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A Chris Cornell Statue Is Coming to Seattle
The life-size bronze statue of the Seattle music legend will be a permanent fixture outside of MoPOP
By Dan Shafer July 20, 2018
Today would have been Chris Cornell’s 54th birthday. In his honor, his wife Vicky Cornell announced today that he will be commemorated with a statue in his hometown of Seattle.
The life-size bronze statue will be located at the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP) in front of the south entrance, facing 5th Avenue. It will be raised in a public ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 29. (UPDATE (8/23): MoPOP has moved the statue unveiling event to Oct. 7 “due to the awesome overwhelming response from our community.”)
Sculptor Nick Marras has been commissioned to create the statue of the Soundgarden and Audioslave singer that will be “showcasing the rock legend in one of his iconic poses with his signature boots, dog tag, layers and long locks.”
Vicky Cornell said this is a “gift back to the tight-knit community that gave him his start.”
“Even though Chris’ music touched the lives of millions around the world, there is no better place than Seattle to honor and celebrate both his contribution to music history, as well as Seattle’s unique place in popular music, with an enduring symbol of a beloved artist, father, and husband,” said Vicky Cornell. “Our children and I are deeply moved by the continued outpouring of love, compassion, and support, and this is our gift to the Museum of Pop Culture and to Seattle.”
Jasen Emmons, artistic director at MoPOP, said the museum was honored to receive the gift, calling Cornell “one of the most powerful and important voices in popular music.”
“MoPOP serves to celebrate the Seattle music scene and the luminaries who have emerged from the Northwest and Chris was a key figure who has made a lasting impact on generations worldwide,” he said.
Cornell died by suicide at age 52.
Vicky Cornell also posted messages on Twitter remembering her late husband and wishing him happy birthday.
Happy Birthday my love…. Your life touched so many, you left your mark forever on millions of hearts everywhere. You were a rare gift to the world that is forever changed without you. pic.twitter.com/blOyfcgg4X
— Chris Cornell (@chriscornell) July 20, 2018
Today we celebrate you – the artist, the husband, the father, the son, the brother, the friend, the man for all that you’ve blessed us with #gratitude. – VC
— Chris Cornell (@chriscornell) July 20, 2018
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