Soundgarden Bassist Hints at New Music in Tribute to Chris Cornell

Ben Shepherd honors Chris Cornell’s legacy and teases unfinished Soundgarden tracks in heartfelt tribute.

Remembering Chris Cornell and Unfinished Soundgarden Tracks

One day before the eighth anniversary of Chris Cornell’s tragic passing, Soundgarden’s bassist Ben Shepherd shared an emotional and revealing Instagram post. Shepherd paid tribute to Cornell’s lasting impact and shed light on the unfinished album the iconic band was working on before Cornell’s death.

Chris Cornell performing with Soundgarden

In his message, Shepherd highlighted a poignant track titled “The Road Less Traveled,” co-written by Cornell and drummer Matt Cameron for the yet-to-be-named album. He expressed how just hearing Chris’s voice brings comfort, recalling Cornell’s empathy and forgiveness even during tough times. Shepherd said:

“Just hearing Chris’ voice helps. I know he did that for everyone he knew... In just his tone, [he] knew what I was going through and forgave me like he always did.”

He described the creative process with the band as an overwhelming experience full of awe, camaraderie, and the sheer power of creativity:

“It’s at this point of recording all of our previous albums I’d get this overwhelming hit of awe, camaraderie, power of creativity — majesty even — and love, from the music, and my bandmates...”

A Bond Beyond Music: Brotherhood Through Life’s Ups and Downs

Shepherd went on to express gratitude for the relationships he shared with his bandmates Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and of course, Chris Cornell. Through the shared journey of music and life — “of loves and losses, righteousness and folly” — Shepherd found strength and inspiration. He spoke of the thrilling feeling when old demo songs Chris had brought years ago transformed into full-fledged Soundgarden tunes:

“To hear, as a fan and band member, a song or two Chris brought in a few years ago turn before my very ears and finger blisters into a full blown Soundgarden tune is like feeling a glacier fall away off your chest.”

Soundgarden’s Journey: From Formation to Reunion

Soundgarden originally thrived from 1984 to 1997 before disbanding. They reunited in 2010 while Cornell pursued a solo career, touring extensively and releasing their 2012 comeback album, King Animal. This reunion rekindled their creative spark and reignited fans’ passion.

Legal Battles and the Path to Legacy Preservation

The years following Cornell’s death were fraught with legal disputes between his widow Vicky Cornell and the surviving Soundgarden members. After prolonged litigation over missing royalties and unreleased recordings, the parties reached an amicable out-of-court settlement in April 2023. This resolution enabled the band to finally release “the final songs that the band and Chris were working on” before his passing.

The lawsuit drama spanned over four years, with the estate alleging wrongful withholding of royalty money and undervaluation of the Soundgarden catalog — initially estimated at $16 million but offered to Vicky Cornell for less than $300,000.

Producer Brendan O’Brien’s Role and Unfinished Recordings

Brendan O’Brien, long-time producer for Soundgarden and Cornell, was rumored to be involved with the unreleased recordings. However, he clarified in a late 2021 interview that he had no involvement in those sessions:

“I’ve never heard it... Chris and I never talked about it. We were focused on [the covers collection No One Sings Like You Anymore]. Soundgarden seemed like a separate thing, which was great by me... But I’d love to hear it at some point — I really would.”

Closing Words from Ben Shepherd: Brotherhood Lives On

In his heartfelt closing, Shepherd reflected on their collective journey and the ongoing work everyone faces in life. He reassured fans that Chris Cornell’s spirit remains close:

“We all have a lot of work to go through in this life, but we are all to a man trying our best and to do each and every one of us proud. You, Chris, are right here with us. We all miss you brother.”

He also paid tribute to the late Mark Lanegan, friend and fellow musician:

“PS, please say hey to Mark.”

Soundgarden’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

As a testament to their profound impact on rock music, Soundgarden will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 class alongside legends like Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, and Outkast. The ceremony is set for November 8 in Los Angeles.

Why Chris Cornell’s Legacy Still Resonates

Chris Cornell’s influence stretches far beyond his incredible vocals and songwriting. His ability to connect deeply through music continues to inspire bandmates and fans alike. The upcoming release of unfinished Soundgarden tracks promises to add a new chapter to his enduring story.

For rock enthusiasts curious about the greatest rock stars of all time, a curated list provides a rich exploration of legendary artists and their impact on music history.

FAQs About Soundgarden and Chris Cornell

• What is the significance of the song “The Road Less Traveled”?
  It’s an unfinished track written by Chris Cornell and Matt Cameron, symbolizing the band’s ongoing creative journey and the legacy they hoped to complete.
• Why was there a legal battle over Chris Cornell’s recordings?
  Disputes arose over royalty payments and the ownership of unreleased Soundgarden material, leading to years of litigation before reaching a settlement in 2023.
• Will new music from Soundgarden be released?
  Yes, the settlement cleared the way for the band to release the final songs they were working on with Chris Cornell.
• Is Brendan O’Brien involved in the new Soundgarden music?
  Brendan O’Brien confirmed he was not involved with the unreleased recordings linked to Soundgarden.
• When is Soundgarden’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction?
  They will be inducted on November 8, 2025, during the ceremony in Los Angeles.

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