First of all, a hearty FU to "news" sites like CNN for sticking the "people we've lost in 2017" graphic at the top of every tragic story such as this. Screw them for turning death into a meme.
I was never a Soundgarden fan, but there was no denying Cornell's talent and stage presence. As opposed to the other star frontmen from the grunge era (who don't need to be named here), whose deaths were not entirely a surprise when they happened, Cornell seemed to have grown into the elder statesman role, and I assumed he'd have another two decades (at least) of steady touring and soundtrack work, not unlike Trent Reznor these days.
Unlike many rock stars who have to disappear before making their comebacks, Cornell stood apart from so many of this 90's contemporaries by staying relevant for the past two decades with Audioslave and his solo work. Much like Dave Grohl, he stuck to making uncompromising rock music during the uncool days of rock when Nickelback and Creed were inexplicably kings.
And he hung himself on the same day (give or take a few hours) as Ian Curtis. Damn.
