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Soundgarden Pays Tribute to Chris Cornell

Soundgarden shared a tribute to their late frontman, Chris Cornell, on the eve of the seventh anniversary of his death. The band issued a joint statement via social media writing,…

Musician/actor Chris Cornell arrives at the premiere of "Machine Gun Preacher" at Roy Thomson Hall during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2011 in Toronto, Canada.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Soundgarden shared a tribute to their late frontman, Chris Cornell, on the eve of the seventh anniversary of his death.

The band issued a joint statement via social media writing, "We remember and honor the life and legacy of Chris Cornell, a voice that defined a generation and a soul that has resonated with millions. He was more than just an iconic musician; he was a poet, a trailblazer, and an advocate for those who struggled in silence.

Their statement continued, "We celebrate Chris Cornell’s life, his art, and his undeniable impact on the world. Chris, your voice and spirit continue to echo in our hearts. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the inspiration. Rest in peace."

Cornell died on May 18, 2017 in his hotel room following a performance in Detroit. He was 52.

Soundgarden Still at Odds with Chris Cornell Estate

In November 2023, news had surfaced that Soundgarden and the Chris Cornell estate were still experiencing issues regarding the final pieces of music from the late singer.

When asked about the status of this music, drummer Matt Cameron told The Vinyl Guide podcast, "We're still in the middle of a dispute with the estate. Everything is on hold right now.

As far as a timeline for the release of this music, Cameron said it likely won't happen in 2024. However, he still remains hopeful for its eventual release.

In April 2023, Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell issued a joint statement agreeing to release the final recordings of Chris Cornell with the band. Their statement read as follows:

"Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, on behalf of the Estate of Chris Cornell, are happy to announce they have reached an amicable out of court resolution. The reconciliation marks a new partnership between the two parties, which will allow Soundgarden fans around the world to hear the final songs that the band and Chris were working on. The two parties are united and coming together to propel, honor and build upon Soundgarden's incredible legacy as well as Chris's indelible mark on music history - as one of the greatest songwriters and vocalists of all time."

Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell have been battling back and forth publicly since December 2019. A number of lawsuits have been filed by both parties during that time. The subjects of these lawsuits have included back royalties, ownership of demo tapes and social media passwords. A complete timeline of events can be viewed below.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights