london, 23 february 2009

chris cornell plays the scala

photo by Ross Halfin - used by permission

As often with opening nights, there were a few teething troubles at this show. The band were late onstage and plagued with technical problems, having rushed across town from a TV taping earlier that evening. Some fans had also failed to get the message that this was primarily a "Scream preview" show -- and although Chris played other material as well, the early curfew in force at the venue meant the show was cut short.

Intro - Part of me - Time -Sweet Revenge - Get up - Ground Zero - Never Far Away -Take Me Alive - Long Gone - Scream -Enemy - Other Side Of Town - Climbing The Walls - Watch Out - Billie Jean -Ty Cobb - Rusty Cage - No Attention -Jesus Christ Pose

Chris Cornell: The Scala, King’s Cross

photo by Ross Halfin - used by permission

CHRIS CORNELL’S unlikely collaboration with hip-hop producer Timbaland might not be as radical as Queen’s disco diversion with ‘Hot Space’ or Spinal Tap’s self-explanatory ‘Jazz Odyssey’.

But the former Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist – a grunge god if not quite its godfather – is still in danger of alienating his old audience as he searches for a new one.

Cornell has always been happy to take risks, as evidenced in the fact that last night’s showcase saw him performing the whole of his forthcoming ‘Scream’ album from start to finish.

The problem, for his fans at least, is that the American is stretching himself musically rather than vocally. Only with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ did his trademark voice begin to soar.

And the frenzied reaction to Soundgarden songs ‘Jesus Christ Pose’, ‘Rusty Cage’ and ‘Ty Cobb’ suggested that, while Cornell may be looking to the future, his audience still wants to relive the past. ***

- Kirk Blows, The London Paper

And from photographer Ross Halfin's famous diary:

Shot Chris Cornell at the Scala. Got the train as I couldn't face driving then trying to figure out where to park. The Scala is in the Beverly Hills of London - Kings Cross, a charming olde world area full of junkies and prostitutes, and the venue is run by aggressive Eastern Europeans who I worked out were Poles. It is no wonder this was Peter Makowski's 'hood in the '80s....Saw Chris and the band, who'd only just arrived late, straight from the chart show. Did some photos of them all together then Chris took my camera and went out to shoot the crowd, so I went with him and got photos of him standing with them. They came on and played the whole of the new album, Scream, which I got a bit lost with half way through as I didn't know any of it. The girls in the crowd seemed to love it - I was wanting Slaves And Bulldozers. By the time they went into Ty Cobb they sounded like two different bands. And as my girlfriend pointed out the new stuff was much better. The light show was old school Soundgarden, meaning it was non existent, just a few back lights - I had to really try to get photos. Left during Rusty Cage to get the train home.

photo by Ross Halfin - used by permission

photo by Ross Halfin - used by permission

by KarlUK

Now I know Chris has said this tour is to preview the new album to live audiences before it's released but I can't help but feel a little shortchanged! When I saw him at the Roundhouse in 2007 it was a massive set, well over 2 and a half hours so maybe I was expecting this to be a biggy as well. Don't get me wrong I had a great time last night, Chris had the crowd in the palm of his hand as usual and the band were excellent. The new stuff got a good reception, but with the oldies it went mental down the front where I was! You could feel the floor moving as the crowd bounced along to Jesus Christ Pose.

I suppose the late start and imposed curfew of 11 o'clock by the venue meant Chris couldn't play as much as he (or I) wanted. As I understand it he had been across town at Koko recording The Album Chart Show beforehand so the roadies had to rush back to plug in and tune all the instruments, hence the late start. Some of the new stuff worked better than others live and I look forward to hearing the likes of Long Gone, Scream, Never Take Me Alive and Ground Zero in future Chris shows, mixed up with all his older stuff. (more of the Roundhouse type shows please!) Overall a great introduction to the new album, and the Band and Chris Rocked, as always.

thanks to Nizam Uddin for the photos

by londonowl

I actually thought it was pretty good. The new stuff was different but it was enjoyable. I was as disappointed as the rest of us that he was late on stage (and when I saw him with Audioslave, they were late then too!) but it was an enjoyable show throughout. I said to the couple next to me that the delay would definately cut into any old songs more than new ones. Would have liked to have seen some Audioslave stuff, as well as some other old favourites but other than that, I thought it was a good show.

by catshorty

I have to keep this short this time round as I find it really frustrating!! We knew that this gig was to preview the new album. Why does everyone keep expecting a Soundgarden back catalogue!! Yes, my legs were very near giving up on me after standing for over 2 hours, and yes, the sound was awful in some places especially Rusty Cage but I personally thought the album went down well from where I was standing… some songs were stronger than others and it certainly caused a lot of murmuring and commenting in the crowd. Just because we all didn't know the words doesn't mean we couldn't stand there and just appreciate this new music. He enjoyed himself and I did too!

thanks to Nizam Uddin for the photo

by antsmiff

The Scala was a good venue. We were upstairs and had a great view. The new stuff sounded a lot better with a band playing it. It's a shame Chris only played Ty Cobb, Rusty Cage and Jesus CP from his old stuff. I was disapointed that he played the new album in its entirety as I didnt know 90% of the tracks as the album isnt released until March. I really thought we would get songs that we know and love and it was evident that others thought the same as the crowd only started to react when the 3 old numbers were played. It wasn't Chris at his usual brilliant self!

thanks to Nizam Uddin for the photo

by kas09

I was pretty disappointed really. Wasn't keen on a lot of the new stuff, and didn't like the fact that he played it all back to back, as I didn't know much of it well. The Soundgarden encore was decent, but the sound was crap where I was stood, which ruined it. For a couple of songs I couldn't even hear Chris's voice let alone a word he was singing, same with the music, especially on Rusty Cage, I couldn't even tell what the song was (without having glanced at the setlist on stage).

by allybally01

That was the whole purpose of tonight I would guess - to interest people in the new album. I think the new tracks (well some of them) actually worked really well but I don't think they worked well as a concept playing them back to back as a whole album experience... The last section was tremendous. I liked the whole thing but was like a few different gigs in one. Thought the band were outstanding as always however and Chris' vocals were amazing.

thanks to Nizam Uddin for the photo

by falafel

I felt things didn't really kick in until he started playing the older stuff, but this was an album promo show so I sort-of expected it. Glad I only paid £30 though and not £90 on Ebay for a ticket. The Shepherds Bush gig is going to be more like the Cornell shows we all know and love so I still have faith.

photo by Ross Halfin - used by permission

Clip compilation - thanks mehtadone

Billie Jean - thanks ssblv

Chris Cornell Fan Page © Clare O'Brien 2009