Metallica’s James Hetfield on Chris Cornell’s death: 'It makes you hug those around you'

Hours after performing with Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit last Wednesday night (17th May), the 52-year-old rock icon’s body was found in the bathroom of his room at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel.

Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office later issued a statement saying it was “suicide by hanging”, however Chris’s family have since questioned whether it was intentional and if anti-anxiety drugs “contributed to his demise.”

In an interview with Boston radio station WAAF yesterday, James Hetfield was asked for his thoughts on Chris’s death. "Well, it does make you hug those around you, for sure — bandmates, family that's out here, family at home,” James said.

“It makes you realize that, you know, there is a darkness that anyone and everyone can find and feel that they're trapped in.

“And when you're there, and at least I know the depth of my darkness at times, it is difficult when you're in that space to even fathom that there's someone there that can help you or has been through that before. Sometimes you're at such a loss…”

"I can't… obviously can't explain what he was going through, but we all have our darknesses. And check in with each other — check in with each other. Let each other know how you're doing."

James continued: "Yes, it's a sad story, and there's a lot of sad stories recently, especially in the grunge world, losing a lot of people. And for us, (losing) Lemmy and all of the things that have been happening in the last couple of years, it just makes us feel even more grateful to be out here doing what we're doing."

A private funeral service for Chris Cornell will be held this Friday (26th May) at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.