Late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell has been remembered by his partner Vicky and his former bandmates on the five-year anniversary of his death.
Cornell took his own life aged 52 on May 18, 2017 in a Detroit hotel room, following a Soundgarden gig at the city's Fox Theatre.
In Vicky Cornell's statement, she reflects on the night of her late husband's death, and also addresses his fans, thanking them for their love and and for help keeping "Chris’s memory and spirit alive".
The statement reads: "5 years ago today, would be the worst day of our lives. It would be the last time Chris would hug & kiss us, the last time he’d walk out our front door. The last time he’d wave goodbye to us from the car. The last time we’d ever see him.
"5 years ago tonight, Chris would take the stage for the last time. It was his final show, his final performance - but nobody knew it at the time. I’ve seen the quote 'you never know when the last time will be the last time' and that rings way too true. If you told me before he went on the stage that fateful night, the night would end this way - I would never have believed you. Nobody who knew Chris would. In our lifetime everything has a last time - but in the moment, you never know it will be the last time - till you are looking back. Chris lived in the moment and took nothing for granted. We forget how fragile life is, how fluid relationships are and how things can change in a minute. Never miss an opportunity to tell somebody you love them- Chris told us every single day.
"To all of his fans - please know he loved you as much as you love him. He was so grateful to be able to make music, perform all over the world, have his music & lyrics touch your heart & impact your lives. He loved receiving love from all of you.
"There are not enough words to express our gratitude & appreciation - Chris always said he had the best fans & these past 5 years it’s become more evident than ever. Thank you for loving him so much that through that love for Chris you have loved us too. You have helped us through the hardest of days & kept us going when we thought we couldn’t. We are grateful for each & every one of you- it is true when he said 'it is the fans who make you who you are' and you are the support system he built who have been such a huge part of our healing. Thank you for stepping up in the darkest of times & thank you for helping keep Chris’s memory and spirit alive- so keep playing it loud!
"And tonight in his honor, blast your favorite Cornell song and ‘throw your love up in the air’ ~ #cornellforever
"#noonesingslikeyouanymore
Loudlove,
VC".
Beneath the statement, Vicky posted a photograph of her late husband performing live, after which there are numerous comments from fans and well-wishers discussing their favourite songs by the musician and sending their love.
Chris' Soundgarden bandmates posted a simple tribute on social media, which reads: "Chris, Five years we have missed you. You have love. You have peace. You have eternity. Love and peace for all of Soundgarden's brothers and sisters. XOSG".
Check out the posts below:
