Temple of the Dog's Debut Album Turns 35

The supergroup's only album remains a poignant tribute to late Mother Love Bone frontman Andrew Wood.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a cracked mirror surface reflecting a dim, moody light, conveying the fragmented emotions and memories surrounding the tragic loss that inspired the album.The shattered mirror reflects the bittersweet emotions behind Temple of the Dog's enduring legacy as a musical tribute to a fallen friend.Seattle Today

Temple of the Dog's self-titled debut album, released in 1991, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The album was a collaborative effort between members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, formed as a tribute to their friend and fellow Seattle musician Andrew Wood, who died of a heroin overdose the previous year.

Why it matters

The album holds even greater significance today, as it was created by two of the biggest grunge acts of the era, and in the wake of the tragic passing of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell in 2017. Temple of the Dog's music continues to resonate as a powerful memorial to the fallen artists.

The details

Recorded over just two weeks in late 1990, the album features 10 songs written by Cornell, who was processing the death of his friend Wood. The band, which included future Pearl Jam members Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, and Eddie Vedder, refined Cornell's compositions in the studio. While the album was initially overlooked, it gained widespread attention after the breakthrough success of Pearl Jam's debut and Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger later that year.

  • Temple of the Dog was released on April 16, 1991.
  • The album was reissued and promoted more aggressively in the summer of 1992, after the success of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.

The players

Chris Cornell

The Soundgarden frontman wrote all 10 songs on the album as a tribute to his friend Andrew Wood.

Jeff Ament

The Pearl Jam bassist was a member of Wood's former band Mother Love Bone and collaborated on the album.

Stone Gossard

The Pearl Jam guitarist, also from Mother Love Bone, worked with Cornell on the album.

Eddie Vedder

The Pearl Jam vocalist contributed vocals to the hit single "Hunger Strike."

Andrew Wood

The late frontman of Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone, whose death inspired the creation of the album.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that he asked me to be on that record, I mean, that's the first time I was ever on a real record. So that could be one of my favorite songs that I've ever been on, or, for sure, the most meaningful.”

— Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam Vocalist

“The camaraderie and the healthy competition part, I found later was unusual. And it was Johnny Ramone who actually pointed that out to me later, talking about the friendship he saw between Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, saying 'I've never seen that before, New York wasn't like that, we hated each other, we would screw each other up, at every turn if you could, you would mess the other band up.' The best thing about it is, I think, that you learn from each other. And you're inspired by each other. For me, Temple of the Dog grew out of that.”

— Chris Cornell, Soundgarden Frontman

What’s next

Temple of the Dog has only performed live on a few occasions over the years, adding to the album's mystique. Fans are hopeful the band may reunite to commemorate this milestone anniversary.

The takeaway

Temple of the Dog stands as a poignant musical tribute, capturing the convergence of two rising grunge acts and the enduring legacy of their fallen friend Andrew Wood. The album's themes of grief, loss, and the power of community continue to resonate decades later.