An agreement between Chris Cornell’s widow Vicky and the surviving members of Soundgarden have come to an agreement over the eventual release of the final songs the late vocalist recorded with the band.
According to a prepared statement by the band, the two sides opted to settle the matter outside of court, rather than drag it into yet another protracted legal battle between them.
“Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, on behalf of the Estate of Chris Cornell, are happy to announce they have reached an amicable out of court resolution. The reconciliation marks a new partnership between the two parties, which will allow Soundgarden fans around the world to hear the final songs that the band and Chris were working on. The two parties are united and coming together to propel, honor and build upon Soundgarden’s incredible legacy as well as Chris’s indelible mark on music history – as one of the greatest songwriters and vocalists of all time.”
It’s wonderful to hear that both sides want to honor Cornell, who may be one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. Soundgarden was on tour when Cornell took his own life on May 18, 2017. At the time, the band was also working on their follow up to the 2012 album King Animal.
Both the Cornell estate and Soundgarden have been embroiled in legal skirmishes over the years. Back in 2019, Vicky Cornell sued the band over what she claimed were missing royalties payments. A second lawsuit was later filed over access to the band’s social media accounts, though a temporary agreement has since been made on that front.
Here’s hoping that we get to hear some new Soundgarden featuring the legendary Chris Cornell sooner, rather than later.