Soundgarden to Honor Chris Cornell with Final Album Release
Soundgarden is set to release their final album featuring the late Chris Cornell, who passed away in 2017, as a tribute to their iconic frontman. Guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and bassist Ben Shepherd are working to complete the project, which includes Cornell’s last recordings. “It’s a collaboration with Matt, Ben, and Chris, but it carries a different weight when you’re honoring his legacy,” Thayil shared.
The album’s release was delayed by legal disputes with Cornell’s widow, Vicky, but a 2023 settlement cleared the path forward. No official release date has been announced, but the band is committed to delivering a fitting tribute to fans
Adding to their legacy, Soundgarden will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, alongside founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto. The band is considering a performance at the ceremony, possibly with guest vocalists like Shaina Shepherd, who joined them at a 2024 benefit concert as Nudedragons. Recent performances and a planned July 2025 benefit show signal ongoing collaboration.
Known for their complex grunge sound and Cornell’s powerful voice, Soundgarden aims to celebrate their history and Cornell’s enduring impact with this final chapter.