Listen to clip of Chris Cornell's unreleased 'Fast Car' cover
His widow Vicky shared the snippet to mark his 60th birthday
Last updated 22nd Jul 2024
Chris Cornell’s widow Vicky marked what would have been the Soundgarden and Audioslave legend’s 60th birthday yesterday (21st July) by sharing a preview of his unreleased cover of Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car.’
Paying tribute to her late-great husband, who died aged 52 in May 2017, Vicky Cornell shared a poignant montage video of Chris through the years soundtracked by his emotional interpretation of Tracy Chapman’s signature tune.
“Chris would have turned 60 today,” Vicky Cornell wrote. “Although everyone that loved him is sad that he’s no longer here, it’s all of you, the fans who made him, whose love has continued to keep his legacy alive. I’m so grateful to you all for that.
“While I remember him best as the wonderful husband, father and human being he was - I’d like to celebrate his whole life and everything he gave us.
“On his 60th we can all celebrate his genius as an artist who redefined music, but also the incredible man who touched and changed lives. He’s an icon, and he gave us all so much - his unique voice, his poetry, his creativity… his life was a gift to so many.”
Referencing the unreleased music, Vicky wrote: “And as you can hear - there’s more to come!!!
“Sharing this to thank you all for your love and support and come together in celebrating. We love you Chris - happy birthday!”
Back in April 2023, after several years of bitter legal wrangling, Vicky Cornell and the surviving members of Soundgarden “reached an amicable out of court resolution” to release “the final songs that the band and Chris were working on” before his untimely passing.
However, seven months later, Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron revealed the dispute was still ongoing.
Asked by an Italian Pearl Jam fan site if the music will be released in 2024, he replied: “I don’t think so, unfortunately.
“We’re still in the middle of a dispute with the estate and… Everything is on hold right now, and I can’t really go into details unfortunately. But as of right now, no, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen next year. But hopefully soon – I’m not giving up hope.”
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