Former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Chester Bennington and Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin have shared tributes to Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. Chamberlin tweeted, “So sad about Chris Cornell’s passing. Truly one of the greatest singers of our generation and a kind soul. Thoughts go out to loved ones.”
Bennington wrote the following open letter to Cornell.
Dear Chris,
I dreamt about the Beatles last night. I woke up with Rocky Raccoon playing in my head and a concerned look on my wife’s face. She told me my friend has just passed away. Thoughts of you flooded my mind and I wept. I’m still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family.
You have inspired me in many ways you could never have known. Your talent was pure and unrivaled. Your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped into one. I suppose that’s what we all are. You helped me understand that. I just watched a video of you singing ‘A Day In The Life’ by the Beatles and thought of my dream. I’d like to think you were saying goodbye in your own way. I can’t imagine a world without you in it.
I pray you find peace in the next life. Send me love to your wife and children, friends, and family. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life.
With all of my love.
Your friend,
Chester Bennington
So sad about @chriscornell passing. Truly one of the greatest singers of our generation and a kind soul. Thoughts go out to loved ones.
— Jimmy Chamberlin (@jccomplex) May 18, 2017
