CHRIS CORNELL IS NOT JUST FOR THE 90’S GENERATION
Chris Cornell recently came to Ruth Eckerd Hall for a show promoting his most recent solo work “Higher Truth”. Voted by Rolling Stone readers as 9th in greatest rock lead singers, he is a voice of the 90’s grunge bands. This is a solo acoustic tour which puts his amazing voice in the spotlight!
Opening with “Before We Disappear” from “Higher Truth”, Cornell then brought us 1999’s “Can’t Change Me” a great melodic number from his solo album “Euphoria Morning”. During the week of the Orlando incident, Chris talked about doing something positive for the world and dedicated the Prince penned “Nothing Compares 2 U” to the Orlando victims. A hauntingly, beautiful rendition of this song, brought the audience to its feet. A moving moment in the show.
Cornell is known for his creative covers, in 2007, his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was an Internet sensation. At this show, he also performed covers of Led Zep’s “Thank You” and U2’s “One”. The majority of his show is Cornell’s own music of which he has plenty with his bands, Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog and solo material in various stages.
Soundgarden fans were out in force at this show, cheering him on and yelling out requests. He gave them “Fell on Black Days” and “Rusty Cage” among others. He also pulled out his Grammy nominated “You Know My Name” from the James Bond film “Casino Royale”. Temple of the Dog hit “Hunger Strike” was on the setlist. A band that was the impetus of “Pearl Jam”. The original had Chris and Eddie Vedder on vocals.
Generation Y has a true rock hero in Cornell. Not only was he a force of grunge, but he has continued to stay relevant, write new music and be one of the great rock voices of any generation.
Opening for Chris was Fantastic Negrito, “blues with a punk attitude”. A unique talent and cool sound that made you sit up and listen! You know you are in for a great show when the opening act is creating a stir!
Photos by Vicky Sullivan, Rock The Lense Photography