Soundgarden fans and music enthusiasts breathed a sigh of relief as news broke out that the band and Chris Cornell’s estate had settled all the lawsuits. The legal battles that ensued after Cornell’s unexpected death in 2017 had caused a rift in the music community, leaving fans and fellow musicians wondering if Soundgarden would ever be able to move on. With this new development, it looks like the band can finally focus on what they do best – making music. Let’s dive deeper into what this settlement means for Soundgarden and the legacy of Chris Cornell.
The death of Chris Cornell in 2017 led to a series of legal battles between his widow and the surviving members of Soundgarden. Most of the issues revolved around vocal recordings Cornell had left behind that were intended to be included in a new album.
The first lawsuit was filed by Vicky, who sought rights to seven unreleased songs and disbursement of royalties. Matters became even more complicated as the two sides engaged in a bitter dispute over things like social media, Chris’ posthumous participation in any band activities such as new recordings or videos, and a “ludicrously low” buyout offer. Attorneys and accountants were brought in, and both sides sought legal advice and auditing.
In 2021, Vicky made an offer to the three remaining members of Soundgarden to buy their interests in the band for $4 million each. The offer was rejected, and Vicky upped the offer to $7 million, which was also turned down by the band members. There was also some dispute over the sharing of financial data that could be used to determine Chris’ value to the partnership. Soundgarden’s response was, “This dispute has never been about money for the band. This is their life’s work and their legacy.”
However, it’s undeniable that money played a significant role in these legal battles. The recent settlement announced by Variety on April 17 included revenues from Soundgarden businesses, such as SG Recordings, SMF, SG Productions, and LLM.
Unfortunately, the details of the settlement weren’t made public, leaving many unanswered questions about Soundgarden’s future. Nevertheless, the fact that the two sides were able to reach a settlement suggests that both parties were able to achieve their desired outcomes.
Perhaps one of the most exciting possibilities that stems from this settlement is the hope that we will finally get to hear the unreleased Chris Cornell vocals as part of finished songs. Only time will tell whether this dream will become a reality or whether more legal battles will ensue.
Regardless, the legal disputes between Vicky and Soundgarden highlight the complex and often bitter battles that arise between surviving family members and band members in the wake of a beloved musician’s death. These battles are often fueled by a combination of financial considerations, creative differences, and personal feelings, and can take years to resolve.
In conclusion, the resolution of Soundgarden and Chris Cornell’s estate lawsuits brings closure to a distressing chapter for the band and its fans. The agreement reached between the two parties ensures that Cornell’s legacy will be preserved, and his music will continue to inspire and connect with generations to come. As we say goodbye, we can remember the impact that Soundgarden and Cornell had on the music industry and their enduring contribution to the rock genre. We can only hope that their music will continue to reach more people and inspire future artists.
