I am sure that a few of you will be familiar with Chris Cornell but for those that aren't, he was the rock god that came from Grunge. Soundgarden were the modern day Black Sabbath in 1992, except with a far better singer than Ozzy, morphing from a more Indie outfit in the late '80's to the metal Gods we grew to love. Whilst recording the seminal "Badmotor Finger", Chris Cornell also recorded an album, "Temple of the Dog" as a tribute to a recently deceased friend.
After Soudgarden split in 1996, Chris Cornell, released a solo album, "Euphoria Morning", a total change in direction and song writing, it has remained a staple part of my listening routine ever since, a testament to the quality of the songs and performances.
He then joined the ex-members of Rage Against the Machine and formed Audioslave. I always found them weak on record but brilliant live. Cornell would always do a handful of numbers acoustically and this was always the highlight of the show for me.
Audioslave split and Cornell has been releasing solo albums that I continue to buy, tours from time to time and I always go. The albums are of mixed quality but always contain a real gem. And then Soundgarden reformed and Chris Cornell embarked on an acoustic tour, releasing an acoustic live album at the same time.
History lesson over. He came, he saw and he conquered. His song writing quality really shines on these stripped down versions of classic tracks going back to 1992. The arrangements were sparse leaving plenty of room for rock's greatest singer to show me why I have been such a fan for so long. That voice....I am in awe. The choice of songs was inspired, "Mind riot", "Blow up the outside World", "Fell on black days", "Burden in my hand" and "Blackhole Sun" from Soundgarden era, "Hunger Strike", Wooden Jesus" and "Call me a dog" from Temple of the Dog, "Sunshower" and " Seasons" from the really early solo stuff. Covers of "Thank you", "Man of golden words", "Day in the life" and "Imagine". Plus the Audioslave songs and amazing versions of "Scream" and "Down" that utilised a record player as a backing track rather than a programmed PC. My favourite singer and vinyl, how much better can it be?
The question was always going to be how he would be able to retain the attention of the audience for the duration. It ended up being a non question, the moment he came on stage with his easy banter, lack of pretension and gentle manner coupled with a voice that has range, power, depth and soul, enough to capture you in a spell for the whole 2 hour and 15 minute show, that is truly something to remember.
My daughter loved it, so yes, it was her first gig and it was truly a special night, a real event and I would recommend anyone that loves music to visit this acoustic tour. It easily rates as the best time I've seen Chris Cornell, he was more self assured and not quite as fragile as other occassions. Possibly this is one of my favourite gigs. It was gentle and refined, emotional for those that lived these songs the first time around, seeing a hero as a peer and knowing that for this moment he has chosen to play a smaller more intimate venue, facing his fears and exceding our expectations. I can only add that it was like seeing an old friend, albeit a very talented friend but it did have that friendliness about it.
Roll on July when I attend Soundgarden with both my daughters in Hyde Park. That will be loud and bombastic, bring out the spandex and wigs, we're going to squeeze that middle aged spread into bulging T-shirts and show the youngsters that we lived it then and can live it now.......so long as the shows done by 10.30......and the weather holds out..........and there's somewhere to sit....and tea....
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