News broke in the early morning hours on Thursday, May 18, 2017, of the death of Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell. The vocalist was found in his hotel room in Detroit, Michigan following Soundgarden’s performance at Detroit’s Fox Theater. Following an investigation by the medical examiner, the results were that the Seattle singer had committed suicide by hanging. Despite this revelation, Cornell’s family contends he showed no signs of suicidal intentions prior to his death.
Fell on black days
Footage from his final performance in Detroit now sheds a new light into the singer’s possible mindset on that night.
Closing out the night in Detroit, Cornell ended the show with a performance about death, a cover of Led Zeppelin's “In My Time of Dying.” Images have surfaced of the alleged set list for the night in which there is a completely different song the band was supposed to perform during the encore. This new information has many speculating about Cornell’s state of mind at the time and whether this was an indication of his intentions.
Outshined
Cornell found fame as the frontman for Soundgarden, then started Temple of the Dog and Audioslave. Coming into prominence in the Seattle grunge scene, Cornell found contemporaries with the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. He became known for his unique vocal style that was dynamic and emotive.
Chris Cornell, regardless of the band he was with, came to be known for his intense vocal performances and reflective, occasionally dark, songwriting. In the early years of his success, Cornell admitted to struggling with issues of alcoholism and substance abuse. In a recently republished 2006 interview with SPIN, Cornell spoke about the turbulent time in his late twenties in which he suffered from a substance abuse problem, issues within his first marriage, and being admitted into rehab.
Say hello 2 heaven
Chris Cornell was a singer unlike any other. He was respected by his musical peers and fans around the world. Even though the world has lost an incredible talent, it is important to remember and relish the gifts he gave the world through his music. It is also important to remember that mental illness can take many shapes and is quite often a silent battle that affects countless of people the world over. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, there is help out there for you.
