Music and entertainment figures around the globe are mourning the loss of Chris Cornell, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52.
The rocker owned arguably the best pipes in the business and shone as frontman for grunge legends Soundgarden, which ruled the Billboard 200 with their 1994 classic Superunknown, and later with Audioslave, whose 2005 album Out of Exile scaled the summit of the main chart in 2005. Cornell also collaborated with members of what would become Pearl Jam to form Temple of the Dogand he joined an elite circle when he contributed vocals to a Bond song, "You Know My Name" (from the 2006 film Casino Royale).
Cornell died in Detroit where he had been performing with Soundgarden. The music wasn't meant to end with this latest tour. Just last month, Cornell told Billboard a new album was well on the way.
Fans of Cornell and his work predictably took news of his death hard. Jimmy Page, Nile Rodgers, Dave Navarro and many more paid tribute to a rock hero on social media. See their messages below.
RIP Chris Cornell
Incredibly Talented
Incredibly Young
Incredibly Missed. pic.twitter.com/pKNI4tKiXz
— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) May 18, 2017
A mutual friend called me and tells me my bro passed away. #RIPChrisCornell You are a great artist Love to Vicki and fam @nilerodgerspic.twitter.com/FhG0fhT0q1
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) May 18, 2017
SO SO stunned to hear about Chris Cornell! Such a terrible and sad loss! Thinking of his family tonight! RIP
— Dave Navarro (@DaveNavarro) May 18, 2017
RIP Chris Cornell --condolences to @soundgarden & family. We've lost one of the greats. -MF
— Foster The People (@fosterthepeople) May 18, 2017
#RIPChrisCornell You will be missed but never forgotten. My heart goes out to His family and friends. #saddayhttps://t.co/y2e9YXGR9o
— DJ ASHBA (@DjASHBA) May 18, 2017
Wow...this one is shocking. Chris Cornell was one of the benchmark vocalists of our generation...devastating loss. #RIPChrisCornellpic.twitter.com/x3F9rptL0D
— Mike Portnoy -- (@MikePortnoy) May 18, 2017
One of the greatest rock voices of all time and an incredible talent. RIP Chris Cornell pic.twitter.com/mxqvbqgNrh
— Universal Music UK (@UMusicuk) May 18, 2017
My friend Chris Cornell has died and I'm just incredibly sad .
— DavidGArnold (@DavidGArnold) May 18, 2017
RIP. So young. So sad -- pic.twitter.com/61JjmdVFDC
— Best Coast (@BestCoast) May 18, 2017
Tears in my eyes that this is your last ever tweet. We played here with u guys in 1992 --thanks for your pipes @chriscornell u will b missed https://t.co/Xgbann0hd4
— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) May 18, 2017
#scary. I remember @chriscornell on tour with us so long ago. Remember drinking beer after the Melvins. Always thought we'd meet again RIP
— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) May 18, 2017
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