Chris Cornell

from Greece, July 2007

click on scanned pages for larger version: English translation at bottom of page (thanks GR_fan)

What do you like about the Greek family idea?

CC: I feel there is something very strong. I come from completely different conditions; a big Catholic family in which every member was independent, and from a completely different lifestyle. But there is a point in life when you realise that you want to make a family and have chidren, and you seek a "real" family. I even didn't know these before I met my wife. From the first time with her I felt something strong, warm and maternal - is there a more charming feeling than this?

Is it true that you want to buy a house in Greece?

CC: We are intending to buy a house in Greece.I want us to spend time here, I want my children to communicate with Greek people,to learn the language.

This sounds a bit weird to me. I mean, people want to leave Greece, but you want to stay here?

CC: What you say is true. Everyone thinks the same about his country; I grew up in Seattle and as the years pass by, I really consider staying in Greece (laughs).

Do you want to raise your children in a country that burns its forests?

CC: The same happens in California. There is no Utopia where you can bring your children, away from the evil of the world. Everywhere you go, there is always something bad like terrorism, racism, poverty, etc. And the fact that someone is a criminal and sets fires, doesn't make all Greek people criminals.

I ask you about the fires because you recently participated in Live Earth. Do you think there is still time to save our planet?

CC: I still hope. Maybe the situation in 100 years won't be so dramatic as some people believe, but it could be even worse. If from now on we decide to do the proper things, speaking more about industries, maybe there is still time. Companies have got the message that they can do whatever they want, and this only makes things worse. I hope my children's generation will develop a different lifestyle and other priorities, a lifestyle closer to nature.

thanks to GR_fan for the first part of the translation - more to come!

Chris Cornell Fan Page © Clare O'Brien 2007