Soundgarden releases final songs with Chris Cornell after agreement with his widow

The widow of Chris Cornell and members of Soundgarden have finally settled a years-long legal dispute and can now release the late rocker’s last songs with the band.

In a joint statement, Vicky Cornell and the surviving Soundgarden members – guitarist Kim Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd – announced that they had reached an amicable settlement in court following two previous lawsuits on Cornell’s behalf. “The reconciliation marks a new partnership between the two parties that will allow Soundgarden fans around the world to hear the final songs the band and Chris worked on,” the statement said.

“The two parties are united and come together to advance, honor and build upon Soundgarden’s incredible legacy and Chris’ indelible impact on music history as one of the greatest songwriters and singers of all time,” the statement concluded.

Christie Goodwin/Redferns/Getty Chris Cornell

In 2019, Vicky Cornell sued members of Soundgarden, accusing them of withholding royalties “undeniably owed” to her and her children, Chris, for seven unreleased songs. In response, Soundgarden claimed the recordings were from 2015 and intended for a Soundgarden album, arguing that the songs were the band’s property.

Vicky filed a second lawsuit against the group in 2021, claiming they presented a severance offer with “a disgracefully low amount” of less than $300,000. In response, Soundgarden said the severance offer was “grossly misrepresented.” At the time, the band added, “We are confident that clarity will be provided in court.”

Chris Cornell, frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave, committed suicide in 2017 at the age of 52. In 2020, the singer posthumously won a Grammy in the Best Recording Package category at the 62nd annual ceremony.

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