Close to 18 months since his passing in 2017, a life-size statue of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell has been unveiled in Seattle.
Just a few months after Cornell’s passing last year, a statue of the late rocker was commissioned to be erected in his hometown. Commissioned by Cornell’s wife Vicky, the statue was again mentioned back in July, where it was set to be unveiled on August 29th.
Now, after moving the date forward somewhat, the life-size tribute has finally been revealed to the public.
Designed by Nick Marra, the bronze sculpture is now on display at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, as Q13 Fox reports.
Depicting Chris Cornell holding an electric guitar, reaching for the sky, and highlighting his “signature boots, dog tag, and long locks”, Cornell’s family and bandmates were present at the ceremony, with Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, and Matt Cameron showing their love for the late rocker.
“As an artist, my husband was not only one of the greatest voices in rock history but also one of the greatest and most prolific poets of his time,” explained Vicky Cornell. “His contribution to music birthed a movement that would leave an indelible mark on popular music forever.”
Speaking to The Seattle Times last week, Vicky Cornell explained her desire to commemorate her husband’s legacy in such a way.
“I wanted to celebrate and honor him, memorialize his contribution to music history and the arts, philanthropy, in his hometown where his initial impact stems from,” Vicky Cornell explained.
“It’s a really unique city that — it’s defined him — but also I feel like it propelled him to create this movement that would influence popular music forever.”
“I think he’ll be remembered as his body of work has been appraised — exceptionally, [critically] acclaimed … — and [as] a source of pride certainly in the community,” echoed Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil.
“I think he will be remembered as I will remember him, because that’s how I will remind everybody.”
Chris Cornell’s name was also recently mentioned in regards to the new song by the Atlas Underground, with frontman Tom Morello teaming up with Portugal. The Man and Whethan to release ‘Every Step That I Take’.
“With the passing of Chris [Cornell] over a year ago, and the momentum towards removing the stigma from mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, it was very important to have a song from that point of view,” explained Tom Morello.
“You know, you break your arm — it’s not a stigma to go to the hospital to get it set. Hopefully we’re able to start looking at suicidal thoughts and depression in the same way that can materially save lives.”
”Every Step That I Take’ is about how the dreams, and depression, and love and the lack of it on the emotional steps of the gallows are processed.”
If you or somebody you care for needs help or information about depression, suicide, anxiety, or mental health issues, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Check out Soundgarden’s ‘Black Hole Sun’:
