Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, passed away late on Wednesday in Detroit, US. He was 52.
In a statement to AP, Cornell's representative Brian Bumbery confirmed the death and said it was sudden and unexpected. The exact cause of his death is yet to be determined.
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Cornell was the lead singer of Seattle-based Soundgarden that shot to fame with their 1994 album Superunknown. In 2010, the band reunited for their sixth studio album and in 2012, they released King Animal. The album received positive reviews with the over 10.5 million records sales in the US as of 2012.
The Grammy award-winning singer was also known for singing You Know My Name -- the theme song of James Bond film Casino Royale.
Cornell was on a tour and was performing with Soundgarden at Detroit's Fox Theatre on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured in on social media. Several celebrities, including Nile Rodgers, Dave Navarro and Blake Anderson, took to Twitter to mourn the demise of the legendary singer.
Ed Byrne: I hope it's ok with the grief police if I say Chris Cornell's death has come as an unexpected gut punch this morning.
Hunter Burgan: Saddened by the news of Chris Cornell's passing. He was an incredible singer. I took this picture of him and Jimmy Page in 2014. RIP CC
James Phelps: Gutted to hear Chris Cornell has passed away. Audioslave are one of my all time favourite bands. I saw him live 6 times & was always amazing
RIP Chris Cornell Soundgarden is forever grunge https://t.co/SuObrI1piU
— Blake Anderson (@UncleBlazer) May 18, 2017
SO SO stunned to hear about Chris Cornell! Such a terrible and sad loss! Thinking of his family tonight! RIP
— Dave Navarro (@DaveNavarro) May 18, 2017
Sad 2 hear of Chris Cornell passing..great singer and artist... another blow…RIP
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) May 18, 2017
My friend Chris Cornell has died and I'm just incredibly sad .
— DavidGArnold (@DavidGArnold) May 18, 2017
Wow...this one is shocking. Chris Cornell was one of the benchmark vocalists of our generation...devastating loss. #RIPChrisCornell pic.twitter.com/x3F9rptL0D
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) May 18, 2017
A mutual friend called me and tells me my bro passed away. #RIPChrisCornell You are a great artist Love to Vicki and fam @nilerodgers pic.twitter.com/FhG0fhT0q1
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) May 18, 2017
One of the greatest rock voices of all time and an incredible talent. RIP Chris Cornell pic.twitter.com/mxqvbqgNrh
— Universal Music UK (@UMusicuk) May 18, 2017
