The last time I saw Chris Cornell in concert was at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan when Soundgarden played a couple of shows.? I’m kicking myself for not seeing the more recent Temple of the Dog show at Madison Square Garden as ticket prices had dropped and the set list looked pretty cool. 

Mr. Cornell had, without question, one of the great voices in rock and roll. My favorite memory seeing Chris in concert was when Soundgarden played Jones Beach with Neil Young and Blind Melon some years ago. Soundgarden was the second act on the bill and an extremely violent lightening storm passed through the area during their set. The squeamish among us bolted underneath the stands to avoid the downpour  and lightening strikes above the crowd but my wife and I remained in our orchestra seats and stood in amazement as a barefooted Cornell spun in circles, long black hair swirling,  ankle deep in water surrounded by electrical equipment and seemingly unperturbed by the danger in the air. Cornell seemingly dared the gods to send down a bolt that eould have lit up the stage and sky. Which became part of the light show. He and the band played on as the ongoing deluge at the beachfront venue continued throughout Soundgarden slot ending only right before Neil Young would hit the stage when  the audience found their way back to the seats. 

The power and the glory of unfettered rock and roll was on full display for anyone willing to withstand getting soaked.

I believe I saw Chris Cornell st a Beacon Theater show sometime after that and, if I remember correctly, one of his small children came on stage to join him near the end of his set. For whatever reason, I always believed that Chris seemed like a nice guy and  a family man. It must be a terrible thing to be in such pain or anguish to take your own life. 

“In My Time of Dying” is a great Led Zeppelin song that will unfortunately be connected to this tragic event going forward.

Say Hello 2 Heaven

Rest In Peace Chris Cornell.

Rock on

GQ