September 1, 2017

Neela Bhaskar

To all those who loved, lived and often depended on the legacy this amazing human being created,

It is strange to see someone leave this world in such a tragic way, considering all the strength he gave me as a teenager growing up in the confusing and challenging world of modern India. Your music, Chris, was exemplary, but your lyrics were always moving and personal, and helped me see your soul and mine. Rest in peace, and we find strength everyday in what you created. And hell..you created a lot.

It was my dream to see you perform someday. However, everyone’s time ends at some point, and perhaps I’ll see you in heaven and get to thank you in person (probably through a very poorly written song — in comparison, at least), for how much you got time through without never setting eyes on me or knowing who I was.  You will never be forgotten or never cease to be loved. I hope you are finally at peace. You deserve it.

With love to your family, friends and fellow musicians, I humbly thank you once again for all that you did for me without realising it.

After all. To be yourself is all that you can do.

neela

Sarah Santiago

I, I never wanted
To write these words down for you
 
Chris, you were are more than just a musician. You are a hero, a savior, everything your friends, family, and fans could’ve asked for. 1,000,000+. That’s how many people you reached with your music. When I first heard your music I was 4. In fact, I still remember the first song I heard too; Black Hole Sun. Whenever I was depressed I would flip to one of your songs. I’d listen to it for hours, maybe even days. Your music helped me out of my depression and I thank you for that. It isn’t just me it helped though. It’s millions. People can relate to some of your songs. They’re like stories. Like you’re telling your story. I never got to meet you, but I just knew you were that guy everyone wanted to be around. Selfless, kind, down to earth. I woke up at 7:30 am on May 18^th. My birthday. I read that you had died. “Chris Cornell. Suicide by hanging.” Was what I read. Devastated was what I felt. I thought, “No way. Another celebrity death hoax. He’s got a caring family he wouldn’t.” But you did. I’m not mad or anything. Just devastated and confused. You weren’t yourself that night. Your wife Vicky, she’s just perfect for you. She is the nicest person. I see why you get along so well now. And your children, the same thing. I guess it just runs in the family. The thing is though, I don’t want to know how you did it, why you did it or where. I just want to remember the best things about you.
 
Thank you, for your gift to the world.

– Sarah

August 29, 2017

Frauke Stürznickel

August 28, 2017

Brian Dean

I have always been a music fan. Since I was able to talk I would sing admittedly not well lol. My most formative music years led me to the bands from Seattle when I was definitely their target audience. I was young, confused about who I was and struggling to find light in a world I found wrought with darkness. My struggles with depression were always kept inside with nobody I felt I could talk to. I found comfort in music. I found love in music. I found inspiration and something that really grounded me and brought balance to my life. There was always a song that fit how I was feeling and said things I never knew how to express. Then I found bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Alice in Chains et al. I found in this music men and women who were just like me. They didn’t have it figured out and they didn’t know the right thing to do and they didn’t know how to reconcile the outside world with what they were feeling inside. Chris always made me feel better. He had range, style, panache and more than anything humility. He was a rockstar’s rockstar yet still someone I could relate too. I often wondered what we would talk about over a beer. As fans we may not have physically known Chris but he was IN HIS MUSIC. We knew him better than we thought I bet and that is something I have never forgotten. And to know about his struggle with mental illness, the same struggles I have every day…. it brings a cold comfort to know that it can be anyone. Sometimes, even surrounded by people who I know love and support me, I feel alone. But I march on, I keep going and I endure. When confronted by the loss of a humanitarian, philanthropist, musical genius and not least of all, father and husband…. I try not to focus on the loss and rather focus on the lightning bolt of talent and the wonder it was ever here in the first place. A piece of my soul is gone and I never thought I’d feel like I do as this hit me hard…. but I put on the music, turn it up and refuse to be OUTSHINED. I hope my brother has found peace…. he’s helping me every day to find mine.

– Brian Dean

August 27, 2017

Ria

Chris, you held many roles in your life. You were a devoted, loving husband and father, a family man, and a musician. Most people were preoccupied with the musician status and all that came with that role. You loved music and while your music was part of your life and spirit, it was also an expression of your insightfulness and compassion for people and their lives. Being a musician was only a result of your internal life and the beauty that resonated with others which made them feel so close to you.

The love and respect you had for and from your fans drove your humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. Although your benevolence was diverse, your most powerful devotion was to children. You always wanted to help mitigate the pain and suffering of others; I will always remember you as the loving and devoted man that you were and for the love, devotion and pride you had for others in need. I recall the time I was at your house and you left to get on a call. It was then I learned about Rory De LaRosa who lost his baby girl, Ainslee to brain cancer and was now suffering the same fate himself in a hospice. No one made you be there for him, but that’s who you were, you wanted to help him any way you could and give him hope.

You were moved by the words from the poem that Rory wrote about his daughter’s tragedy and turned it into a song. When I hear the song I Promise it’s Not Goodbye it still tears my heart. It is a song about love, loss and hope which I’d urge everyone to listen to . How many rock stars would take that time to get so personal? And then to continue to be there for Rory’s son, Xavier who also recently lost his battle with brain cancer.
When my mom suffered a stroke, you made every effort to come to visit her in the hospital several times, and again when she went to rehab. The nurses were surprised to see how long you stayed and how you made sure she was comfortable. You made her laugh told her stories about Vicky, Toni and Christopher and your mother in law. This is the Chris Cornell my family knew and will always remember – full of kindness, respect and love.
I was privileged to witness and experience all of your roles. The common thread was the love that you felt for my cousin and your children. Your love for Vicky, Toni, Christopher and Lily was evident in all that you did with them and for them. You treated all of us with kindness; you were always Uncle Chris to my children, with whom you had a great bond that they will always cherish. I’m certain that your humanitarian and philanthropic efforts will continue on with your wife and children; not only to keep your memory alive but to perpetuate the goodness and kindness that you believed we all possess. Chris, our family vows to keep the promise to love and support Vicky and your children; we will never leave their side.

#keepthepromise

– Ria

August 26, 2017

Alannah Egan

Dear Chris,
June 29, 2016 was the best day of my life – because of you. Without you or your music, I don’t know what I’d do. Your music changed my life in a way I could have never imagined.
A little over a year ago, I went to your solo concert. I remember that day so clearly. I woke up at around 11. My mom picked me up on her lunch break, and we headed back to her job at a Community College – where she had very little to do over the summer. So, we sat there in her office, watching Netflix, playing volleyball, doing nails, and freaking out about that fact that we were going to see you in person that night. When we left, we headed to my grandma’s house to bring her dog to the vet while listening to Lover You Should’ve Come Over by Jeff Buckley. After that, we went home, got changed, and headed to the Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. We listened to your Higher Truth album the entire ride there with the music up all the way and the windows all the way down. We got many strange looks, but that didn’t matter because we were going to see YOU. We got there, parked a couple of blocks away, and walked to the theater. We went inside and got our tickets, then bought a poster and a shirt. Fantastic Negrito came on, and he was incredible, so I ran out to the lobby and bought his CD, and he signed it for me. We then waited half an hour, and then the most amazing thing happened. You jumped off the stage and started shaking people’s hands. When we realized you were shaking your fans’ hands, I ran up to the stage. I remember you looking me in the eye with your piercing blue eyes, and I saw that little creative twinkle in them. You smiled at me with this huge genuine smile, and of course I began sobbing like crazy. What else could I do? I just met Chris Friggin Cornell. Then, you started off the concert by playing Before We Disappear and saying, “this song is really just about living in the moment and appreciating what you have.” Of course, I don’t remember the exact words you used, but it was something like that. I cried for a good hour, tears of joy because I was so happy to be in the same room as you. You played everything at that concert, your solo stuff, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, Prince, and a cover of Metallica’s One lyrics to U2’s One’s melody. At the end, I ran out to the lobby just in case of a Chris Cornell Sighting, and then my mom texted me saying you were going to play an encore. I ran back into the theater but there were people in my seat, so I just ran up to the edge of the stage. I remember you playing Higher Truth and me staring at you in awe. It really was the best experience I could ever have.
A couple weeks later, Temple of the Dog announced their tour. Of course, me and my mom went and saw that at Madison Square Garden and of course it was perfect. The Mother Love Bone Covers were amazing, the set list was amazing, everything about it was amazing.
All I could think about was seeing you again after that concert. When I was having a long night of schoolwork, ‘just think about being able to see Soundgarden!’ Having a bad anxiety day? ‘Don’t worry, just think about Chris Cornell!’
After all of that, on May 18, I woke up at 5:30 in the morning before school, and I heard the news. I could barely get through the day. All I could think about, even in crazy hard algebra, was you: How you were gone. How I’d never see you again. The very night before, I was listening to your album because it helped me concentrate while writing my History essay. Watching your music videos that made me smile because it was YOU. You helped me through so much.
Chris, I miss you so much. More than words can explain. I am so sorry that you were hurting so much. You mean the world to me. Thank you for being who you were. Thank you for inspiring so many people and encouraging them to continue being who they are. Thank you so much for being you. We love you, Chris.
Love,
Alannah Catherine Egan
(The summer of my Thirteenth Year)

T. Sparks

Thank you to Chris’s family for sharing him with us all.  I pray it brings you some comfort knowing how his voice and music touched many of our lives.

I first heard Chris’s voice when I was introduced to Temple of the Dog back in 1992 when I got out of the Navy.  I was lost and looking and searching for my place, I was angry with many hurts from my past. His music, his voice touched me.  I related to the lyrics of his songs and knew I fit and wasn’t alone with my lost, angry and unsure feelings.  I was on my way across country to escape myself in the place where I was, hoping for a better place and I remember it was me and my dog blaring to Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog, etc. I ended up in New Mexico (not where I had planned) and ended up getting my shit together, clean, off to college.  All I can say is I’m so very sad for you and understand anxiety and depression.  My heart goes out to you all.

Thanks Chris for keeping me company when I was so alone in my own head.  “Say Hello to Heaven” for me.  Always a fan!

T. Sparks

Kimberley Bell

I have so much to say about Chris Cornell that I don’t know where to begin or how to put my feelings into words.

I didn’t know him personally. I was merely a fan of his since the beginning. The first time I heard him sing I was mesmerized. Hooked. He has been my favorite singer since I can remember.

So many things attracted me to him, but what endeared me to him was how he was with his wife and children. I saw him perform in Seattle at Benaroya Hall in 2015. His family was offstage and Lily was onstage taking pictures. He was definitely about his family. That touched my heart immensely.

I miss him. I hurt for his family and friends. I can’t imagine how they feel because I know I’m devastated over his passing and I’m a nobody.

Everyday I check the websites to see any new posts on him. Every morning I scroll through all the local radio stations hoping to her his music. Every single day. I think about him and his beautiful family. I’m spiritual so I send good vibes to his loved ones.

He was amazing. He was human. He was a Husband. A father. A son. A Brother a loyal friend. He was another human trying to make it through this ridiculous world.

He was an amazing singer. The best. And he touched me deeply with his lyrics and passion.

Im so very sorry to the family and friends that lost him.

I believe his wife knows better than anyone else what went wrong that night. He loved her and his babies. He loved his family and friends. I wish with everything I have to be able to go back in time and change this nightmare.

I will continue to listen to ALL his music everyday just like I have since the 90’s till the day I leave this earth. His music speaks to me and makes me happy.  I now feel deep sorrow when I hear him but I’m thankful he was put on this earth for this short time to touch us all with his music.

From one of your dearest die hard fans. I love you and miss you much.

Kimberley

Louis Platts – Dunn

I’m privileged to have seen Chris (acoustically and with Soundgarden) a total of four times. I think it was when I saw him in an acoustic setting that I realized, not only the unparalleled nature of his voice and song-writing, but that he was a personable, kind, and good-humoured guy, who loved engaging with other people; even through making someone’s day by inviting them onto the stage to perform with him. I came to see, too, that his music was powerful and transporting because it was truthful; in all its darkness and its happiness. It meant that he and his music became a profound and relatable presence in my life, one that saw me through good and bad. I can’t imagine the pain his wife, children, other family and friends must be in, but they should know and be proud that the effect he had on me, was one he had on millions of others.

We share your grief, and I send nothing but love from the UK.

Louis

AshaJamila Wortham

When I was 12 my life could not have been more tumultuous.

My mother was struggling to raise a family of 5 children in a small country town in Connecticut. My father was absent even when present. We knew what his long absences into the basement meant. Being high on whatever we could afford was his way of life.

Honestly, life was quieter when he was on something.

20 years later I would understand to a degree the demons he had been fighting and feel empathy for all the lost time and life we could have known had things been different.

Because of this, I was reclusive as a young person. I generally would find solace in drawing, playing a guitar that was lent to me from school and stealing my parents’ alcohol and hanging out with classmates and drinking during school hours in the practice room.

Around that time, I remember hearing Rusty Cage for the first time. Chris Cornell’s voice was so intense, it moved me to the core and it just resonated with me. I listened to it over and over.

I felt that way. I wanted to break free. I felt non-existent. Neither here nor there. I was just a shadow breathing in and out. My family was one of 2 black families in the whole town at that time. I would here the racial slurs as I walked down the hall. I would be asked questions as if I was the nation’s representative for black people. I would come home to fighting parents or none at all since dad was gone for days or weeks and mom was working 80 hours a week. Being a middle child meant playing ref for my sister’s and brothers. So my quiet times were for Soundgarden and me.

As I grew, life slowly started to calm itself down. I realized that I had 2 options. I can be a victim of circumstance or I can learn from things happening around me and teach others. I chose to learn and teach and create. Soundgarden was my fuel and my solitude.

By 1994 I had decided to graduate and go to a Fine Art school. I was playing guitar all day every day. Painting, sculpting and sketching as much as I could. My creative senses were on overdrive. I was making my own clothes and engaging in self expression at every turn, growing and exploring with each facet of my being. Superunknown was my go to when I was in my creative stage. It was like nothing I’d heard. I loved groups like A Tribe Called Quest and Mowton but Soundgarden reflected my life at that time. I could hear that it was never all just one thing with their music. Not just rock but nods to other types of music which made it completely new and I felt like that’s what I was. I was a creative, poor,  young,  black woman living in an all white environment. People didn’t understand why I liked the music but for me we were on the same creative page. By then, i felt like Soundgarden were like therapy. The lyrics Chris wrote showed he really thought about and experienced things. The music was aggressive which matched my angst but I always felt like the lyrics were helping me to see I’m not the only one to go through stuff.

Later Chris started doing solo music. I felt like a proud best friend when I first listened to Euphoria Morning. I had always known he was amazing but I was overwhelmed by how delicate and powerful, jazzy and bluesy he could be. For me, he crossed boundaries and borders which I am always drawn to. I dissected that album. I learned to play many of the songs on my guitar and even performed some at open mics with friends.  It was like a season of calm and love in my life and Chris was singing my soundtrack.

Life continues on and Chris was always woven through the good and bad times. Audioslave, more Solo albums, live performances etc. All, I kept up on and yet I had never been able to see him live.

2011 changed all of that. I finally had the opportunity to see him When he came to CT. I was so excited. I felt happy to support this tour. Chris had helped me through many things in life without even knowing and to support his tour almost felt like an honor. He performed one of my all time favorites “When I’m Down”. It literally brought tears to my eyes. To hear it live, with all the rawness and passion it afforded was exactly why I loved his music. You know what talent is when you hear great LIVE performances. Although he’s generally associated with Rock, this is a blues, love song and it made sense that he could put it together. Every genre he tried he mastered beautifully.

As you see in my picture, I supported Chris a few times that year. In New York, I had amazing seats. Center, 6 rows back. During a particular show, again I was just in awe. I was moved to tears. All my childhood emotions and nostalgia came flooding back to me. And it was there I thought, wow, his music has truly been a big part of my life. He is just as eclectic as I am. He’s been through some serious things and had used creativity to help him cope.  His music taught me to do the same. While I was lost in thought, the intensity on my face must have been visible because when I regained myself I looked at the stage and there Chris was, playing and it appeared he was staring at me with a furrowed brow. I almost felt embarrassed that I wasn’t paying attention in case he actually was looking at me. I wasn’t bored, just reflective. Either way,it was a 5 second look of slight concern I’ll never forget.

Later that night Chris walked to the edge of the stage to give a guy who also was emotional, a set list. How he cared about his fans. Clearly he cared about his family and his fans. And they have back.

Raw emotion can make you feel skinless in a world of thorns. How do you cope? You create and show love even when you feel there is none or none deserving.

I was truly saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. I felt like my old friend whom I’ve never actually met was gone. He helped me cope and grow creatively, always thinking outside the box. A multifaceted being and all his facets seemed to be genius. Even if he was not famous, he would still be loved and missed.

Take your pain and learn from it and teach others how to cope.

– Asha

Revelation 21:4 – And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and Death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.