Soundgarden Still at Odds with Chris Cornell Estate
Soundgarden and the Chris Cornell estate are experiencing issues regarding the final pieces of music from the late singer. When asked about the status of this music, drummer Matt Cameron…

Soundgarden and the Chris Cornell estate are experiencing issues regarding the final pieces of music from the late singer.
When asked about the status of this music, drummer Matt Cameron told The Vinyl Guide podcast, "We're still in the middle of a dispute with the estate. Everything is on hold right now."
As far as a timeline for the release of this music, Cameron said it likely won't happen in 2024. However, he still remains hopeful for its eventual release.
Back in April, Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell issued a joint statement agreeing to release the final recordings of Chris Cornell with the band. Their statement read as follows:
"Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, on behalf of the Estate of Chris Cornell, are happy to announce they have reached an amicable out of court resolution. The reconciliation marks a new partnership between the two parties, which will allow Soundgarden fans around the world to hear the final songs that the band and Chris were working on. The two parties are united and coming together to propel, honor and build upon Soundgarden's incredible legacy as well as Chris's indelible mark on music history - as one of the greatest songwriters and vocalists of all time."
Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell have been battling back and forth publicly since December 2019. A number of lawsuits have been filed by both parties during that time. The subjects of these lawsuits have included back royalties, ownership of demo tapes and social media passwords. A complete timeline of events can be viewed below.
"It's for Chris's Memory"
In 2023, Soundgarden received their second nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (Their first nomination came in 2020.)
While the band ended up not being part of the 2023 induction class, the honor wasn't lost on guitarist Kim Thayil. In February, he touched on what recognition for the Rock Hall means to him.
" ... Now that Chris is gone, it’s even more important," said Thayil. "It’s for Chris’s memory and the band’s legacy."
Thayil also stressed the induction also acknowledges the band's fans for their love and support over the years.
Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, the widow of frontman Chris Cornell, have been battling back-and-forth publicly since December 2019.
A number of lawsuits have been filed by both parties during that time. The subjects of these lawsuits have included back royalties, ownership of demo tapes and, most recently, social media passwords.
Below is an ongoing timeline of the legal issues between the surviving members of Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell.
(This timeline will be updated with additional information when updates are reported.)
December 2019: Vicky Cornell sues Soundgarden over royalties, demos
Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesTORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 11: Musician/actor Chris Cornell and wife Vicky Karayiannis arrive at the premiere of "Machine Gun Preacher" at Roy Thomson Hall during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
February 2020: Soundgarden countersues Vicky Cornell over band recording ownership
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: Kim Thayil performs at I Am The Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell at the Forum on January 16, 2019 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
May 2020: Soundgarden files countersuit against Vicky Cornell, accuse her of keeping charity earnings
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesJuly 2020: Soundgarden drop charity concert countersuit claims against Vicky Cornell
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: Ryan Adams and Don Was perform at I Am The Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell at the Forum on January 16, 2019 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
February 17, 2021: Vicky Cornell files new lawsuit against Soundgarden
Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesFebruary 22, 2021: Soundgarden releases statement responding to new lawsuit from Vicky Cornell
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesHOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 11: (L-R) Musicians Chris Cornell, Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden arrive at the premiere of Marvel Studios' "The Avengers" at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
March 19, 2021: Judge finds Soundgarden isn’t withholding royalties from Vicky Cornell
Michael Buckner/Getty ImagesMarch 25, 2021: Soundgarden files new court documents alleging Vicky Cornel locked them out of their social media accounts and their official website
Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesApril 1, 2021: Vicky Cornell's attorney, Chris Cornell's former manager releases statement in response to Soundgarden's social media lawsuit
Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesJune 16, 2021: Soundgarden, Vicky Cornell Come to Agreement on Social Media Dispute
Tommaso Boddi, Roger Kisby, Mike Coppola, Mike Coppola/Getty Images



