Way back in 1991, Chris Cornell assumed a – œJesus Christ Pose’, arms extended out to his side, bare-chested and long flowing hair, with the rapidly ascending grunge quartet Soundgarden. In 2007, he returned to Australian stages – minus his Soundgarden counterparts, long hair and bare chest – receiving the reception (and delivering the performance) of a fully fledged God.

A last minute notice by the show’s organisers informed that there would be no support act for this show. The overwhelming success of Cornell’s support slot with Linkin Park (go figure…) indicated that Chris could handle entertaining a hungry fanbase for over two hours on his own. They were oh so right! The man who steered the late 80s / early 90s grunge movement and has amassed over 12 albums in two decades left a sold out Forum Theatre in awe and admiration. Entering the venue half way through the classic Soundgarden single ‘Outshined’, his presence was immediately impacting. He was dressed in very casual loose black t-shirt and black skinny jeans, his hair a mop of short curls and his voice still strong, soulful and expressive. In fact, he still resembled the twenty something who last graced our stages some ten years ago.

This time, though, he was with a new band. Any concerns that they would be just another backing band were quickly dispelled; they mastered the fiery energy and musical technique of ‘Outshined’ so well and went on to prove themselves as a fun, talented and professional group.

The softer tones of ‘No Such Thing’, from Cornell’s latest solo album Carry On, emphasised his vocal strength and depth and also the leaning towards less aggressive rock that Cornell has taken on his recent material. ‘Rusty Cage’ was one of a few true contenders for – œhighlight of the night’, Cornell travelling the entire stage while band played their hearts out to this grunge classic off 1991’s Badmotorfinger. The erratic lights mirrored the crashing drums, electronic guitars and the screaming Cornell. The crowd applause was massive. It was like seeing Soundgarden all over again. During ‘Spoonman’ drummer Jason delivered a spectacular, rhythmic drum solo under the spotlight of brilliant white lights, yet another feature of the night.

When Chris took to the stage with an acoustic guitar, the entire atmosphere calmed down. He announced: “I haven’t done this one for a while which means I’m gonna fuck it up” to which he received an overwhelming and encouraging applause. He launched into the lush and eerie ‘Blow Up The Outside World’ and captured the ballad’s intensity so well with only an acoustic guitar and his massive voice. This four song acoustic break, sandwiched between two sets of grungier tunes, concluded with Audioslave’s mellow ballad ‘Like A Stone’. Cornell ended the song by extending the microphone out to the crowd and getting them to sing the last four lines. “That was great,” he offered.

He left the stage and the band returned to begin an extended intro to ‘Cochise’. They made the stage their own and truly stepped up to the occasion with their roguish antics. The lead guitarist would belt out a Jimmy Page -reminiscent guitar solo in complete shirtless splendour then play back-to-back with fellow guitarist. On ‘Black Hole Sun’, he’d sway his guitar neck in the air in tune to the sweeping atmospherics of one of Soundgarden’s most commercially recognised hits.

When the band left the stage before the encore, the crowd began a stampeding demand for their return. They ended the show with a medley that channelled Zeppelin -inspired riffs and the dark calls of – œnow I know why you’ve been taken’ from ‘Slaves & Bulldozers’. Cornell emerged holding a US confederate flag aloft, then lay on the floor, soaking up the aura, while his band played on. After another amazing drum solo, Chris appeared topless, draped in the flag, singing a very loud ‘4th Of July’, thrusting the mic stand in the air in a show of triumph.

Chris Cornell played songs from all four musical projects in which he’s been involved, including Temple of the Dog’s ‘Pushin’ Forward Back’, but with a strong focus on Soundgarden. It’s easy to reflect and ask why he didn’t play other favourites from the extensive back catalogue but that would be unjust. Cornell – and band – delivered a truly memorable performance which more than abundantly catered for the old school Soundgarden fans and y’know, what more could one have asked for?

Check out the pics from this show here courtesy of onenineeightone.