Music and entertainment figures around the globe are mourning the loss of Chris Cornell, who died unexpectedly Wednesday at the age of 52.
The rocker owned arguably the best pipes in the business and shone as frontman for grunge legends Soundgarden — who ruled the Billboard 200 with their 1994 classicSuperunknown — and later with Audioslave, whose 2005 album Out of Exilescaled the summitof the main chart in 2005. Cornell also collaborated with members of what would become Pearl Jam to form Temple of the Dog, and he joined an elite circle when he contributed vocals to a James Bond song, “You Know My Name,” from the 2006film Casino Royale.
Cornell died in Detroit where he had been performing with Soundgarden. The music wasn’t meant to end with this latest tour. Just last month, Cornell toldBillboard a new album was wellon the way.
Fans of Cornell and his work predictably took news of his death hard. Jimmy Page, Nile Rodgers, Dave Navarro and many more paid tribute to the rockhero on social media. See their messages below.
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This story first appeared on Billboard.com.
RIP Chris Cornell
Incredibly Talented
Incredibly Young
Incredibly Missed. pic.twitter.com/pKNI4tKiXz— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) May 18, 2017
A mutual friend called me and tells me my bro passed away. #RIPChrisCornell You are a great artist Love to Vicki and fam @nilerodgers pic.twitter.com/FhG0fhT0q1
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) May 18, 2017
SO SO stunned to hear about Chris Cornell! Such a terrible and sad loss! Thinking of his family tonight! RIP
— Dave Navarro (@DaveNavarro) May 18, 2017
RIP Chris Cornell condolences to @soundgarden & family. We’ve lost one of the greats. -MF
— Foster The People (@fosterthepeople) May 18, 2017
Wow…this one is shocking. Chris Cornell was one of the benchmark vocalists of our generation…devastating loss. #RIPChrisCornell pic.twitter.com/x3F9rptL0D
— Mike Portnoy (@MikePortnoy) May 18, 2017
Tears in my eyes that this is your last ever tweet. We played here with u guys in 1992 thanks for your pipes @chriscornell u will b missed https://t.co/Xgbann0hd4
— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) May 18, 2017
#scary. I remember @chriscornell on tour with us so long ago. Remember drinking beer after the Melvins. Always thought we’d meet again RIP
— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) May 18, 2017
RIP CHRIS CORNELL
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell. One of the greatest voices in rock n roll history. Helped inspire me to evolve and change musically. I’m so sad. RIP BUDDY..
— Butch Walker (@butchwalker) May 18, 2017
Sad 2 hear of Chris Cornell passing..great singer and artist… another blow…RIP
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) May 18, 2017
So very very sad that we lost another beautifully gifted human today .. RIP brother #chriscornellpic.twitter.com/5MGCq0iEok
— Glenn Hughes (@glenn_hughes) May 18, 2017
RIP Chris Cornell. Chris was the most influential singer to me as a writer. I just saw him perform days ago. Completely devastated
— Mark Tremonti (@MarkTremonti) May 18, 2017
A shining voice in music has left us in the midnight. He was a complex and gentle soul #ChrisCornell has flown into the black hole sun.
— Perry Farrell (@perryfarrell) May 18, 2017
Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of @chriscornell. A great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man. pic.twitter.com/Hwdgst8kmg
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell’s lyrics + voice have loomed large for me since ’94. “Fell on Black Days” now playing in tribute. Damn. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/lVSDCJXX9O
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 18, 2017
Very sad news about Chris Cornell today. A sad loss of a great talent to the world, his friends and family. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/BlgxE6cJLH
— Joe Perry (@JoePerry) May 18, 2017
Oh man. Sad to hear of the passing of Chris Cornell.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) May 18, 2017
RIP Chris Cornell…Our Thoughts & Prayers To His Family, Friends & Fans…Such A Talent…So Young… https://t.co/HmiFdGAy2g
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell performed on my show in 2015. I’m sending love to his family. https://t.co/nbk7cxfRb5
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 18, 2017
Way to soon to lose such a talented and courageous musical legend. RIP Chris Cornell @Soundgarden #BlackHoleSun #rock #music #irreplaceable pic.twitter.com/uCY73rMraA
— Chris Kattan (@ChrisKattan) May 18, 2017
I’ll never forget when I first heard this song (Chris Cornell R.I.P.) https://t.co/cLGSAb7tPK
— Sean Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell gone at 52, what a waste. One of my favourite singers and a lovely person, this news came as a complete shock. pic.twitter.com/T7aQ277Uos
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) May 18, 2017
Woke up to the heartbreaking news about Chris Cornell. A powerhouse singer, musician, writer, artist unlike any other. Gone too soon. RIP.
— John Gallagher, Jr. (@JohnGallagherJr) May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell was a genius. Too much talent in one man. I have countless memories listening to his music growing up. Devastating. RIP
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) May 18, 2017
Will miss the huge, true rock star talent of Chris Cornell. Always will be one of his biggest fans. Sending love to his family. #respect
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) May 18, 2017
f*ck. Jesus. Chris Cornell. Sad. #perspective
— kurt sutter (@sutterink) May 18, 2017
This is shocking and terribly sad news.Chris Cornell was not only an amazing musician but also a generous spirit that will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/sTcKKKqw0U
— Rush (@rushtheband) May 18, 2017
Dear Chris Cornell used to come to my parties n Hollywood n play quietly in th corner until all th woman were literally at his feet listenin
— Val Kilmer (@valkilmer) May 18, 2017
Shocked & saddened by the news of Chris Cornell’s passing. RIP. https://t.co/zewHDnsv1N
— Slash (@Slash) May 18, 2017
RIP Chris Cornell. Dark day.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) May 18, 2017
So sad to hear about Chris Cornell. I remember being 10 and sneaking into my older brother’s room to listen to Black Hole Sun on repeat #RIP
— Michelle Branch (@michellebranch) May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell was the real deal. A great voice, one of the best. And a sense of damned humor. RIP.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) May 18, 2017
