I still live beyond the limits (of speed)
His bad times have passed, music saved his life but he keeps on challenging himself
by cristina marinoni, la gazzetta dello sport, july 2009
There are still a few rockstars around. Chris Cornell, 45 on July 20th, is one of the élite. First of all because he is a brilliant talent . Then, because he has lived a life that could be a movie.
Music saved his life, as he used to say: he worked at a seafood wholesaler, then as a sous chef, and kept on playing guitar, drum and piano until he joined a band and that band started to become famous.
We met Chris, serene, kind and absolutely charming, just before his gig in Milan, and we talked right about these first steps.
Tell us about your life between the kitchen and the basement, where you rehearsed...
"These were funny and happy moments: I didn't earn a lot, but enough to buy a guitar and an amp. And I got food every day".
Your passion for restaurants has last: you opened the Black Calvados in Paris.
"I live in Paris with my wife and two children. It's more than a restaurant: a place to listen to good rock in an exclusive, special location that you can find only in Europe".
What do you miss the most, when you are on this side of the Ocean?
"Apart from my daughter Lillian Jean and people that I love, the mountains. In Canada, where I have long sessions on my snowboard. And I miss the endless lands in California: I take my bike and drive around. Snowboard and bike are similar: both take you away, free your mind, erase your problems for a while. And they help you keep fit".
You're in good shape, actually: do you practice any other sports?
"No, because of lack of time. Or maybe I'd box, play tennis or golf: individual sports in which you play against yourself exclusively. I love beating my limits and... being the centre of the attention, of course".
Like on stage.
"Exactly, and the stage helps you with keeping fit, as well. That's why I'm happy with my shape. And it's much more fun and excitement! You burn much more there than at the gym. When I was younger, I played basketball, football and baseball in a Seattle team. Maybe I have to thank those years for my shape, that is not so bad..."
Let's go back to bikes: the first you bought?
"A Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster, in 1992, after a trip to Sturgis, where I opened Neil Young's gig. I still regret having sold it".
The bike of your dreams?
"I own it! A Chopper Exile designed by Russell Mitchell".
Any others you keep in your garage?
"A customized Harley FXLR, a Triumph Speed Triple and an awesome Vauxen Black Magic made in France, a present by my mother in law Toni".
Your rock soul comes out from the type of bikes you love, as well. Nevertheless, your last album Scream is full of electric sounds and some hip hop...
"The cover shows me breaking a guitar: I meant to give the idea of change. After 20 years, the time to change has come! Experimenting with Timbaland opened new worlds for me. I had lot of fun".
thanks to Cristina Marinoni for preparing an English summary of her article.
Chris Cornell Fan Page © Clare O'Brien 2009