Cornell goes solo (Updated September 13, 2013)

Anyone would agree that 2012 turned out to be quite the year for Soundgarden. The band got back together, played a few shows and released a brand new studio album. But the guys have gone quiet again, mostly so frontman Chris Cornell can enjoy his own time in the spotlight.

It's true. Cornell has embarked on a trek he's calling the "Songbook Solo Acoustic Tour." It highlights songs from throughout his career, but this is the first time North American fans have been able to hear the acoustic arrangements of songs from 2012's "King Animal," Soundgarden's first new album in over 16 years.

Fall tour dates were announced in August, and the tour officially kicks off on October 15 in San Diego, California at the Balboa Theatre. It will also mark the launch of The Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, which gives aid to the most vulnerable children. One dollar from every ticket sold on the tour will be donated to the Foundation, and a portion of the proceeds will also benefit ChildHaven's Creative Music Therapy Program Expansion.

Don't fret, Soundgarden fans. When Cornell's tour wraps he says there are more albums in the band's future. He told GMI Rock, "There's nothing stopping us from continuing to make records, that's for sure, and continuing to play shows." In other words, it sounds like Cornell's one-man band act will turn into a full-blown band act sometime in the near future.

Cornell the 'King Animal' of Soundgarden (Updated January 23, 2013)

One artist called it the "coolest thing" on their 2013 tour schedule. Another said they were proud to be part of such a historic event. And indeed, how many people can say they were part of the 57th Inauguration of the President of the United States?

Chris Cornell and Soundgarden had the chance to join the inauguration celebrations of President Barack Obama shortly after he took the oath of office on January 21, 2013. Cornell was invited to play the Inaugural Ball alongside artists like Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Jennifer Hudson and Marc Anthony. And even though Soundgarden are in the midst of their current North American tour run, the recently reunited rockers couldn't help but add the special appearance to their itinerary.

Soundgarden has been back together since 2010, when Cornell announced the reunion via his Twitter account. The band headlined Lollapalooza the same year, made a number of television appearances, then toured the country in summer 2011. A few months later, Cornell revealed that in early 2012 a Soundgarden album consisting of new material would be released.

Fans would actually have to wait until November 13, 2012 for the release of "King Animal," the sixth studio album by Soundgarden and the band's first in 16 years. "Been Away Too Long" was the first single from the project, which sold 83,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week to land at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the third-highest position of Soundgarden's career.

Soundgarden is embarking on a full-on tour in support of "King Animal," with dates scheduled in the U.S. through May.

Chris Cornell Tickets - The Sound of the Garden in the Past

Remember the iconic band Soundgarden? Many do. It just so happens that it birthed another great rock n' roll legend in the making by the name of Chris Cornell, the actual frontman for the band. Once Soundgarden departed back in 1997 and the man who led the band formed the supergroup Audioslave, it became clear that Cornell needed to break away and become a solo act.

Chris Cornell Tickets - A Solo Star in the Making

Born on July 20, 1964, and already loving the heavy metal genre, it made sense that he would rage on with his defining sound with the release of his first solo album in 1999 entitled Euphoria Morning with the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack staple 'Mission.' After his stint with Audioslave, he returned to the solo style with a remarkable 2007 album entitled Carry On. Touching all levels of entertainment, you could hear one iconic song from the album on the 'Casino Royale' soundtrack entitled 'You Know My Name.' Interscope Records had to have been pleased. He amazed the music industry further with two digital downloads entitled 'Ground Zero' and 'Watch Out,' two of the first digital tracks ever to be released.

Chris Cornell Tickets - The Sound of Cornell

It wasn't his raging, wild voice that made headlines, although you'd recognize Cornell when you heard him. Rather, it was his presence in the music industry, something of a timeless nature that never left the ears of those who loved hard rock music. Chris Cornell will be around for a long time, playing the music he loves with metal passion.