I, like so many others, sadly never got the chance to meet Chris. Despite this, I felt as though he was a part of my family. Losing him was undescribably crushing. There has been nothing in this world that has scarred me in such a deep way, and nothing ever will.
I’m sure we all know what a fantastic man he was. He touched the lives of millions, and the world is forever better for the wonderful blessing that he was.
It may seem silly that some random person such as myself would think they were somehow connected to him. The truth is, without ever seeing him in person, he became a part of me. I’m sure there are others that feel this way. I will never truly recover from his loss, but I must keep surviving.
I can only imagine the effect this has had to those close to him. His family and friends have my deepest condolences, as do all those that loved him for any reason.
As we continue I hope that we can all charish his memory and keep him in our hearts. Let him serve as a reminder of the true beauty in this world. While it fades, it never goes away.
Raymond
Odette Oleynik
Curtis Shiffer
We met Chris during the Higher Truth Tour in 2015 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I had entered a VIP Meet & Greet Contest on the www.chriscornell.com website and was selected as a winner (among others).
My wife and I have been fans of Soundgarden, TOTD, Audioslave and ALL things Chris since the airwaves first graced us with his Voice and music almost 30 years ago. And, just like SO MANY others around the World, his music and voice became part of the fabric of our souls and shaped a large part of our “growing up” in that generation.
They say you should never meet your Idols. So while it was a rare honor and privilege to meet him, the simple fact that he took the time out of his busy touring schedule to engage his Fans made him all that MORE special as a person to me.
I met a quiet, peaceful, gentle, man in that Green Room. The passion, incredible energy, and fury that would come out on stage were “somewhere else” at that moment. Here, in front of us, shaking and holding my hand…asking me, “Is She Going to Be OK?”, with a half smile look of concern and humor all at once in his voice and eyes….as you see, my wife was crying snot bubbles of Joy at meeting him.
Signing autographs on our items, I asked some questions about this and that. How was the Tour going? He said, “I think it’s going…well.” He still had thousands of miles to go before it would be done. Where had the songs on Higher Truth come from?….what did they mean?, he replied, “I wrote a lot of the songs…YEARS ago”. I was wearing a Paul McCartney jacket from seeing Paul play only three nights before, in my hometown. Chris commented on it (he noticed it was missing a button) and that he hadn’t seen Paul in a few years. I’ll always cherish that experience and that night. He was the same birth year and age as my brother.
He was the most amazing person I’ve ever met, and not because of the “Celebrity”. You don’t often meet someone that you can feel instantly at ease and connected with. He was that. He was special. He completely impressed me as a guy you would want to share a joke with, be a friend of, call up and say, How’s it going? What are you up to? What’s on the menu for today?
He spent more time trying to put us all at ease…and before long, I think we all were.
An incredible human being who will be GREATLY missed, not only for his extraordinary musical talents and gifts, but for the love and light that he shared with the Whole World.
He said one last thing to me before it was time to go for the next group of Fans. “Take care of your Wife, Curt. That is something special. Promise to be a Friend to others in need. Share Music with others…no matter what kind it is, or whatever it is they like. Keep music with you.”
I hope he knows I’m keeping that promise.
Continued thoughts of hope and peace for his family, his wife Vicky, his Children, and for all his close friends. He will be Forever Remembered, Cherished, and Loved.
Curtis Shiffer
@DragonflySon
November 5, 2017
Meghan
Chris had a major impact on so many people’s lives, including mine. I have been a huge fan of him and all his works since I was very little which wasn’t that long ago.
I have received a lot of negative feedback from many people since the moment I heard about Chris’ tragic death. Most of my friends at school thought I was crazy for crying over a musician passing away. I heard things like, “he didn’t even know you existed” and “maybe you should end your life too then.” I was so distraught and I didn’t know what else to turn to except for his music. I was completely heartbroken. He wasn’t just a musician, but a human being with a heart and soul just like everyone else. I always felt a connection with him through all of his incredible music because I related to it on a personal level. I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety so listening to Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and Chris’ solo work was a way for me to escape from reality and be in touch with someone who I could actually relate to. His voice always took me away to a different place, somewhere so surreal. His smile, personality, talent, generosity, everything. He was perfect to me and many others I’m sure.
We never know what hides behind someone’s smile or kind words. I understand the internal struggle Chris must have been going through at the time because he was human like everyone else. I have lost many loved ones in the past few years and I know exactly what his beautiful wife, children, and family must be going through during this difficult time. I would like to let them know that they are not alone. Chris will forever dwell in everyone’s hearts. His soul will always be with us no matter where we go or what we do. We will have his music and beautiful lyrics for the rest of our lives. I don’t have personal memories of him since I am only a fan, but we always have our dreams to hold onto as well. Cherish the memories you had with him and hold them close to your heart. I would like to also send out a huge thank you to Chris’ wonderful family for allowing everyone to share tributes. They are all so touching and I hope that mine will be another encouragement. Gone, but never forgotten.
Love from North Carolina,
Meghan
Jason Ezell
I’m a father of three darling young girls. I’m also a MARINE! I was a husband. I was a father. I was a person. Now, I’m rowing. Rowing because I’ve got to. Because I don’t want to break those beautiful tiny hearts. I’ve got demons. I’ve got a lot of love, but I’ve got them demons chasing me. I’ll just keep rowing.
Jason
Fernando
I saw the news that he was coming to Peru for Higher Truth and I didn’t hesitate to buy a ticket, it was a windy night of December in front of archeological ruins when he started playing, every moment was special and I could still remember the tension when he mentioned that year’s elections, but he decided to strike the elephant in the room with a beautiful rendition of The times they’re a-changing that I will hold in my mind. I saw him once live and that was enough for me to realize that I was in front of such a talented and carefree human being that has and still collaborated with the soundtrack of my life.
– Fernando
Matt Karis
Dear Vicky
My tribute to Chris is actually featured in the Guitar World on newsstands now. (See attached). A moment I will never forget. And also captured by a fan and posted on YouTube.
My very best to you and the children. I will never forget Chris
Tanya King
Sending love and hugs from Freddie (aged 6) Sydney, Australia. We play Chris in the car all day, every day to remember how much of a talented, beautiful, one of a kind man who loves his family, he is. God bless x
October 23, 2017
Jake Bowen
I decided to leave my tribute in the form of a short film.
– Jake Bowen
Sean McFadden
10-25-2014 at the Bridge School Benefit, Mountain View, CA
Alongside my dad, two uncles, and three cousins, we saw Soundgarden play an acoustic set followed by Chris joining Pearl Jam for “Hunger Strike.” As soon as that opening riff started, I was going nuts, jumping up and down. It was such a special moment. My dad and I have been to the Bridge School Benefit every year since 2002 and “Hunger Strike” was an all-time highlight. You could just see from their performance together the love those two bands had for each other.
Peace and love to the Cornell family and everyone who loved him
