I never got to meet Chris, but his work was just so important to me. It was the reason I even wanted to play music. I remember being in the basement playing games with friends when the music video to Fell on Black Days came on and I remember just thinking wow- and being so moved and inspired by it. Years later, Chris really helped me find my own singing voice. Even though we never met, I consider him to be a teacher almost. I can say with confidence that I know his entire discography by heart. I’ve belted out every mournful word along side him on long stretches of dark road. He was like a good friend.
It was my dream to one day meet him and maybe even perform with him or collaborate on something. Silly childhood dreams, I know.

I was too young to catch a Soundgarden show in the 90s, but I was overjoyed when my favorite band got back together in 2010 and I devoured every bit of live footage I could find.
I just saw them again this year in Kansas City. One of their last shows. At one point, Chris stepped away from the stage for a few minutes in the middle of the set just to sign some things a fan had handed him in the front row. He was seriously the king of cool.