“Safe outside my gilded cage
With an ounce of pain
I wield a ton of rage
Just like suicide.”
This is a sad say for the music world with the loss of Chris Cornell of Soundgarden in what looks to be an apparent suicide. Often it seems the most talented minds are also the most tormented. He was one of my favorite rockers and vocalists whose music continues to have a big impact on my life.
I saw Soundgarden at the Gorge in Washington in July of 2011 with one of my best friends, Leif Heide. It was a short trip; I flew down from Alaska, met up with Leif in Seattle and drove out to the Gorge for the show, and flew home the next day. The weather was a perfect 80˚ and sunny to see one of my favorite bands of all time. I didn’t think I’d be able to get my digital SLR into the show so I packed light, bringing just a small backpack for the 2-day mission. Fortunately, Leif brought his compact Sony “point & shoot,” which I borrowed to capture some images. It is true that the best camera is the one in your hand at the moment that you need it. Even though I didn’t have a “professional” camera, the Sony proved itself worthy and I came away with a few nice images for memory sake. I’ve been to literally hundreds of concerts over the past few decades and this one ranks right up at the top of the list. Thank you, Chris Cornell, for sharing your gift with us. While I did not know you personally, I mourn your death, as I would not be the same person without your music in my life.
