Bond Theme Singer Chris Cornell Has Died Aged 52

A grunge legend gone too soon.

Chris Cornell
Flickr.com/AndreasEldh

Sad news from the world of rock music: Chris Cornell - legendary lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave has died aged just 52.

The singer - one of the most prodigiously gifted rock singers of all time - was one of the driving forces behind the grunge movement out of Seattle, and Black Hole Sun and Spoonman continue to be pillars of the genre, in large part thanks to Cornell's stunning vocals.

His incredible vocal range made his voice instantly recognisable, whether he was working with Soundgarden, Audiolave or as a solo artist, and in 2006 he was an unexpected but brilliant choice for Casino Royale theme You Know My Name. The fact that it stands head and shoulders above the majority of modern Bond themes is testament to that voice.

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He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on The Keeper, which appeared on Gerard Butler's Machine Gun Preacher.

His representative, Brian Bumbery released a simple statement to the Associated Press confirming that Cornell died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday night in Detroit. His family will be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause of death and have asked for privacy.

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RIP.

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