Ben Shepherd

Born:September 20, 1968

Place of Birth:Okinawa, Japan

Known For:Acting

Biography

Ben Shepherd, a talented musician and bassist, was born in Okinawa but spent his formative years in Washington. His love for music was ignited after being inspired by the legendary Johnny Cash on television. Shepherd's journey in the music industry began with his involvement in several punk-rock bands before he found his place in the iconic band Soundgarden in 1990.

Joining Soundgarden was a pivotal moment in Shepherd's career, where he not only showcased his exceptional bass skills but also played a crucial role in the band's creative direction and songwriting process. His contributions to the band's musical evolution were profound, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative musician.

In 1993, Shepherd ventured into a side project called Hater, alongside Matt Cameron and John McBain, demonstrating his diverse musical interests and collaborative spirit. Despite Soundgarden's breakup in 1997, Shepherd continued to pursue his passion for music, albeit facing personal struggles and battles with addiction along the way.

Throughout the years following Soundgarden's disbandment, Shepherd remained active in the music scene, lending his talents to various bands and projects while navigating the ups and downs of life as a musician. The eventual reunion of Soundgarden in 2010 brought a sense of revival and continuity to Shepherd's career, allowing him to once again share his musical prowess with audiences worldwide.

Tragically, the unexpected passing of Soundgarden's lead vocalist, Chris Cornell, in 2017, marked a devastating chapter in Shepherd's life and career. The loss of a close friend and bandmate had a profound impact on him, highlighting the deep bonds forged through years of musical collaboration and shared experiences.

Ben Shepherd's musical legacy extends far beyond his time with Soundgarden, encompassing a rich tapestry of artistic endeavors, collaborations, and personal growth. His unique style and distinctive contributions to the world of rock music have left an indelible mark on fans and fellow musicians alike, solidifying his place as a revered figure in the industry.

Photos

Filmography

Acting

Hype!

1996

This documentary examines the Seattle scene as it became the focus of a merging of punk rock, heavy metal, and innovation. Building from the grass roots, self-promoted and self-recorded until break-out success of bands like Nirvana brought the record industry to the Pacific Northwest, a phenomenon was born.

Singles

Himself - Soundgarden (uncredited)

1992

A group of young adults in their twenties, who share an apartment in the city of Seattle, ponder on love and face all the challenges of adulthood.

MoPOP Founders Award 2020 Honoring Alice in Chains

Self

2020

For the first time ever, the Museum of Pop Culture's highly-anticipated Founders Award annual fundraiser event will be free to the public, streaming online Tuesday, December 1 as MoPOP honors Seattle's own Alice in Chains. The one-night-only benefit will be broadcast virtually beginning at 6 p.m. PT featuring unforgettable performances by Alice in Chains, as well as an acclaimed lineup of musicians who will put their own twist on some of the band's most iconic songs.

The Colossus of Destiny: A Melvins Tale

Himself

2016

"How comes no one has ever made a film about The Melvins?" Well, no one has ever tried or thought it even possible.....until now that is. The Colossus Of Destiny - A Melvins Tale is a film about a band who have defied all the rules, for over 32 years and counting, and still managed to succeed and do it their own way. The journey of band members King Buzzo and Dale Crover leads us from the backwards-waters of the Chehalis River in Washington State, down through the Golden Gate of Northern California, and finally settling into the Los Angeles River Basin of Southern California. With the rest of the world thrown in along the way. You will witness first hand the beliefs and attitudes, values and obscenities, slows and fasts, triumphs and toils, loves and hates, wits and giggles of a hugely talented and influential band. And you will also come away with a lesson in how to survive in the wicked world of the music biz without taking yourself too damn seriously.

Soundgarden: Live From The Artists Den

2019

On a warm February night in Los Angeles, the legendary Seattle rock band Soundgarden concluded a sold-out winter tour in support of King Animal, their first studio album in over sixteen years. In front of a rapturous crowd, Live From The Artists Den captured this unforgettable night within the historic art deco setting of The Wiltern. Soundgarden interwove brand new songs with classic radio hits, along with rarities performed for the first time in front of a live audience. Over the extended set, the band showcased their legendary catalogue and unparalleled musicianship, solidifying their impact on the history of rock and roll.

Unfinished Plan: The Path of Alain Johannes

Self

2017

Musician Alain Johannes travels to Chile to take refuge from pain after his partner Natasha dies. Influential rockers tell this story of love and musical inspiration.

Soundgarden: Motorvision

1992

Motorvision is a home video by the American grunge band Soundgarden. It was released on November 17, 1992. It features eight songs performed live at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington on March 5, 1992 and March 6, 1992 during the Badmotorfinger tour.

Soundgarden: Black Hole Sun

Ben Shepherd

1994

Soundgarden performs in the music video "Black Hole Sun" from the album "Superunknown" recorded for A&M Records. The video begins with shots of the sun. The band plays in a field under a bright blue sky with blowing clouds that eventually turns dark. People in a grim, surreal suburbia watch the sun as computer effects warp their eyes and mouths, all before it turns into the black hole and sucks everything up.

Soundgarden: Live at The Paramount Theatre 1991

2016

Soundgarden recorded live at The Paramount Theater in Seattle, WA, in 1991. Released as part of the 25th Anniversary of their seminal Badmotorfinger LP.

Soundgarden: [2014] Lollapalooza Brazil

Bass

2014

Soundgarden at Autódromo de Interlagos, São Paulo, Brazil The Telephantasm Searching With My Good Eye Closed Spoonman Flower Outshined Black Hole Sun Jesus Christ Pose Like Suicide Been Away Too Long The Day I Tried to Live My Wave Superunknown Blow Up the Outside World Fell on Black Days Burden in My Hand Rusty Cage Beyond the Wheel

Soundgarden: [1992] Pinkpop Festival

Bass

1992

Soundgarden at Megaland, Landgraaf, Netherlands Somewhere Slaves & Bulldozers Gun Mind Riot Jesus Christ Pose Searching With My Good Eye Closed Hands All Over Flower Big Dumb Sex Incessant Mace Rusty Cage Face Pollution Room a Thousand Years Wide Drawing Flies

Crew

Cold Hearts

Original Music Composer

1999

A quiet town in New Jersey possesses a dark secret. Viktoria has given her life and soul to the ways of the vampire...