why did hiro leave soundgarden

Hiro Yamamoto left Soundgarden in 1989, citing a desire to avoid the heavy promotional and touring demands of the band and the music industry, as well as a wish to pursue other interests rather than marketing the band as a product. This decision surprised many in the group, since he was a core member and part of the early songwriting triad with Kim Thayil and Chris Cornell. After his departure, Jason Everman briefly filled the bass role before Ben Shepherd took over more permanently.