SOUNDGARDEN Drummer Matt Cameron and Guitarist Kim Thayil Reflect on New Music and Emotional Journey Post-Chris Cornell
In a candid interview with The Seattle Times, SOUNDGARDEN drummer Matt Cameron and guitarist Kim Thayil opened up about the poignant process of finishing the band’s final album, featuring tracks recorded before the tragic passing of lead vocalist Chris Cornell in May 2017. “It’s a massive emotional roller coaster,” said Cameron, capturing the bittersweet essence of their work. He highlighted the blend of joy and sorrow that comes with bringing the music back to life, noting, “Some of it feels like it could have been a new chapter in songwriting for the group.”
The surviving members have faced significant challenges, including a years-long legal dispute with Vicky Cornell, Chris’s widow, over the release of Cornell’s final recordings. Thayil remarked on how the prolonged process took an emotional toll but ultimately feels gratifying, suggesting a restorative power in their current endeavor. “It’s beautiful. It’s a way to post tribute to our beloved brother,” he said, reflecting a bond that transcends time and loss.
The band members are eager to finalize new tracks, having confirmed that they have completed about 70% of the recording. Cameron mentioned that while they haven’t planned live performances for the new material, there’s an openness to collaboration with various singers that could bridge past and present.
As they delve back into the songs originally written in 2015 and 2016, Cameron expressed that revisiting Cornell’s voice is both uplifting and tough. “It really is,” he agreed, acknowledging the emotional weight of hearing their late frontman’s vocals. Yet, they remain optimistic, believing that fans will appreciate the music as a fitting closure to SOUNDGARDEN’s legacy.
The reconciliation between the band and Vicky Cornell this past April, leading to an amicable resolution regarding the recordings, brings a sense of healing. This collaborative effort echoes a core biblical principle found in Matthew 5:23-24, which emphasizes the importance of reconciling relationships. The text reads, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Such reconciliation isn’t just a legal formality; it symbolizes a deeper commitment to friendship and respect, honoring the memory of Chris Cornell while also valuing the collective creative legacy of SOUNDGARDEN.
As this Seattle-based band prepares for its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—a recognition of their impact on music and culture—Cameron and Thayil serve as reminders that even amidst grief, there is an opportunity for growth and redemption. Their story invites us to reflect on the powerful human connections we share and the importance of resolving conflicts, fostering unity, and celebrating creativity.
In what might feel like a bittersweet chapter, the journey of SOUNDGARDEN encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities, reminding us that out of loss can come beauty and connection. As you contemplate these themes, consider how moments of reconciliation can lead to transformation, both in our lives and in the lives of those we hold dear.
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