In a better world, yesterday, July 20th, would have seen Chris Cornell celebrate his 60th birthday. However, the late great icon, known for his work with Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple Of The Dog, and his own solo output, sadly took his own life back in 2017.
In a video newly shared by his widow Vicky yesterday, audio of a previously unreleased cover of Chris performing the 1988 Tracy Chapman single “Fast Car” was teased, along with a hint that it and more unreleased music from her husband will arrive posthumously.
“Fast Car” found itself a going concern again last year, with a 2023 cover of it done by country musician Luke Combs having gone 2x multi-platinum. You can hear the preview of Chris‘ take on the track below, with Vicky offering:
“Chris would have turned 60 today. 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. 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!”
Outside of what apparently lurks in the personal vaults of the Cornell family, unreleased new music from Soundgarden with Chris also exists, though it seemingly remains the subject of a bitter legal dispute.
