November 21, 2017
Kevin Jamieson
I was fortunate enough to have seen Chris Cornell on three separate occasions, once with Audioslave at a Scottish festival, a solo gig in Glasgow and a final gig last year in Barcelona – every time his voice completely blew me away, in fact it was getting better with age!
The concert in Barcelona in April of last year is my all time favourite gig, mainly because it was a surprise birthday gift from my girlfriend Roisin. I had been convinced because we were headed on holiday I was going to miss his gig in Glasgow and despite my disappointment I kept it to myself -unbeknownst to me, he was playing in Spain and Roisin had it covered! I had been introducing her to so much of his music since we started dating and when I found out We where going to see him I was really hoping she would like him as much as I did – as soon as he walked on stage, took a seat on that stool, guitar in hand and with a cheeky smile on his face, her eyes lit up and she squeezed my had – job done Chris!
He opened with a tribute to Prince who had sadly passed away that day, safe to say that his rendition of Nothing Compares to U had the entire audience in tears by the end of the song, it was heartfelt and deeply emotional. He took on some amazing covers throughout, Thank You by Led Zep being my personal favourite (not only does he take on a song by one of the greatest rock bands ever, he completely makes it his own).
He told warmhearted and funny stories about his music, family and life and was in high spirits throughout, spending well over three hours on stage. After the concert me and Roisin walked hand and hand around the streets of Barcelona all night and couldn’t stop talking about just how incredible the experience had been.
I count myself very lucky to have been there that evening and to have shared it with such a special person. To see and feel Roisin’s reactions all night, how much she loved every song, every moment he was on stage – that was the real highlight for me, sharing my favourite artists and music with someone I love. It’s a night I’ll always remember and look back on with a huge smile on my face.
Sending out love and positive vibes to Mr Cornell’s family, friends and fans around the world.
Kevin x
Mike
I ran into you one random winter day along the Venice boardwalk in LA as you were walking with your wife on that cold, crisp morning.
I remember seeing you from a distance and marveling that such a statuesque gentlemen should be wandering these misty shores while the world churned, ebbing and flowing; the population of LA scurrying about…but not us. Not us that morning. I had nowhere to go, nor it seemed you did either.
As we approached each other from opposite directions of the boardwalk, you stopped. You stopped and allowed me a moment to say hi, perhaps ask a question, or merely stare in awe like the childish star struck fan I was. Alas, it was the latter that took hold of me in that moment.
I stared and smiled, you smiled back. It was an awkward silence we shared; myself, you, and your wife (who I thought looked stunningly similar to Cher) paused for a brief moment. We were the only ones out for a walk that morning and you could have easily strolled by me as one normally does when strangers pass. But you stopped, and for that I realized you were more than a rock a star, you were a guy who understood things and people, emotions and wants, you understood beyond what any normal person was able.
Thanks man, thanks for it all…and whoever was on the other end of that phone call as you walked away, tell them I said hi.
Mike
Louise Nardella
What I loved about Chris, as much as the music, was how he shared his life with you, his family, with us. We were able to catch a glimpse of who he truly was as a human and it was good. How he loved all of you is how any of us would want to be loved. We know it wasn’t meant to happen this way. No one could ever convince me otherwise. I didn’t have to know him to know that of him. I had the honor of visiting his resting place to say goodbye. As sad as the day was, I left feeling somehow peaceful. Such a beautiful place in the middle of mayhem. I’ll visit whenever I’m there. Love to you all Vicky.
Chris,
Thank you for all of the years you gave so much to us. The memories I have of so many shows. My favorites were solo unplugged and stripped down. I remember you playing for us, so sick with the flu, but you were amazing. Thank you for being so selfless. For doing that radio interview when you were exhausted and taking the time to say hi afterwords anyway. I am forever grateful. The music, so many songs that resonate so close, I will have that forever. Wherever you are now, it’s a better place because your there. Along with the friends I’ve lost too soon as well. I miss you all.
Bless you for the memories. XO
Louise
November 11, 2017
Vanessa Gunn
“The voice of a generation, an artist for all time.” This statement could not be any more fitting as I sit here having my morning coffee and my 6 and 5 year old sons sing along at the top of their lungs to Hunger Strike. I think they do the song justice in the best way a 5 and 6 year old can, as they try to mimic his voice and passion. They insisted on having the Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden and Chris’s solo albums added to their playlists on their tablets.
My eldest Nathan, he decided he wouldn’t cut his hair because he wants to have long hair like his heroes Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder.
We are sorry for the loss of someone so great, for his family and friends who knew him and have to continue their journey through life without him. I just hope that knowing his music and passion lives on and that 2 small boys in England, the next generation, are already inspired by him is in some way a comfort.
Vanessa
Glenn Rock On
Never forget. Always in our hearts and heads. You brought so many people such joy that we will forever have with us.
Rock on!!
Glenn
James Heal
I loved Soundgarden. There was something about the sound that Chris, Matt, Ben and Kim made from Badmotorfinger through to King Animal that clung to me through thick and thin. Some bands you have a personal shelf life with, you still like them but you move on for whatever reason. But not Soundgarden. During the time they split, I appreciated Chris’ other work but I never stopped listening to Soundgarden. Chris was a master songwriter, guitarist and lyricist, and in my opinion he was at his best musically playing alongside the Soundgarden guys. I’m so glad they had a chance to get back together, write great new music and tour again.
Back in 1996, I thought I’d hexed the band. I made a specific choice to listen to them as my last music of 1996 before New Year struck. The following year they split up. This must’ve happened before with another band because I felt I was causing this to happen! To this day I make sure I don’t listen to anyone I really love before New Year just in case I mess with their legacy!
Chris always made interesting choices. Clearly he followed his heart, moving from project to project as the musical urge took him. It’s so sad we will never get to see where his next musical choice would have taken him, even sadder that there will be no further Soundgarden albums. But I’m appreciative for all the work he committed to tape – a lifetime of beautiful songs and singing for us all to enjoy.
RIP Chris, I’m listening.
James
Kronah Wood
I met Chris at a gas station in De Soto KS. I was trying to melt wax on my head as a way to fill in a hole that was left from a nail that made its way into my skull courtesy of a bar fight involving a 2 by 4. He offered to help me with my head wound and we ended up sharing ideas for the rest of the night at a place near by. I always thought I would have had a chance to talk with him again. He was one of the few people who really listened to me and tried to help. We talk about music mostly. It was a memorable night for both of us I will be reminded of for the rest of my days. I’m grateful to all he’s done for me and the rest of those who find meaningful messages in his song.
Kronah
Alyson Cooper
My heart and deepest condolences go out to Vicky, Toni, Chris Jr, Lily, and the rest of the Cornell family. I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of deep emotional pain you all must be going through and every time I try, I get tears in my eyes. No one should have to grow up without their dad. No one should have to know what life is like without their soulmate.
I know I’m just a fan who unfortunately never got to meet Chris and I never got to be lucky enough to get to know him, but I feel like I do know him through his music. Maybe that’s just how his music is, it makes everyone feel like they know him on a deep personal level, almost as though he’s talking directly to all of us through his music. His memory will never die or fade away and lately I’ve been feeling like he’s been with me. Of course, I believe that he’s with all of us. Also, it’s obvious just how much he loves his family. From everything I read and heard, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family or even for his friends. I’m guessing the same could be said for us, his fans. Just by looking at his pictures, it’s obvious that he loved his family, friends, and all of us, aka his fans.
I know it’s wishful thinking, but I wish there was a way to bring him back. I feel as though I lost a member of my own family and it still hurts, even now. We must all stand together and help each other through this horrible tragedy. We are the #ArmyOfOne and we must battle against the negativity. Spreading love, warmth, happiness, and positivity is always better. Together, we will all be able to change the world for the better. I will never stop standing up for and defending Chris, his kids, and his family. I even started The Army Of One Foundation to help honor Chris and to help abused or neglected children and even abused or neglected animals. Hopefully it will be a great way to help keep his memory alive as well as help with carrying on his amazing legacy. Also started the Chris Cornell Army and Army Of One on both Twitter and Instagram as well as on Facebook. All in the hopes of honoring and remembering Chris and keeping him alive through the memories and through his music. He is still with us all, even if it isn’t how we want.
Stay strong, he doesn’t want anyone to be sad or to hurt. We must find happiness and hold on to that happiness, whatever it may be. For Chris, for each other. Together, we will change the world for the better. Also, my all time favorite Chris Cornell song is You Know My Name. #ChrisCornell #CornellsArmy #ArmyOfOne
Alyson
Dan Lavezzo
My love, thoughts and prayers to ALL who mourn the heavy loss of Chris, especially his family and close friends, band mates, basically the whole darn world! I was an elevator operator at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC, where I had the honor and privilege to have met Chris and his family, I believe it was 2007. He had solo shows at the Beacon Theatre. One fond memory of the elevator trips with him was ending a quick conversation and as the elevator door opens, we hear kids loudly laughing and carrying on. And the huge smile Chris put on immediately showed how happy and proud he was to have you all in his life!! Wish I could have told him, then in person, how his talent and caring ways inspired me. But I know he hears the conversation and prayers I send above to him! He knows! God bless you all!!!!
Dan
Kaisu
This picture was not supposed to be shared. That night I remember thinking ‘at least I have one actual memory of a gig that was the best I had ever been to’. That night I remember feeling so thankful and blessed to even experience something so beautiful and healing. The other night I found the photo and made a prisma art version of it and it became so important that I decided to share it. It’s strange how you can miss someone without even meeting him. Thank you Chris for your love, light and for being there through your music, words, voice and goodness. Thank you Vicky for your love for Chris and this opportunity to share the love.
Loud love, Kaisu, Finland.
(The original photo was taken at Finlandia house, Helsinki, Finland on the 28th of March 2016.)
