Metallica have released a statement commenting on their upcoming performance at the Chris Cornell ‘I Am The Highway’ tribute show, describing why Chris Cornell was a game changer in the music business.
“In May of 2017 we lost one of the most unique, distinctive, and game-changing voices in rock with the passing of Chris Cornell. Join us on January 16 at The Forum in Los Angeles as we get in on the celebration and pay tribute to a true one-of-a-kind talent.
Tickets on sale Friday, November 16th at 10 AM Pacific Time through Ticketmaster and will benefit the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation as well as The Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation.
#iamthehighway.”
Metallica frontman James Hetfield made a brief remark about Chris Cornell’s death at shows in Foxborough and Columbus (Rock on the Range) in May 2017.
At the end of performing “The Unforgiven,” James Hetfield said, “We forgive you Chris.”
James Hetfield discussed Chris Cornell’s death in a summer 2017 interview with WAAF, and how he can relate to Cornell’s darkness.
“Well, it does make you hug those around you, for sure — bandmates, family that’s out here, family at home. It makes you realize that, you know, there is a darkness that anyone and everyone can find and feel that they’re trapped in.
And when you’re there — and at least I know the depth of my darkness at times — it is difficult when you’re in that space to even fathom that there’s someone there that can help you or has been through that before. Sometimes you’re at such a loss.
I … obviously can’t explain what he was going through, but we all have our darknesses. And check in with each other — check in with each other. Let each other know how you’re doing.”
Speaking to KFMX deejay Driver before Metallica’s June 11, 2017 concert in Houston, Texas, bassist Robert Trujillo discussed Chris Cornell’s death.
“I was really surprised by the loss of Chris Cornell, one of the ultimate voices in rock music, hands down. It’s sad because with Chris… I didn’t know him very well — I knew him, but I didn’t hang out with him — but when I did see him or talk to him, he was always very reserved.
And one thing about people, especially creative people, that can be reserved, you never know what’s going on inside. And I guess that’s why, for me, I always try to generally get a… if I’m working with them, to get a connection and see if I can help, because you never know what’s going on, man. And that situation is very, very unfortunate, especially when you have kids and a family. So it’s tough, it’s sad, and, obviously, there was some really intense stuff going on inside of him.”
