Listening to Chris Cornell perform so many classic songs the way they were originally written was indeed a rare treat.
Chris Cornell - Photo By Ros O'Gorman
Cornell is touring Australia as a solo act just months away from returning with Soundgarden for the Big Day Out.
Every single show on this tour has been different and shows a insight into the man. Chris Cornell is actually a funny guy when taken away from his often sullen sounding band. He did a few gags about dead bodies under the floor of the theatre, told a story about his friendship with Jeff Buckley (he uses Jeff’s red telephone as a prop on stage).
Another brilliant part was when he sang ‘When I’m Down’ accompanied by the original piano piece played off vinyl on a turntable. The piece was performed by Natasha Schneider, a Russian musician who passed away in 2008. Natasha was a one-time keyboard player in Queens of the Stone Age.
The setlist covered Chris’ early years in pre-Pearl Jam band Temple of the Dog, then Soundgarden, Audioslave and his sol work.
He played covers by Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Jeff Buckley arrangement of ‘A Satisfied Mind’.
Cornell managed to captivate this audience from beginning to end. It was a great show.
Setlist:
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love and Understanding (Nick Lowe cover)
Can’t Change Me (from Euphoria Morning, 1999)
As Hope and Promise Fade (b-side)
Ground Zero (from Scream, 2009)
Be Yourself (from Out of Exile, 2005)
Wide Awake (from Revelations, 2006)
Fell On Black Days (from Superunknown, 1994)
Outshined (from Badmotorfinger, 1991)
Blow Up The Outside World (from Down On The Upside, 1996)
Call Me A Dog (from Temple of the Dog, 1991)
Hunger Strike (from Temple of the Dog, 1991)
Wooden Jesus (from Temple of the Dog, 1991)
Seasons (from Singles soundtrack)
A Satisfied Mind (traditional, Jeff Buckley arrangement)
Thank You (Led Zeppelin cover)
When I’m Down (from Euphoria Morning, 1999)
Mind Riot (from Badmotorfinger, 1991)
Getaway Car (from Audioslave, 2002)
Sunshower (bonus track from Euphoria Morning, 1999)
Like Suicide (from Superunknown, 1994)
Like A Stone (from Audioslave, 2002)
Doesn’t Remind Me (from Out of Exile, 2005)
Billie Jean (from Carry On, 2007)
Say Hello 2 Heaven (from Temple of the Dog, 1991)
Black Hole Sun (from Superunknown, 1994)
Burden In My Hand (from Down On The Upside, 1996)
Long As I Can See The Light (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Chris Cornell will perform again:
October 20, Melbourne, Palais
October 22 and 23, Sydney, Opera House
Then USA tour starts October 26 in Grand Prairie, Texas.
