Metallica’s James Hetfield Discusses the Death of Chris Cornell

Metallica’s James Hetfield is the latest notable musician to speak out about the death of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell. Unless you’ve been completely cut off from the outside world for the past week, you’re already aware that the iconic singer hung himself last Wednesday, May 17, following a Soundgarden concert in Detroit. Speaking to Boston’s WAAF this week, Hetfield said the following about the late vocalist (transcription courtesy of Blabbermouth, video at the bottom of this post):

“Well, it does make you hug those around you, for sure—bandmates, family that’s out here, family at home. It makes you realize that, you know, there is a darkness that anyone and everyone can find and feel that they’re trapped in. And when you’re there—and at least I know the depth of my darkness at times—it is difficult when you’re in that space to even fathom that there’s someone there that can help you or has been through that before. Sometimes you’re at such a loss…

“I can’t… obviously can’t explain what he was going through, but we all have our darknesses… And check in with each other—check in with each other. Let each other know how you’re doing.”

“Yes, it’s a sad story, and there’s a lot of sad stories recently, especially in the grunge world, losing a lot of people. And for us, [losing] Lemmy and all of the things that have been happening in the last couple of years, it just makes us feel even more grateful to be out here doing what we’re doing.”

In addition, Metallica paid tribute to Cornell during their performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA this past Friday, May 19. Not only did bassist Robert Trujillo play “Black Hole Sun” during his solo that evening, but Hetfield also concluded “Unforgiven” with the touching words “We forgive you, Chris.” Watch video below (via Billboard):

Cornell was a living legend. Expect tributes like these to keep rolling in for months to come.