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| photo: TMZ |
A life-size bronze statue commemorating late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell will be unveiled during a public ceremony at the Museum Of Pop Culture in his hometown of Seattle, WA on August 29.
The news was announced by the singer’s widow, Vicky, on what would have been the rocker’s 54th birthday on July 20.
“Even though Chris’ music touched the lives of millions around the world, there is no better place than Seattle to honor and celebrate both his contribution to music history, as well as Seattle’s unique place in popular music, with an enduring symbol of a beloved artist, father and husband,” says Vicky Cornell in a statement. “Our children and I are deeply moved by the continued outpouring of love, compassion, and support, and this is our gift to the Museum Of Pop Culture and to Seattle — our gift back to the tight-knit community that gave him his start.”
The Seattle Times reports the piece was commissioned from sculptor Nick Marras and will depict the Soundgarden frontman “in one of his iconic poses with his signature boots, dog tag, layers and long locks,” according to the announcement; it will stand outside of MoPOP’s gold south entrance facing Fifth Avenue.
“MoPOP is honored to receive this gift from the Cornell family and pay tribute to one of the most powerful and important voices in popular music,” explains MoPop Artistic Director Jasen Emmons. “MoPOP serves to celebrate the Seattle music scene and the luminaries who have emerged from the Northwest and Chris was a key figure who has made a lasting impact on generations worldwide.”
TMZ is reporting the statue has been completed and the site has posted the first images of the tribue here.
Cornell took his own life in a Detroit hotel room in the early hours of May 18, 2017 following a Soundgarden show in the city; he was laid to rest during a private memorial service at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles a week later.
Cornell co-founded Soundgarden with lead guitarist Kim Thayil and bassist Hiro Yamamoto in Seattle in 1984; bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron went on to round out the band’s longtime lineup.
Soundgarden released six studio albums since 1988, earning worldwide sales of 23 million copies. The group’s commercial peak was 1994’s “Superunknown”, which sold 5 million in the US alone.
Cornell – who also handled vocals for supergroups Temple Of The Dog and Audioslave – issued four studio records as a solo artist and enjoyed a long history of film and soundtrack work.
See also:
Heart: Ann Wilson streams Chris Cornell tribute from Immortal covers album
Chris Cornell’s daughter streams duet of Prince cover as Father’s Day tribute
Chris Cornell vigil set for first anniversary of Soundgarden singer’s passing
VIDEO: Ann Wilson and Jerry Cantrell deliver Chris Cornell tribute at Rock Hall ceremony
Search Soundgarden at hennemusic
