditions while maintaining an ominous, experimental edge. In 2025, followed with the EP The Star Chief Chronicles, a vinyl-only release, recorded with contributions from Drew Church on bass and Arik Ohlson on drums in a known as "Space." Featuring four unreleased tracks, including "Ennymore" and "," the EP delves into visionary, psychedelic themes through swirling, immersive soundscapes that build on 's introspective style. This project, emerging in the post-Soundgarden era after 2017, allowed greater personal to pursue such unfiltered creative outlets. Early highlighted its evocative, boundary-pushing quality, appealing to fans of 's non-mainstream work.

Key collaborations

One of Ben Shepherd's most notable collaborations was the formation of Hater in 1993 alongside drummer and guitarist John McBain. The band released a self-titled debut album that year on , featuring Shepherd on bass and vocals, and blending raw energy with elements. Hater's sophomore effort, The 2nd, emerged in 2005 on the label, drawing from archival tapes recorded in the mid-1990s and showcasing continued creative synergy between Shepherd and Cameron, with guest appearances including . Shepherd also partnered with Cameron on , a outfit initially involving McBain, where Shepherd contributed bass and vocals until 1998. Key releases include the 1997 album Brother the Cloud on Third Gear Records, which explored trippy, '60s-inspired soundscapes, and the 2003 effort on Valley Entertainment, on which Shepherd appeared as a guest musician. In the early 2000s, Shepherd lent multi-instrumental support to Mark Lanegan's Field Songs (2001), playing acoustic and , , lap steel, and while co-writing tracks like "Blues for D." This partnership extended to guest spots on Lanegan's covers album I'll Take Care of You (1999). Later, Shepherd reunited with colleague in Ten Commandos, a supergroup also featuring and , releasing a self-titled debut in 2015 on with rotating vocalists including Lanegan on select tracks. Among Shepherd's earlier endeavors, the band March of Crimes (1984–1987) stands out for its ties to the scene, with Shepherd on bass alongside future guitarist . Additionally, under the alias HBS (Hunter Ben Shepherd), he explored early demos that reflected collaborative experimentation from his formative years.

Discography

Soundgarden contributions

Ben Shepherd's tenure with began in 1990, marking his contributions as bassist starting with the band's third studio album and extending through their reunion era. His bass work emphasized rhythmic drive and melodic interplay, often locking with drummer to underpin the band's heavy, sound. On (1991, ), Shepherd's debut full-length with the band, he played bass on all 12 tracks, delivering prominent lines that propelled singles like "," where his groove supports the song's anthemic riffing. The album's production highlighted his integration into the lineup, contributing to its raw energy amid the explosion. Shepherd's bass featured prominently on (1994, ), the band's breakthrough album, where he provided the foundation for hits including "Fell on Black Days," his descending riff mirroring the track's brooding tension. He also contributed backing vocals across the record, enhancing its layered textures on 16 tracks. For (1996, ), Shepherd co-wrote music for six songs, including "," an atmospheric closer originating from his bass jamming sessions that evolved into a full band composition. His bass on the single "" stands out for its syncopated, rootsy pulse, blending folk influences with the band's heavy style. The album showcased his growing songwriting role, with bass lines adding emotional depth to 16 tracks. During the band's 2010 reunion, Shepherd returned for King Animal (2012, ), playing bass on all 12 tracks and helping recapture the group's signature intensity on songs like "Been Away Too Long." In live and archival releases, Shepherd's performances appear on Live on I-5 (2011, A&M/UME), a of 1995–1996 tour recordings capturing his energetic bass during the band's pre-hiatus peak. Echo of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across the Path (2014, ) includes his original instrumental "" from 1994, alongside bass on various rarities and covers from his era. The posthumous Live from the Artists Den (2019, ) documents a 2013 with Shepherd on bass for 25 songs, preserving the reunion lineup's chemistry. Shepherd's bass work extended to key singles and EPs from his period, including the single (1991) from , the single (1994) from , and the single (1996) from , each showcasing his foundational role in the band's radio hits. He had no direct playing involvement in earlier EPs like the 1990 Screaming Life/Fopp reissue, as those predated his joining.

Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy

Hater was a Seattle-based formed in 1993 as a by Ben Shepherd and Matt , alongside guitarist John McBain. The group drew from and influences, emphasizing raw, lo-fi production aesthetics that captured a spontaneous, underproduced energy reflective of the early 1990s scene. Shepherd contributed vocals and guitar on the debut, marking a departure from his primary bass role in . The band's self-titled debut album, Hater, was released on September 21, 1993, via , consisting of 10 tracks that blended gritty riffs with introspective lyrics. Notable songs include "Down on Me," a hazy, feedback-laden track showcasing Shepherd's vocal style, and "Roadside," which highlights the band's sludgy, improvisational vibe. Produced with a deliberate lo-fi approach to evoke garage authenticity, the album received cult acclaim for its unpolished charm but disbanded shortly after amid members' commitments to main projects; it was reissued in expanded form on July 15, 2016, by , restoring its place in grunge-adjacent history. Hater reconvened sporadically, leading to the release of their second and final album, The 2nd, on April 26, 2005, through indie label Burn Burn Burn. This 13-track effort expanded the lo-fi template with slightly more structured songwriting, incorporating elements of indie rock while retaining the original's raw edge. Key tracks like "Try," an urgent opener with driving rhythms, and "Downpour at Mt. Angel," featuring guest vocals from Brian Wood, exemplify the album's moody, atmospheric shifts. Shepherd again handled vocals and guitar, with production emphasizing minimal overdubs to preserve the band's intimate, rehearsal-room feel. Wellwater Conspiracy emerged in 1993 from the same creative circle as Hater, co-led by , John McBain, and Ben Shepherd, evolving into a outfit that explored '60s-inspired garage and surf sounds. Shepherd contributed bass and occasional vocals, adding a grounding low-end to the band's swirling, effects-heavy textures, though he departed in 1998 after the initial releases. The project's production shifted toward psychedelic experimentation, contrasting Hater's grittier lo-fi with reverb-drenched guitars and improvisational jams drawn from influences like and early . The debut album, Declaration of Conformity, arrived in 1997 on Records, featuring Shepherd prominently on bass and lead vocals across its 14 tracks of hazy, lo-fi . Standout cuts include "Hiding," a fuzzed-out fest, and "Declaration of Conformity," blending grooves with cosmic lyrics. Recorded with underproduced intent to mimic garage-era authenticity, it paid homage to psychedelic origins before heavier rock dominated. A of this album was released in September 2023 by God Unknown Records, highlighting its enduring swampy, garage-psych appeal. Subsequent albums marked psychedelic evolutions without Shepherd's full involvement. Brotherhood of Electric: Operational Directives (1999, ) delved deeper into directive, jam-based structures with 13 tracks like "Master of the Universe," maintaining lo-fi edges amid swirling synths and guitars. The Dragonfly Tongue (2000, ) featured 12 songs, including "Dr. Midnight," emphasizing ethereal, tongue-in-cheek . Jupiter (2003, Casa Sound) comprised 10 instrumental-leaning tracks such as "Apollo," shifting to cosmic, bass-driven explorations.

Other projects and releases

Under the alias HBS, Ben Shepherd released the solo album In Deep Owl in 2013, a project he had begun developing as early as 2009 but left unfinished until its completion. The record, produced by Dave French and Shepherd with co-production by Chad McMurray, features Shepherd performing all vocals and instruments, recorded at The Mix and Coldwater Studios in Seattle. In the 1980s, Shepherd contributed to several obscure punk and hardcore bands in the Seattle area, including 600 School (a group active circa 1982 with limited live recordings), March of Crimes (a Bainbridge Island hardcore outfit featuring future Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard), and Tic Dolly Row (where Shepherd served as vocalist on a 1987 KAOS Radio live session alongside future Nirvana drummer Chad Channing). These early efforts resulted in minimal releases, primarily demos and radio broadcasts that remain largely unreleased or available only through fan archives. Shepherd joined forces with Soundgarden bandmates Kim Thayil on guitar and Matt Cameron on drums for the instrumental rock supergroup Ten Commandos, releasing a self-titled album in 2015. Shepherd handled bass duties across the record, which also includes guest lead vocals by Mark Lanegan on the track "Staring Down the Dust," with lyrics by Lanegan and music credited to Shepherd. In April 2025, Shepherd issued The Star Chief Chronicles, a 10-inch EP under his own name, containing four previously unreleased tracks recorded in Seattle with collaborators Drew Church and Arik Ohlson. The vinyl-only release, pressed at 45 RPM, continues Shepherd's exploratory solo work outside major band commitments.

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