September 4, 2017
Brianna Clark
There are so few artists in the world that can write meaningful and relatable lyrics that not only speak directly to a situation, but also leave room for interpretation. What I loved so much about Chris Cornell was his thoughtful writing. He was so gifted at communicating himself through words, and of course then his music. Like poetry set to music. His song Heaven’s Dead, one of my favorite songs – I find to be so deeply romantic and selfless. I could go on about every song but I just want to say I have followed him since I was kid until now at age 30 – and thankful to have his solo album to leave us with. I hate so much that he has left and I sincerely pray for his family, loved ones, and his kiddos. I know you hear it a lot, but he touched more lives in one day than most ever do in a lifetime.
Brianna
September 3, 2017
Jessica
I will never forget the first time I paid attention — REALLY paid attention — to Chris’s voice. Euphoria Mourning escorted me through a dark, uncertain time in my life that was compounded by a terrible breakup. I felt empowered when I listened to “Can’t Change Me,” and I cried when I listened to “Disappearing One.” It all just fit. I still listen to that album so often, but with a different ear for a different time in my life.
I had listened to Soundgarden since high school, with my brother, on our car rides to school, happy memories there for which I have the music to thank; but the rarity of Chris’s sound and overwhelming talent struck me way later than it should have. I am full of regret for never having gotten to see him play live.
I am grateful to Chris for sharing himself with the world. Thank you to the family for sharing Chris with us. There’s a huge hole in the music world that can never be filled.
Jessica
Florencia Torchiaro
Chris:
You and your beautiful music will be always part of me. You are one of those who always said the truth, you were there in a sad world to gave us hope, strength, to make us feel alive. Even being far, it’s a strong connection.
I have your words on my skin, my tattoo. I shouted for you to play that song last year and you did it. Now is on me forever. I wish I could do something to help you. Loud love for ever.
Florencia
Shayla
I haven’t really processed this yet. It’s tough because, like most, I didn’t know him. Also, like most, he felt like a friend. We had been friends for over two decades. That’s a lot. We’ve been through a lot together even though neither of us ever met. That’s the power of music. It creates bonds through moments, just like any other relationship.
My heart goes out to his family and friends. You guys have to adjust to the new normal.
– Shayla
Michael Butler
This guy, Chris Cornell, had a huge influence on the style of music I was drifting towards as a young fella growing up in rural Victoria, Australia when the only choice of music to listen to was crap “commercial” rubbish on local radio. But with tuning into a late night music show on ABC TV in Australia called RAGE i was introduced to Rusty Cage and all the glorious vocals of the extremely blessed and talented vocals of Mr Cornell. Thank you Chris and Soundgarden for the screaming vocals and bringing happiness in my music life!
You will be missed but not forgotten.
Butts xoxo
Lucy Hannaford
A lion roared at me in 1994 one day,
He screamed to my soul that he’d had a black day,
The curls, the passion, the fire within you,
Ripped through my heart, my brain, every sinew,
Who was this man? This God full of talent and on a spiritual mission,
I fell hard and loved you that is my only admission,
I was intrigued, I needed to know who you were,
Why were you inside me, the obsession I could not deter,
A teenage mind, so confused, found a light, an angel to follow
My heart has been full ever since and I’m scared to feel hollow
Please don’t leave, tell me you’re going to stay
We promised, we would, always follow your way,
How or why we may never answer but I don’t want to get over you,
I don’t want this to end it can’t be, no, it can’t be-not you,
I’m awash reliving my life full of you but God the pain,
You saved me from myself as I danced in your Steel Rain,
Your highs and your lows we have been there no matter, but it seems you are done,
Arms held out, you were the only one,
The ugly truth is sinking in-maybe we really have lost you,
Alive into the Superunknown you flew,
But remember sweet man of the world who grieves for you,
A room a thousand years wide with a rain spattered view,
You didn’t want to go, you were not in your right mind,
Remember my love you will never be outshined.
– Lucy
Jason Law
Mr. Cornell, for thirty plus years you were in an inspiration to me. As a singer songwriter you had zero rivals. The ability to weave such a wide variety of emotion into one song, your wonderful use of the English language in your lyrics, the evocative expression in your music and your effortless delivery…. Truly unmatched in any genre. I awoke the morning of May 17. 2017 , to hear of your passing. Never have I felt such a shudder of unbelief. Of all the people in the Music Industry, you seemed to have it all together. Demons faced and conquered, new music from the everlasting well of your creativity, band sounding great touring, family doing well. All things pointed to you having many more years to share with us common folk, with us, the eager masses of people who lived hearing new material and seeing you perform it. Nothing could have shocked me more than the ugly news of your passing. I wish to thank you for the amazing music you gave to us, for the memories of your performance, for all of the good you have done for so many people. You are already missed and your loss leaves an unfillable hole in the Music Industry. Be at peace sir.
Jason Law
Matthias Frenzel
No one sings like you anymore…
Dear Chris,
As I heard what happened to you, I was shocked and began to cry. I can’t believe that you are not here anymore and that I will never see you again on stage with Soundgarden or in a fantastic Solo-show.
The first song I ever heard from you was “You know my name” from the movie Casino Royale. I have to say that I was born in 1994.
The Song was so different from the other Bond-songs and I really liked it, so I decided to buy the album “Carry On”. From this time I’ve heard every record you’ve ever made and I was fascinated by your voice and the beautiful lyrics you’ve wrote.
The last time I saw you in an live show it was in Hamburg in 2016. The atmosphere was so relaxing and harmonious. And you where a great entertainer and story-teller between the songs. Sometimes during the show I believed that you played in my Living room in front of me and my family.
My wife and I always said that we go together to another solo concert but now this isn’t possible anymore. That makes us very sad.
I hope that you find peace whereever you are now.
I always remember you and wish your family all the best.
M.F.
Leandro Bargas
First thanks for giving space to fans to pay tribute. Since 1992, my brother and I have been following Chris Cornell’s work, be it Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and solo career. A brilliant voice, a versatile artist. We saw Chris for the first time in Brazil in 2007, then we saw Soundgarden at the lollapalooza in 2014, and lastly we saw the acoustic tour last December. Simply amazing, we went out of the way Sunday night, we talked about how we expected to see him again. The last song from that show was Higher Truth, Chris charismatically bid farewell to the fans in Sao Paulo. Very hard to believe what happened in May, it was my father’s birthday. I’ll never forget, Chris we’ll love you forever, your music will always be in our hearts and ears. As you said about Prince, I’m talking about you: You made this world a lot more interesting. Today I was thinking a lot about Chris, which made it common, how hard can it be, my heart is simply broken. The number one singer for me and my brother. I also take this opportunity to express my condolences to your wife, children, friends and relatives, and the fans all around the world. And Chester Bennington. Who cares if someone´s life goes out (WELL I DO TOO), Chris, we just love you and you will never be forgotten, thank you for the music, all we are together !!!!
September 1, 2017
Fabrice Bongartz
Chris Cornell was more than just a genius musician. He was a good father, a loving husband and he had a heart of gold.
At the back of the booklet from “Higher Truth”, Chris wrote the following:
“This work is dedicated to my one true Love Vicky Cornell. You are my deepest inspiration, my savior and my muse. Your heart beats in every song and your eyes light the path to all tomorrows. I love you…
For my children: Toni, Christopher and Lily who always inspire and who make the sacrifice without complaint that their father has a job that takes him away.”
I am one of the members of Soundgarden Fans, a 18 000 strong Facebook group. We’re all grieving Chris together.
From the beautiful text Chris wrote on his latest solo album, we know that you, Vicky, are his soulmate. We can never imagine what you’re going through and we wish we could take away your pain.
Some of our us decided to send you and the kids some heartfelt messages in the form of a picture of you and Chris together – the picture is made out of over 4000 words and each letter is a tiny part of the whole. We sincerely hope that you, Christopher, Toni and Lily can find some comfort by knowing that we all have you in our thoughts and prayers.
The fans are there for you and we reach out to you. As many expressed, Chris lives on: in you, in your children, his family, in his music and in all his fans’ hearts.
Love,
Fabrice Bongartz and the members of Soundgarden Fans.
