Statue of Chris Cornell planned for Seattle

Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell’s widow Vicky has commissioned a statue of the late Soundgarden frontman which will be erected in his hometown of Seattle.

The Seattle Times report that Cornell has hired sculptor and artist Wayne Toth to create the memorial to be placed in a location in the city – and she is keen to hear where fans would like the statue to be placed.

Cornell says: “He has already given me a design and the children and I love it. He is Seattle’s son and we will be bringing him home and honouring him, I hope, with all of you, your love and support.”

Toth was behind the statue of Johnny Ramone that is by his grave at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Last month, Cornell pledged $100,000 to the Chris Cornell Music Therapy Program which was set up by the Childhaven charity. It helps children develop after facing experiences including neglect, abuse and chemical dependency.

She adds: “Chris was always interested in protecting traumatised children who had suffered physical or psychological abuse. He always felt music was a way to heal even neurological and emotional conditions.

“His promise was to help the most vulnerable children. My vow now is to keep his promise, and what better way to honour Chris and his hometown than by creating a music program to help these babies heal.”

Chris Cornell died by suicide in May following a Soundgarden show in Detroit.

Louder Than Love: Metal Hammer remembers Chris Cornell

Scott Munro
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Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.