Behind The Song: The Awesome Story of Temple Of The Dog's "Hunger Strike"

Hosted by Janda Lane | The Drive | Hubbard Radio
Release Date: August 30, 2023

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Behind The Song, Janda Lane delves into the intricate story behind Temple of the Dog's iconic track "Hunger Strike." This episode unpacks the emotional and historical context that birthed one of rock's most enduring duets, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Seattle's grunge scene and the personal tributes that fueled its creation.

The Tragic Loss of Andrew Wood and the Birth of Temple of the Dog

The episode opens with an exploration of Andrew Wood's profound influence on Seattle's rock community. As Janda explains, Wood was a promising glam rock frontman inspired by Freddie Mercury and Mark Bolan, leading bands like Malfunction and later, Mother Love Bone. “Andrew Wood was the glam rock frontman that everybody in Seattle expected to be the one to hit it big,” Janda notes (00:45).

Mother Love Bone, featuring future Pearl Jam members Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, was poised for success under Polygram until tragedy struck. In March 1990, just before their debut album's release, Wood was found overdosed at the age of 24. His untimely death devastated his friends, particularly Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, who had lived with Wood and was deeply affected by the loss. “Cornell was devastated,” Janda recounts (02:30).

Chris Cornell's Tribute and the Formation of Temple of the Dog

In response to Wood's passing, Chris Cornell began channeling his grief into music, quickly writing two tribute songs, "Reach Down" and "Say Hello to Heaven." Initially intended as singles, these tracks laid the foundation for the collaborative project that would become Temple of the Dog. Janda highlights, “Everything about this was a tribute,” emphasizing the album's genesis as a heartfelt farewell to Wood (05:10).

Cornell enlisted Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament to bring these songs to life, further involving Soundgarden's drummer Matt Cameron and guitarist Mike McCready. The group was already on the brink of forming Pearl Jam, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for Seattle's music scene. “They were in the early days of forming their next soon to be very famous band,” Janda explains (07:20).

Eddie Vedder's Emergence and "Hunger Strike"

A pivotal moment in the story is Eddie Vedder's introduction to the project. Drummer Jack Irons provided a demo tape of Vedder, then a part-time gas station employee, leading to his invitation to join the sessions. “It was the first time Vedder ever heard his own voice on a real record,” Janda shares (10:15).

During the recording at London Bridge Studio, Vedder accompanied Cornell as he struggled with the vocals for "Hunger Strike," a song written before Wood's death. Recognizing Vedder's potential, Cornell decided to incorporate him into the track, resulting in a powerful duet that would become their breakout hit. “It's one of his favorites and one of the most meaningful songs he's ever been a part of,” Janda notes, referencing Vedder’s sentiments about the song (12:45).

"Hunger Strike" lyrically explores themes of gratitude and criticism of relentless greed. Its compelling duet format and poignant message resonated deeply, propelling the song to number four on the Billboard Rock chart and receiving extensive airplay on MTV. “The single verse repeats, which makes the duet between Cornell and Vedder all the more compelling,” explains Janda (15:30).

Impact and Legacy of Temple of the Dog

Released as the lead single from the now platinum-selling Temple of the Dog album in April 1991, "Hunger Strike" remains a defining track of the grunge era. The album not only served as a tribute to Andrew Wood but also marked the emergence of Pearl Jam, as members Gossard and Ament transitioned to their new band with Vedder's rise as a frontman. Janda reflects, “Mother Love Bone were signed to Polygram. And then tragedy struck...” (18:50).

The success of Temple of the Dog underscored the collaborative and supportive nature of Seattle’s music community, highlighting how personal loss can fuel creative expression and lead to monumental shifts in the music landscape. “Soundgarden and Pearl Jam became two of the most successful bands to spring from the grunge scene in the Pacific Northwest,” Janda observes (21:10).

Reflections on Seattle’s Rock Scene and Personal Loss

The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the hardships faced by Seattle's rock musicians, many of whom succumbed to addiction or mental health struggles. Janda lists notable figures such as Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Mark Lanegan, and Chris Cornell himself, who tragically passed away in May 2017. “It's shocking how many of those bands from Seattle have lost members due to addiction or suicide,” he remarks (23:45).

Jeff Ament's liner notes for the album encapsulate the collaborative spirit that defined Temple of the Dog: “Spontaneous creation, emotion, very pleasing, real music. No analyzing, no pressure, no hype. Just music to make music. Friends and a reason. Chemistry, beauty, Life rules.” This sentiment underscores the album's enduring legacy as a testament to friendship, artistry, and resilience in the face of adversity (26:00).

Conclusion

Janda Lane's detailed exploration of Temple of the Dog's "Hunger Strike" offers listeners a profound understanding of the song's origins, the collaborative efforts behind its creation, and its lasting impact on the rock genre. Through heartfelt storytelling and insightful analysis, this episode not only honors the memory of Andrew Wood but also celebrates the enduring legacy of one of rock's most meaningful collaborations.

Notable Quotes

• “Andrew Wood was the glam rock frontman that everybody in Seattle expected to be the one to hit it big.” — Janda Lane (00:45)
• “Cornell was devastated.” — Janda Lane (02:30)
• “Everything about this was a tribute.” — Janda Lane (05:10)
• “They were in the early days of forming their next soon to be very famous band.” — Janda Lane (07:20)
• “It was the first time Vedder ever heard his own voice on a real record.” — Janda Lane (10:15)
• “It's one of his favorites and one of the most meaningful songs he's ever been a part of.” — Janda Lane on Eddie Vedder (12:45)
• “The single verse repeats, which makes the duet between Cornell and Vedder all the more compelling.” — Janda Lane (15:30)
• “Soundgarden and Pearl Jam became two of the most successful bands to spring from the grunge scene in the Pacific Northwest.” — Janda Lane (21:10)
• “It's shocking how many of those bands from Seattle have lost members due to addiction or suicide.” — Janda Lane (23:45)
• “Spontaneous creation, emotion, very pleasing, real music. No analyzing, no pressure, no hype. Just music to make music. Friends and a reason. Chemistry, beauty, Life rules.” — Jeff Ament, liner notes (26:00)

Final Thoughts

"Behind The Song" masterfully navigates the emotional depths and historical significance of "Hunger Strike," providing listeners with a rich, engaging narrative that honors the song's legacy and the remarkable individuals behind it. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Temple of the Dog's music, this episode offers invaluable insights into one of rock history's most heartfelt collaborations.

Thank you for tuning in to this detailed summary of the episode. For more in-depth analyses of classic rock's timeless tunes, be sure to listen to the full episode of "Behind The Song" on 97.1 FM The Drive's website.