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Chris Cornell RIP

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Earlier in the thread I said I met Cornell. That was a bit of an overstatement. Two drunk people nodded and smiled after a show.

It's a bit of a funny story. My brother and I went to The Crocodile Cafe in '93 to watch a band who was releasing their major label debut. A band I don't think either of us had heard of called Flop. Probably in hindsight a quite accurate name for them.

Peter Buck from REM was working behind the bar in the cafe area. He was part owner of that place. He might have had a few himself at that point in the evening. As we worked our way towards the band room we noticed Thayil and Cornell sharing drinks and conversation with Ken Stringfellow and John Auer...The Posies. They were another band that touched fame for 15 minutes or so. Not at all 'grunge'...even if their biggest hits were sorta grungey. Anyway.

So we make it to the band room. Maybe 500 capacity? Smallish band room. We missed the opening act so we were relegated to the rear of the crowd. This band Flop came out and in hindsight it was probably meant to be a joke, but at the time I missed it. Left handed lead singer/guitarist dressed in a green sweater. In hindsight it was a Cobain costume...I missed that joke.

Anyway they had a couple of decent tunes. There was a mosh pit...which in hindsight matches the singers joke because it really wasn't that kinda show. We noticed Stringfellow and Auer towards the end of the show not far from us taking it in...they might have had a stake in that band. I can't confirm that. Memory tells me they were involved. It would have been an utterly forgettable night except what happened soon after.

Show over, lights up. The Croc telling everyone it's time to go. As my brother and I worked our way out I told him I'd meet him outside. So I proceed to the restroom and he heads outside.

Now it's my turn to head outside and what do I see? My brother is talking to Kim Thayil with Chris Cornell next to him. I see two exchanges between the two of them...Thayil leans in and says something...my brother does the same. I arrive on the scene at that point and Chris and I exchange a smile and nod and Thayil says have a good night.

I am like holy wow what were you talking about!?!? As the two of them walked away.

It turns out my brother couldn't understand a word Thayil was saying. He leaned in and said something and my brother leaned in and said sorry I didn't understand? Thayil repeated himself and my brother replied with what?? So my brother can always say he had a conversation with Thayil.

So anyway I 'met' Cornell that night. I think he found the moment funny because we were all drunk and words were hard. That smile and nod was a cool moment.
 
Last edited:

ilikecheese said:
Earlier in the thread I said I met Cornell. That was a bit of an overstatement. Two drunk people nodded and smiled after a show.

It's a bit of a funny story. My brother and I went to The Crocodile Cafe in '93 to watch a band who was releasing their major label debut. A band I don't think either of us had heard of called Flop. Probably in hindsight a quite accurate name for them.

Peter Buck from REM was working behind the bar in the cafe area. He was part owner of that place. He might have had a few himself at that point in the evening. As we worked our way towards the band room we noticed Thayil and Cornell sharing drinks and conversation with Ken Stringfellow and John Auer...The Posies. They were another band that touched fame for 15 minutes or so. Not at all 'grunge'...even if their biggest hits were sorta grungey. Anyway.

So we make it to the band room. Maybe 500 capacity? Smallish band room. We missed the opening act so we were relegated to the rear of the crowd. This band Flop came out and in hindsight it was probably meant to be a joke, but at the time I missed it. Left handed lead singer/guitarist dressed in a green sweater. In hindsight it was a Cobain costume...I missed that joke.

Anyway they had a couple of decent tunes. There was a mosh pit...which in hindsight matches the singers joke because it really wasn't that kinda show. We noticed Stringfellow and Auer towards the end of the show not far from us taking it in...they might have had a stake in that band. I can't confirm that. Memory tells me they were involved. It would have been an utterly forgettable night except what happened soon after.

Show over, lights up. The Croc telling everyone it's time to go. As my brother and I worked our way out I told him I'd meet him outside. So I proceed to the restroom and he heads outside.

Now it's my turn to head outside and what do I see? My brother is talking to Kim Thayil with Chris Cornell next to him. I see two exchanges between the two of them...Thayil leans in and says something...my brother does the same. I arrive on the scene at that point and Chris and I exchange a smile and nod and Thayil says have a good night.

I am like holy wow what were you talking about!?!? As the two of them walked away.

It turns out my brother couldn't understand a word Thayil was saying. He leaned in and said something and my brother leaned in and said sorry I didn't understand? Thayil repeated himself and my brother replied with what?? So my brother can always say he had a conversation with Thayil.

So anyway I 'met' Cornell that night. I think he found the moment funny because we were all drunk and words were hard. That smile and nod was a cool moment.
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Incredible band - still great today, their new album 'Solid States' is ace - Saw them at the Night and Day Cafe a couple of months ago and they were still boss
 
Interesting discussion from Russell Brand on the sociology of mental health issues and suicide, particularly in men within the 45-60 age range (or what you'd consider middle aged). I had no idea it was the 3rd highest killer of men, a real eye-opener.

 
Always enjoyed stuff of his I've heard without owning any myself. What would people suggest as to his finest album work?

Another talented yet troubled soul. Very sad
 

Titus Bramble said:
Always enjoyed stuff of his I've heard without owning any myself. What would people suggest as to his finest album work?

Another talented yet troubled soul. Very sad
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Tough one to call for me. With Soundgarden I reckon Superunknown would be viewed as their best album.

Honestly though after thinking about it, I would say Temple of the Dog would be the spot to go if you are wanting Cornell. He wrote the music and lyrics to 7 of the 10 song on the album. In a way his first solo record.

Musically more wide ranging in terms of style/genre. Some classic 'grunge' rock tunes mixed with ballads and even a couple piano/organ driven songs. Call Me a Dog and All Night Thing being a couple of examples.

I'd start there if you are starting a deep dive. His vocals on that record were fantastic.
 
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