The Chris Cornell estate is sharing the Soundgarden singer’s previously-unreleased cover of Guns N’ Roses’ classic 1989 ballad, “Patience”, to mark what would have been his 56th birthday on July 20.
“One of Chris’s engineers recently reminded me of Chris’s recordings from sessions in 2016, which he still had,” explains Vicky Cornell. “'Patience' was one of them. That recording was inspired by our daughter Toni, who was a huge GNR fan and asked her dad to teach her to play it on the guitar. His cover is so hauntingly beautiful; it brought it all back in a rush of bittersweet memories.
“His birthday seemed the perfect time to share this and celebrate Chris, his voice, music, stories and art. A man is not dead while his name is still spoken...and, through his art, an artist’s soul still burns as bright upon all those that look up to him and his memory.
“Releasing music that was special to Chris keeps a part of him here with us – his heart and his soul. His love and his legacy.”
“I want to thank everyone who continues to celebrate and keep Chris alive,” adds Vicky. “A special thank you to Axl, Slash, and Duff for continuing to honor Chris in their live shows. And to all of Chris’s fans, thank you for holding him in your hearts and always sharing your love for Chris with us. I want to thank our children too; for you are a reflection of your father, both his strength and his kindness (and helping to put together this video he’d be so proud)!
“The memory of your smile still makes my heart, broken as it is, beat as fast as the first time we met. We love you Chris, Happy Birthday.”
Cornell took his own life at the age of 52 in a Detroit hotel room in the early hours of May 18, 2017 following a Soundgarden show in the city.
See also:
Soundgarden reunite for Record Store Day EP with Brandi Carlile
Soundgarden countersue Chris Cornell widow over tribute concert
Chris Cornell’s daughter performs Temple Of The Dog classic for COVID-19 relief
Soundgarden responds to Chris Cornell widow’s lawsuit over unreleased recordings
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