"We're not into this to win awards," said Cantrell, "and that's the attitude I went there with. And I have to say, in fairness, that my opinion was a bit changed by being a guest with Heart and seeing how much it meant for them. It was a cool show, it was with a lot of respect. I was kind of moved.

"The best part was [Rush guitarist] Alex Lifeson's speech, but I also liked what [drummer] Neil Peart said: 'For years, we've been saying that this isn't a big deal. Turns out: it's a pretty big deal!' It was cool to see him say that."

Cantrell hopes the band is inducted at some point, but notes that Pearl Jam and Nirvana will probably be the first from the '80s/'90s Seattle scene to be inducted.