Audioslave in 2005
With the disbanding of Soundgarden in 1997, Chris Cornell embarked on a solo career and was in the process of writing his second album when opportunity knocked. Rage Against the Machine, the politically charged, rap-rock band, were searching for a new frontman when, at the urging of producer Rick Rubin, they gave Cornell a shot.
RATM guitarist Tom Morello called Cornell’s delivery “transcendent”, and the instant chemistry between Cornell, Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk inspired Cornell to shelve his solo project and join forces with the remaining members of the defunct band. The foursome wrote 21 songs in 19 days of rehearsals, and in May 2001, took their music into the studio, calling themselves Audioslave, a name mocked as one of the most uninspired in contemporary rock history.
Audioslave, an amalgamation of the introspective, heavy riffing of Soundgarden with the hyper-political funk rock of Rage Against the Machine, was dubbed a supergroup. Their 2002 self-titled debut album, Audioslave, charted at #7 on the Billboard 200 in its first week, spawning such hits as “Cochise” and “Show Me How to Live”. As the most successful Audioslave album to date, the music struck a balance between 1970s hard rock and 1990s grunge and was certified gold within a month of its release.
Prior to this, however, Audioslave nearly imploded under dual management and “a horrible personal crisis” that cost Cornell his marriage. A slot on the Ozzfest tour had to be canceled when he checked himself into rehab for a two-month stay. The band eventually toured in 2003 to support Audioslave and spent the following year at work on a new album.
With the May 2005 release of Out of Exile, Audioslave had hit their stride, establishing themselves as a separate entity. The album debuted at #1 on the U.S. charts, driven by the singles “Be Yourself” and “Doesn’t Remind Me”.
As the first record by a newly clean Cornell, it was his most personal effort ever and reflected the positive changes in his life. Shortly after the album’s release, Audioslave hit the road and played a free concert for approximately 60,000 fans in Havana, Cuba, becoming the first American rock group ever to do so.
Rumblings concerning Cornell’s departure from Audioslave began before the September 2006 release of the band’s third album, Revelations. Rumors that he intended to resume his solo career were dismissed by Cornell, but sure enough, in early 2007 came word that he was indeed leaving Audioslave, citing musical differences and personality conflicts. At the time, the other three members of the band were working a RATM reunion, and both Morello and Cornell were involved in solo projects. Audioslave never toured in support of Revelations despite positive critical buzz for the record.
Next we’ll take a look at Cornell’s solo work and various side projects including Temple of the Dog, his collaboration with fellow grungers Pearl Jam, to honor the memory of one of their own.
