Vicky Cornell has denied that her late husband Chris Cornell suffered from depression, three and a half years after he died by suicide in Detroit following a Soundgarden performance.
Vicky told USA Today, “A lot of people think Chris was suffering from depression. He was not and this [No One Sings Like You Anymore covers] album illustrates that. … Chris was a very happy man: a father and husband, and happy with his life. I think a lot of these songs, though, did resonate with him differently.
For example, ‘To Be Treated Right’ by Terry Reid. Chris identified with the lyrics: He had seen betrayal by friends, and in personal and family relationships where he trusted people who hurt him or let him down. It’s always the worst when it comes from those that are closest to you, it cuts deeper. But Chris believed in good and knew that life wasn’t fair, so some of that comes back (listening) now. The truth is, Chris wasn’t really dark. He had that childhood that was turbulent, which he spoke about, and he went through a lot in life, but it was always hope and light.”
Vicky posted on Instagram a couple of weeks ago, “My truth…
I talk about him, because grief doesn’t need to be experienced silently, especially when the silence is fueled by stigma and shame.
I talk about him, because frankly, acknowledging him is more important than the discomfort of acquaintances. As much as I never want to alienate people, he’s as familiar to me now as the air that I am breathing.
I talk about him, because it’s my prerogative. In a culture of bravely making your own choices, no matter which direction others are going in, this is mine.
I talk about him, because it’s one way I process and feel. Feelings demand to be felt, I’m learning, and the stuffing and pushing aside doesn’t leave room for the wounds to heal.
I talk about him, not because I’m stuck or because I haven’t moved on, but I talk about him because I am his, and he is mine, and no passage of time will ever change that.
I talk about him, not because I’m constantly living in pain. I’m not anymore, but in my world, this is my normal, and I’d rather live honestly and out loud. Joy, love, happiness, and gratefulness are my everyday, but so are death, loss, heartache, and grief.
Even more so…I talk about him because I’m proud. I talk about him, because he deserves to be remembered. I talk about him, because even though he’s not physically with me, he’s never far from my mind. I talk about him, because he’s part of me, a part that I could never ignore or disown.
I talk about him because I love him still, and I always will. Forever. Nothing will ever change that.
This is my normal. I know it’s hard to understand, and maybe that’s okay.
When it comes to loving him, I will not be silent or hide away, and the bottom line is that is okay, too.
Lexi Behrndt.”
