It’s hard to write a meaningful eulogy for someone you’ve never met. But I’m going to try.
I’ve grown up with Chris’ music in my life, for what seems like my whole life. His influence has been a constant.
This framed picture with 2x tickets from concerts now hangs in my hall
Growing up as a bit of an outsider in a city that I didn’t call home, part of my own identity was my otherness - the grunge scene took hold of me whilst everyone else in the UK was obsessing over 'Madchester' and Indie culture. I always had a very different music taste from other lads at school and I was never one to follow the crowd, even if nobody followed me!
Of course, this was back in those halcyon days when it was exciting to ‘discover’ a band, before the digital age, hell, even CD's were a luxury when I was growing up.
Soundgarden were one of two bands that made me fall in love with music, the other was Pearl Jam. What differentiated Soundgarden from Pearl Jam was their earlier music with its altogether more ‘underground’ style and their long locked, enigmatic front man. It had me hooked from very early on.
Chris’ snarling vocals on Hunted Down, the drama of his on stage persona, his melodic wails on Hands all Over – he was a fabulous performer and a real crowd pleaser. He’d later go onto to produce one of the finest vocal performances from any rock front man with his epic vocal range tested to the limit on the incredible Slaves and Bulldozers, set alongside the driving rhythm of Kim Thayil’s guitar. More recently, the fabulous Black Rain will live long in the memory as another of his greatest ever vocal performances.
To me, Chris encapsulated everything music should be about. Energy, emotion, love.
Chris’ music provided shelter for my youth, solace for my pathetically low self esteem, something to escape to when times were hard, something I could call my own. Music has that personal effect on me, I’ve grown with his music, so it’s become a part of me. There is no higher praise I can give.
Of course music will always be subjective and this isn’t about bigging up his work, in fact this whole piece might be more for my own selfish catharsis than for him. But even so, I’d like to remember him here.
When Soundgarden returned from their hiatus in 2012 with King Animal, it was like they’d never been away. The sound they created was perfect symmetry with their previous work, yet with a battle hardened edge that just screamed class. I was blown away, like I am every time I hear his voice. His music and legacy will live on forever.
The thing I want to say the most is thank you. In fact, it’s all I can say. For the performances, the lyrics, the energy, the love, the amazing ability to connect with a crowd and be an unbelievable showman. Thank you Chris.
My own tribute to Chris now hangs in my house. I have shared it here with you.
Rest in peace, Chris – and love to your family
