Chris Cornell‘s former bandmates in SOUNDGARDEN have paid tribute to the iconic frontman on the fifth anniversary of his passing, as has his widow Vicky Cornell.
Chris Cornell was found dead in his hotel room at the MGM Grand Detroit on May 18, 2017 soon after he had been speaking with his wife, Vicky on the phone. Chris’s widow had said the singer was speaking in a “slurred” voice after informing her that he had taken some anti-anxiety medication. The death was ruled a suicide.
Vicky Cornell shared a statement, which was shared on Tuesday (May 17), writing: “5 years ago today, would be the worst day of our lives. It would be the last time Chris would hug & kiss us, the last time he’d walk out our front door. The last time he’d wave goodbye to us from the car. The last time we’d ever see him.
“5 years ago tonight, Chris would take the stage for the last time. It was his final show, his final performance- but nobody knew it at the time. I’ve seen the quote ‘you never know when the last time will be the last time’ and that rings way too true.
“If you told me before he went on the stage that fateful night, the night would end this way-I would never have believed you. Nobody who knew Chris would. In our lifetime everything has a last time- but in the moment, you never know it will be the last time- till you are looking back.
“Chris lived in the moment and took nothing for granted.
“We forget how fragile life is, how fluid relationships are and how things can change in a minute. Never miss an opportunity to tell somebody you love them- Chris told us every single day.
“To all of his fans – please know he loved you as much as you love him. He was so grateful to be able to make music, perform all over the world, have his music & lyrics touch your heart & impact your lives. He loved receiving love from all of you.
“There are not enough words to express our gratitude & appreciation -Chris always said he had the best fans & these past 5 years it’s become more evident than ever. Thank you for loving him so much that through that love for Chris you have loved us too. You have helped us through the hardest of days & kept us going when we thought we couldn’t. We are grateful for each & every one of you- it is true when he said ‘it is the fans who make you who you are’ and you are the support system he built who have been such a huge part of our healing. Thank you for stepping up in the darkest of times & thank you for helping keep Chris’s memory and spirit alive- so keep playing it loud!
“And tonight in his honor, blast your favorite Cornell song and throw your love up in the air- #cornellforever
“#noonesingslikeyouanymore”
As well, the surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN paid tribute to their late singer, writing: “Chris, Five years we have missed you. You have love. You have peace. You have eternity. Love and peace for all of SOUNDGARDEN‘s brothers and sisters. XOSG”.
The toxicology report published after the singer’s death had said that Chris had the equivalent of four Ativan pills, as well as several other prescription drugs, in his system at the time of his passing.
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