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John Aizlewood's rating
Prince Of Grunge goes solo
By
John Aizlewood
17 May 2007
Having sold 20 million records as the voice of Soundgarden, Temple Of The Dog and, until February, Audioslave, it's little surprise that Chris Cornell has rekindled with the infinitely superior Carry On a solo career that started shakily with 1999's Euphoria Morning.
In his days as the Prince Of Grunge, Cornell was as sullen as the most petulant teenager.
Today, as a 42-year-old he has social skills: he said both "please" and "thank you"; he played songs from all his bands and, to generally amused amazement, he invited a singalong on Audioslave's Like A Stone.
Yet, Cornell still struggled to give - not so much of his time in a set that lasted for well over two hours including three whopping encores and a dreary solo acoustic interlude, but of himself.
As hunched and static as an elderly crooner with spondylosis and terrified of being considered a showman, his was an aloof presence.
What, though, Cornell does have is a fabulous voice.
A mesmeric wail of Robert Plant proportions (curiously, Plant's Led Zeppelin bandmate Jimmy Page took in the first hour) on Soundgarden's grunge epics Black Hole Sun and Spoonman, it was equally adept on the Casino Royale theme You Know My Name (co-composer David Arnold guested on keyboards), the anthemic No Such Thing and a sinister, snail's pace, reinvention of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean.
Curiously compelling.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (8)
I love Chris Cornell! Of course, now he's quite known for "You know my name", but he did a lot more! I particularly love his remake from "Billy Jean"!
- Matt, London, UK, 04/09/2008 16:57
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I didn't go to see a spandex-clad, poodle-haired Rocksmith; Rather I went to listen to guy who over the years, and in all incarnations proves time and time again to have a voice of truly stunning range and a song-writing ability to be envied by many. The fact that he can switch from full instrumental wailing to being just a guy with an acoustic guitar singing without accompaniment and achieving both supremely well should be lauded rather than ridiculed. To hear songs from his whole catalogue was a pleasure. For as long as Chris Cornell writes and sings, I will continue to to listen and will continue to compare him favourably with his peers. I look forward to listening to his new album and hope there will be even more to come.
- Matt, London, England, 18/05/2007 10:20
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As one who appreciates music I get full satisfaction out of what Chris offers the the crowd. I have seen him once on this tour and have bought tickets to see him again. There is an energy exchange between Chris and his fans. Luckily I am past needing pyro technics, glitter and enormous ego to appreciate real music and talented exchanges between true musicians.
- Julie~Mommyrocker, UK, 18/05/2007 01:41
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Any issues you may have with his solo material, or his previous incarnations, it's an unescapable fact that the man held an audience for well over 2 hours, mesmerised. As our American friend rightly says, hes not there to bump and grind, but to sing and pull the audience along with him. And for those that went for the right reasons (i.e. a good appreciation of the mans genius musical talents), I think he thoroughly succeeded! And what a voice!
- Thebrit, London, 17/05/2007 23:43
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He sings until his vocal chords are near tearing for two hours, giving his fans a full spectrum of his work, and he apparently struggles to give. I mean, hearing hunger strike was an incredible surprise, but having Slaves and bulldozers at the end was off the scale. It also highlighted his confidence in himself. In fact, this confidence was evident in his on stage swagger. I was impressed with how well rounded his performance was, and he's become noticeably personable over the years. Maybe his focus makes him seem a little aloof, but that's understandable as he's hitting ridiculous notes.
- Brad, London, England, 17/05/2007 22:30
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This show was really all about the music, so the spectacle on offer was a bunch of musicians having a great time playing their hearts out and giving of themselves. I'd rather see and hear Chris Cornell singing as brilliantly as he did tonight and keeping his grown-up integrity and presence, rather than throwing himself around like a teenage circus act. Believe me, there was plenty to watch and the new songs went down very well considering the album's not out yet.
- Clare, Scotland, 17/05/2007 19:48
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I have to say as a long time Soundgarden and Audioslave fan (with perhaps a biased view!) the concert was everything you could ever want from the Man. A greatest hits from all of the bands he has been in with a pretty slick backing band as well. The new stuff was slightly weaker, with the exception of "You Know Your Name" but the fans were there for the older stuff. In the past his voice has been fairly weak live, but last night it was on fire. He manages to hit notes that other singers can only dream of. A great atmosphere which was perpetuated by nearly every fan in the room knowing every single word that was sung. Loved it!
- James, London, 17/05/2007 17:43
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"As hunched and static as an elderly crooner with spondylosis and terrified of being considered a showman, his was an aloof presence."
Do we REALLY want Chris Cornell bumping, grinding, and spinning on his head? He wouldn't be the "Grunge Prince" if he did all that !!
I much prefer focusing on his voice, music, lyrics, and the passion he brings from his soul into his music. I caught his concert in Chicago, IL it, AND he, was magnificent!!
I have tickets for his St. Louis concert. I'm having a hard time waiting for that date to get here!
- Warriorwoman, Smithton .... USA, 17/05/2007 15:48
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