Watch Chris Cornell’s highly emotive final music video
Chris Cornell’s final music video filmed shortly before his untimely death last month has premiered.
Lifted from the film of the same name about the Armenian Genocide, in keeping with the highly emotive song that Chris recorded with a 24-piece orchestra, 'The Promise' video is extremely poignant.
It melds footage that Chris filmed of himself performing the track in Brooklyn together with haunting clips of civilians being bombed in Syria and Libya and refugees struggling to escape their war-ravaged home countries.
Chris pledged that all proceeds from sales of the track will go directly to support refugees and children.
The video was directed by Meiert Avis and Stefan Smith, produced by Eric Esrailian and Michael M. McGuire & executive produced by Chris and his wife Vicky.
"It's very hard to put the pieces together for me," Meiert Avis told Rolling Stone. "I've had many people break down when they watch the video. They either cry or are silent for 10 minutes.
"I hope it provides a wider human context for the tragedy of his death. I hope it creates something with purpose because Chris had purpose and to lose your purpose is a terrible thing."
Producer Eric Esrailian commented: "Chris Cornell was not only a dear family friend for many years, but he was also a once-in-a-generation talent who is missed more than words can convey. It was such an honour to collaborate and partner on 'The Promise' over the years.
"His music and lyrics will not only shine a light on the Armenian Genocide and the human rights crisis of modern times, but they will also inspire people and provide hope for years to come.
"Although it is bittersweet because Chris filmed his performance in Brooklyn, New York shortly before his passing, he wanted his video to be released on World Refugee Day, and he was passionate about helping people through this project.
“True to Chris's charitable spirit, he made a commitment to donate all of his proceeds from 'The Promise' to support refugees and children, and to further the conversation about the refugee crisis the world continues to endure."
Hours after performing with Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Wednesday 17th May, Chris Cornell’s body was found in a bathroom in his room at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel. He was just 52.