Photo by Warriorwoman - see more here
Fans who'd waited all day in the rain were universally enthusastic about this sold-out show, with the slow blues version of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean impressing everyone, even the otherwise hard-to-please critic of the Chicago Tribune. However, the critic of the Sun-Times thought the Jackson cover "would have made the King Of Pop cringe." She says that as if it's a bad thing...
No Such Thing - Original Fire - Outshined - Hunger Strike - Arms Around Your Love - Like a Stone - Burden in My Hand - Seasons (acoustic) - All Night Thing (not on band set list) - Can't Change Me - Doesn't Remind Me - Safe and Sound - Billie Jean - Cochise - What You Are - Rusty Cage - Encores: You Know My Name - Black Hole Sun - Spoonman
by Jill
"He opened with No Such Thing and he and his band started out tentatively, but by the time they were three or four songs into the concert, they played their hearts out. Chris sounded awesome, and nailed the high notes...he joked with the crowd and said there was a group of people who were getting everyone stoned. He gave big kudos to his band and said that just because they haven't played together that long, that they WERE his band and made these songs their own. (My words, but same meaning.) And the band DID sound great. Pete Thorn was magnificent and has a great style of his own. I didn't miss the guitar- shredding solo that was not present on their version of Original Fire. The guitar solo on Black Hole Sun was stellar and I believe Kim would have approved.
Photo by Hungarian Devil - see more here
Chris gave credit to Ben Shepherd for coming up with the subject material for Burden In My Hand. There was no moshing or crowd surfing, but everyone seemed to have the best night and Chris's new material was well received. Billie Jean seemed to stun at first, but it sizzled like a slow bump and grind. Excuse me while I groan and gasp here in remembrance. This is what a real man sounds like singing that song.
I asked him to sign my AS ticket from the last show they played together in Las Vegas. Tom had already signed that one at the Revelations CD signing. Now I just need Timmy and Brad to sign that! And my son gave me his ticket to the concert to sign for him.
Jill getting autographs - photo by Mommyrocker
Vicky was standing to the side and I talked to her for a while until all the girls had their turn to see him, then we all talked to Vicky for about 15 minutes. I told her that she had beautiful children and her face lit up. I also told her that we are thrilled for them that they are so happy." (thanks Jill)
by Mommyrocker
Photo by Mommyrocker - see more here
"The man has so much power! You watch him and know that it is more than just lung power. He sings with every cell of his body! He is lost in the song...trance like when he sings. The song ends and he opens his eyes and reminds me of a kid who has just wound up his favorite toy and he is sitting back and watching it move! He just takes in the crowd after the songs...fills up enough on their energy and turns that energy into his next song. I noticed during Like A Stone...as many songs...he encourages the crowd to sing along...then goes into his trance and harmonizes with what the crowd is singing. I never realized that before. I thought he was just changing up the song...but he seriously was harmonizing and just listening to his voice blend with the crowd. Now Billie Jean...i have always been leery of that cover. I am going to fully admit I thought there was a bit of a cheese factor when I heard it. Now all I can say is...Holy shit...I needed a cigarette afterwards and I don't even smoke!!!!! It was so sultry and bluesy it took my breath away and out of every song he played...no other song got as much adulation as that one! I now cannot wait to hear the version on the cd...although I know it won't even compare to what it was that night.
Meet and greet. WOW. It at first was a cattle call. We were lined up against the bar and we were allowed one thing to sign and one pic and we were to move along. Kind of a bummer. I wanted him to sign a picture of himself from Esquire mag. As it got closer to my turn I was shaking nervous...which doesn't usually happen to me so I really didn't know how to deal with it. My turn came up...I walked up and told everyone at the table I thought they were amazing. I have to say...my favorite part of the meet and greet was meeting Vicky. She seemed genuine, very approachable and sweet as can be." (thanks Mommyrocker)
Fans with Chris & Vicky at the Meet & Greet, Chicago (thanks Warriorwoman)
by Warriorwoman
"About 9:10 or so, the band came out. The crowd was screaming and with no special alert of his approach, Chris walked to the microphone. The man was probably five feet in front of me. He looked amazing ! My feelings of connection and belonging were complete. I was part of it. Chris launched into "No Such Thing". Every mannerism, every eye close, every microphone clutch I had seen hundreds of times in pictures, videos and bootlegs. Nothing prepares you for the REAL. It felt soooo good to watch him! His energy is incredible. When he reaches for the highs he actually raises on his toes. That was a new one I'd never seen. His voice was so pure, melodic, and in control. It gave me chills. Several times he stood right in front of me. With the lights shining in my eyes from behind him, I could only see his silhouette. It was daunting....Billie Jean made me sweat! It was so powerful, sensual, bluesy, ballsy, I run out of adjectives. Nothing like the acoustic version. That song definately needs to find a permanent place on his set list..
I had Chris sign my "Audioslave" CD coverslip for the first album...he was polite and gracious, but the energy from the stage was turned off and a more quiet Chris was in front of me. After finishing my other business and brief chit-chat, I moved on to the other band members for their signatures. Great group of guys! I could tell they really enjoyed the attention of the fans." (thanks Warriorwoman)
The band enjoying the attention of a fan - thanks Warriorwoman!
by Rkaywolke
"Wow, I was so thrilled to see him live. His voice was awesome, he was great to the audience , smiling, friendly, funny, so relaxed, so comfortable- his song selection was perfect- it was a great mix. Sure, you could always wish for others, but if you were there you would love it all. He was very complimentary to his band- and by the way - they were very good. They are having a great time- the energy is unbelievable - what an awesome show. Hearing Chris live was so exciting - he sounds so good - I think his "Billie Jean" was amazing- it was one song that the audience couldn't sing along with and his voice just powered through - I loved it- hearing it live rates well above the Sweden-downloaded version I have. Just wait til you get to hear it live. ...Chris's voice was strong, and as good as it gets - I will never wonder about his voice again!! If you have a chance - go see him live - what an awesome talent, his passion for his music radiates from him - he makes it look so easy and effortless! A night to remember for sure! Hope he makes it around again - he did dedicate his YKMN to his "babies at home" that he was missing very much......."
By Hungarian Devil
"The highlight of the evening was "Billie Jean". I was literally blown away by his performance. I got chills down my spine. I finally get what all the fans have been talking about from the past two shows. The band did a fantastic job with the soulful bluesy reindition of Michael Jackson's famous Grammy winning song. I can't wait to hear this on his new CD. Fans need to see Chris perform this live to appreciate the raw emotion and energy he puts into it. I've never heard him sound so sensual. I love Chris. I've seen him perform twice in Soundgarden and once on his Euphoria Morning tour. I've never seen him so happy, smiling, connecting with all of the fans. He even gave a nod to a fan behind me that wore a "Mother Love Bone" T-shirt. The guy was floored and couldn't believe it. He mentioned that Chris said "Andy's with us" or "he's here with us" something to that effect. There were times I couldn't understand what Chris was saying because the crowd was so loud. I loved the show so much that I bought a ticket to see him at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in IN on May 26th. I'm in the pit!!! Yes. This will tide me over until he comes back to Chicago.
I thought I was spoiled with 3rd row seats at the Riv back in 1999. But this show takes the cake. I was front and center. Closer than I'd ever imagine. Even in my wildest dreams! He is such a genuine loving individual. I was touched when he gave his wife, Vicky, a kiss before he took to the stage. He has the most powerful amazing beautiful voices that I have ever heard! Even with the crowd singing along to most of the songs, his voice still rose above the noise level. What a set of lungs!!! I even got a low five! Woo! Hoo! One of the best concerts I'd ever been to."
Photo by Hungarian Devil - see more here
Photo by Hungarian Devil - see more here
Cornell Takes Walk Down Unmemorable Lane
by Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune April 13, 2007
For someone who recently professed the need to go it alone, Chris Cornell seems to be leaning awfully heavily on the bread-and-butter work of his old bands.
Performing Wednesday night at a sold-out Metro as part of a brief warm-up tour in advance of the release of his forthcoming record, the vocalist cast his sights in mainstream directions that often went against the creative qualities that made him famous.
Distinguished by a bluesy timbre and brawny tenor, Cornell has fronted some of the biggest bands of the last two decades. A veteran of grunge-era staples Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog, the Seattle native took an initial stab at a solo career in the late '90s before joining with three members of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave in 2001.
But aside from album sales, the only thing super about the alleged supergroup was the musicians' pedigrees. In February, Cornell issued a statement saying he was leaving Audioslave. The move was expected. Cornell had refused to tour behind the quartet's last record and was readying his own album.
If the handful of tunes he debuted onstage were any indication, Cornell is dropping edgy riffs and overcast textures in exchange for sonic wallpaper. Save for the whoosh of "You Know My Name," the theme from last year's James Bond film, his new originals limped along to softer, radio-friendly arrangements. "No Such Thing" was empty muscle-car rock, "Arms Around Your Love" embraced sleepy hooks, and "Safe and Sound" smacked of by-the-numbers songwriting. All were boring.
Some of the blandness was due to Cornell's backing quartet, which lacked the steam-engine drive, neo-psychedelic reach and punchy spark of Cornell's ex-mates, and it showed, particularly on "Outshined" and "Like A Stone."
While he's lost a bit of his higher range, Cornell still possesses a marvelous voice. But he repeatedly squandered it, lazily crooning and playing plodding material that evoked the third-tier artists that once copied Soundgarden. Yet a surprising rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," recast as a tortured, slow-moving ballad, and the spiritual glow of the acoustic "Seasons," proved Cornell can still wring out emotional mystery and darkness. It's too bad that the overly contented singer didn't push himself more often.
From Chicago Tribune April 2007
Cornell Does The Time Warp Again
By Allison Augustyn, Chicago Sun-Times
Chris Cornell has a respectable music history, having formed one of the major grunge bands of the 90s (Soundgarden), having played with Pearl Jam before they were Pearl Jam (Temple of the Dog) and having made buco dinero with members of the former Rage Against the Machine (Audioslave). Now Cornell is on tour again, having revived himself as a solo act.
Wednesday's sold-out show at the Metro was solid but plodding, and ultimately ordinary. Solo Cornell is striking similar to old Soundgarden Cornell, only with a different backing band, a mix of old and new songs, heavy on the old -- the 90s grunge sound all over again.
But the 90s are over, Kurt Cobain is dead and Cornell seems stuck in a time warp. It's easy to appreciate old radio favorites, but you can't take Cornell seriously as a solo artist when a live show is mainly a vehicle for that old material, instead of a support tour of the upcoming album Carry On (scheduled for a June release).
Maybe Cornell already knows this. He sounded tired as he ran through former Soundgarden favorites like Burden in My Hand, which sounded like it was a burden to sing. A Temple of the Dog song, Hunger Strike should have burned with enough energy to start a riot, but it quickly fell flat and predictable. Not even Cornell's trademark high-pitched screams were convincing.
There were a few new songs from the upcoming album that showed sparks of promise. Original Fire and Arms Around Your Love had the most flash. Cornell has a unique satisfying writing style that works well when it's played hard, and Cornell was most animated when he sang his newest material.
Then again, new isn't always better. One of the weirdest parts of the evening was a cover of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, which was done in a vague blues style that would have made the King of Pop cringe. Cornell's shrieking was at definite odds with the song -- the earnest nature made it almost unbearable.
But since he didn't play a lot of new material, Cornell's tour doesn't inspire confidence in his upcoming album. If the album doesn't live up to his 90s popularity, which he obviously was capitalizing on here, then it's catch Cornell while you can because this may be the last solo tour. Carry On is either a prophetic name or an ironic death knell.
From Chicago Sun-Times; page 52 (not available online)
Rock For The Ages
photo by Lyle A. Waisman
by Jordan Brandes, Lumino Magazine
For the first time I can honestly say that not only was the Chris Cornell show a great concert but it literally was a great workout as well. This past Wednesday night I attended the sold out show of Chris Cornell at the Metro, it was far greater than I ever expected.
Given the fact that it was sold out the venue did not seem all that horribly tight or packed with people. Among the crowd waiting in line and the groups I met inside I got the impression that every single one of them considered themselves hardcore Soundgarden/Audioslave/ Chris Cornell fans.
I managed to get a front row spot next to a college aged guy who obviously seemed to worship Cornell. As soon as the band started playing he began saying things like “I don’t believe this!” and “His singing is so good it’s melting my face.” I have heard that said about solid musical legends like Led Zepplin and the Rolling Stones who are established rock icons but never about someone who, by musical standards, is still fairly recent and making a name for themselves. Cornell seemed to attract a crowd made up of virtually every age and background. I spent most of my time talking to a couple in their late 20’s while next to them were a pair of kids who wouldn’t have been any older then 18. Looking into the crowd I spotted a couple of baby boomers who seemed to be enjoying everything but the head banging parts of the show.
The band started with the fantastic opener “No Such Thing” which got an already excited crowd riled up and ready for more. Right up front it was clear that Cornell is not your normal ego obsessed rock star. Multiple times throughout the show he would tell the audience that it was his band that deserved a lot of the credit for his success and that he is lucky to be with them. Cornell seemed extremely comfortable not only on stage but with the audience. I got the impression that even through all his fame and success the show he performed last night is probably the same show he would have performed at the beginning of his career. He was very honest and real with the crowd and his band.
The guitarists were defiantly well versed and loved playing it up for the crowd. I noticed a strong Ron Wood/Keith Richards dynamic between the bassist and guitar player and there seemed to be a bit of a conversation going on between them throughout the whole show.
After an amazing opener he went right into Audioslave’s pop hit “Original Fire” which sent the crowd jumping and dancing. It has always been a really catchy tune from Audioslave’s last and underrated album and in a crowd that worshiped the band there wasn’t a head in there that wasn’t singing along with the tune.
I admit that I am not as familiar with Cornell as I probably should have been going into that concert. Most of his classics I knew right away and there was more then one occasion, as in the case of “You Know My Name” (the theme from the recent James Bond movie Casino Royale) that I was surprised he was the artist. There was defiantly a major thrill in hearing his second encore number, the much awaited “Black Hole Sun” live, a song I grew up on.
Cornell seems to have the unique ability to change styles quite a lot and that works very much in his favor. Covering both fast and slow songs and even a very country sounding acoustic number “Seasons” was always just the right thing at just the right time. Most of the crowd was already starting to sweat pretty heavily from cheering and head banging by the time he played the Soundgarden anthem, “Outshined”.
One of the best surprises of the night came from his reinvented cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”. Through the filter of Cornell the song has a much sadder more intense feeling to it rather then the more upbeat Jackson version. Like almost all of Cornell’s music there was a solid balance of both fast and slow rock prevalent throughout the song.
On the whole the show was extremely enjoyable and left me feeling like I had just had a really good workout. The acoustics of the Metro compliment both the audience and the musicians so not only could I hear everything being played clearly but my ears weren’t ringing too horribly by the end of the night. I look forward to going back and hope that this is not the only Chicago stop for Cornell on this tour.
Reprinted without permission from Lumino Magazine April 17 2007
by Niva Bringas
(links may not be permanent)
You Know My Name (thanks Emalee129)
Black Hole Sun (thanks peanutsinapile)
Billie Jean (MySpace link - thanks Slu13)
Can't Change Me - snippet (thanks peanutsinapile)
photo by Hungarian Devil - see more here
Chris Cornell Fan Page © Clare O'Brien 2007
