The tragic final performance of Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell emerged as a pivotal figure among the grunge luminaries. However, his impact transcended the confines of that defined genre, and his musical journey expanded into diverse territories, including contributions to several film soundtracks like the iconic 2006 James Bond movie Casino Royale.
From his early days, music encapsulated the essence of Cornell’s existence. Since childhood, it served as an escape and a gateway to fleeting moments in an alternate world, providing solace from life’s pressures. While other kids revelled in outdoor play, Cornell found contentment in the companionship of his record player.
Cornell’s introduction to music mainly stemmed from his older brothers. Born in 1964, the Seattle native missed the frenzy of Beatlemania and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, yet he, like countless others, was profoundly influenced by the music of that era. His initial fascination with The Monkees served as the catalyst that ignited his path toward artistic expression.
On May 17th, 2017, just hours before he died, Cornell delivered his final performance alongside Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. This was part of a series of reunion performances for the band, this show marking one stop among many as they toured different cities across North America.
The footage from the concert showcased Cornell in peak form, complete with his incredible vocal prowess during a solid two-hour performance, highlighting his renowned talent. Soundgarden commenced their set with the dynamic ‘Ugly Truth’ from their 1989 album Louder Than Love, traversing their discography with classics like ‘Hunted Down’ and the eagerly anticipated ‘Black Hole Sun’.
Although it would be their final performance, the band closed their set with an electrifying encore, delivering powerful renditions of ‘Rusty Cage’ and ‘Slaves & Bulldozers’. Tragically, as the musician started singing ‘In My Time Of Dying’, he sang the eery lines: “Well, well, well, so I can die easy… Jesus going to make up my dying bed.”
Throughout his life, Cornell candidly discussed grappling with mental health challenges and contemplating suicide. Despite seeking professional assistance, these struggles tragically culminated in the musician’s decision to end his own life on May 18th, 2017. Yet, mere hours before this fateful choice, concert attendees witnessed a glimpse of his musical brilliance in full swing.
