Soundgarden

On November 29, 1996, when Soundgarden performed at the Mesa Amphitheatre in Arizona, they were basking in the success of their iconic album *Superunknown*, released in 1994. This album delivered anthems like "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman," perfectly capturing the essence of the '90s grunge movement. Notably, *Superunknown* catapulted Soundgarden to mainstream fame and garnered them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. The energy during the Mesa recording likely reflected their heightened status in rock, as they had just released their follow-up album, *Down on the Upside*, a year later, showcasing an evolution in their sound. It's fascinating how the setlist from this performance features a mix of their biggest hits and deeper cuts, revealing a band confident in their artistry yet still raw and edgy. This concert not only illustrates the band's powerful stage presence but also their unique ability to fuse heavy metal with lyrical depth.

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