A previously unheard cover of Guns N Roses’ “Patience” by Chris Cornell has been released to mark what would have been his 56th birthday. Cornell died by suicide on 18 May 2017, at the age of 52.
Chris recorded this song in March 2016 at Henson Studios in Los Angeles. While he was there working on his own album, he was teaching his daughter Toni how to play “Patience,” as she was a big fan of Guns N’ Roses. During his studio time, he actually recorded it on his own as a tribute to the band and their recent announcement at the time that they would be getting back together.
The musician’s widow Vicky Cornell shared a link to the recording on his Facebook page on Monday. The song is accompanied by a music video that was produced by Toni and Christopher Cornell and features personal images, including special photos taken at home by friend and photographer Steven Lyon.
Chris Cornell‘s widow, Vicky Cornell posted in a statement on Cornell‘s official Facebook page:
One of Chris’s engineers recently reminded me of Chris’s recordings from sessions in 2016, which he still had. “Patience” was one of them. That recording was inspired by our daughter Toni, who was a huge GNR fan and asked her dad to teach her to play it on the guitar. His cover is so hauntingly beautiful; it brought it all back in a rush of bittersweet memories.
His birthday seemed the perfect time to share this and celebrate Chris, his voice, music, stories, and art. A man is not dead while his name is still spoken. . . and, through his art, an artist’s soul still burns as bright upon all those that look up to him and his memory. Releasing music that was special to Chris keeps a part of him here with us — his heart and his soul. His love and his legacy.
I want to thank everyone who continues to celebrate and keep Chris alive. A special thank you to Axl (Rose), Slash, and Duff (McKagan) for continuing to honor Chris in their live shows. And to all of Chris’s fans, thank you for holding him in your hearts and always sharing your love for Chris with us. I want to thank our children too; for you are a reflection of your father, both his strength and his kindness (and helping to put together this video he’d be so proud)! The memory of your smile still makes my heart, broken as it is, beat as fast as the first time we met. We love you Chris, Happy Birthday.
Vicky
