Audioslave
| Company type | Supergroup / Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | January 1, 2001 in Glendale, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Glendale, California , United States |
Key people | Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, Brad Wilk |
| Products | Studio albums, live performances |
Audioslave was a prominent American rock supergroup that originated in Glendale, California, in 2001. The lineup combined Soundgarden’s frontman and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell with members from Rage Against the Machine: Tom Morello on lead guitar, Tim Commerford handling bass and backing vocals, and Brad Wilk on drums. Initially perceived as a blend of Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine styles, by their sophomore album, Out of Exile, they had developed a unique sound merging 1970s hard rock with elements of 1990s alternative rock, while also drawing inspiration from 1960s funk, soul, and R&B. The band focused on generating all musical elements exclusively through guitars, bass, drums, and vocals—showcasing Cornell’s expansive vocal range alongside Morello’s inventive guitar solos.
Throughout a six-year span, Audioslave released three studio albums, received three Grammy nominations, sold over eight million copies worldwide, and made history as the first American rock band to hold an open-air concert in Cuba. Their disbandment came in February 2007 following Cornell’s announcement of his exit.
The group briefly reunited to perform at the Anti-Inaugural Ball organized by Prophets of Rage on January 20, 2017. However, Cornell’s death later that year ended any possibility of future reunions.
Formation (2000–2001)
After the departure of vocalist Zack de la Rocha from Rage Against the Machine on October 18, 2000—prompted by internal disagreements—the remaining members Tim Commerford, Tom Morello, and Brad Wilk sought a new singer. They deliberately avoided rappers or anyone resembling de la Rocha’s style. Several auditions took place, amid rumors involving Layne Staley of Alice in Chains that were subsequently denied. Producer Rick Rubin proposed collaborating with Chris Cornell from Soundgarden and also encouraged the band to attend group therapy sessions with performance coach Phil Towle to help them recover from their breakup.
The rapport with Cornell was immediate; Morello described his voice as "transcendent" from their initial encounter. Over 19 days of rehearsals, they composed 21 songs and began recording sessions in late May 2001 with Rubin producing while negotiating label and management logistics.
Audioslave (2002–2003)
The group was officially announced for the seventh annual Ozzfest on March 19, 2002. Shortly thereafter, reports surfaced claiming Cornell had abruptly left without explanation. Early speculation pointed to conflicts between Cornell’s manager Jim Guerinot and Rage Against the Machine’s Peter Mensch; however, the band attributed the split to managerial disputes. Six weeks later, after completing album mixing, they reunited, dismissed former management, and engaged the Firm agency. Epic and Interscope Records settled their differences by alternating album releases.
In May 2002, thirteen unfinished tracks leaked online under titles like "Civilian" or "the Civilian Project." Morello clarified these were incomplete demos sent to Cornell for further work but were stolen from a studio and prematurely circulated.
After resolving a naming dispute with a Liverpool-based band, they adopted the name Audioslave and launched their official website in September 2002. The lead single "Cochise" premiered online late that month and gained radio airplay by October. Critics noted Cornell’s vocal style as distinct from de la Rocha’s and praised the band’s revival of classic rock influences. Director Mark Romanek created a music video featuring spectacular fireworks atop a Los Angeles skyscraper.
Their self-titled debut album was released on November 19, 2002, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 162,000 copies. It achieved gold certification within one month and reached triple platinum status by 2006 with over three million U.S. sales. Reviews were mixed; some criticized its predictability and production choices while others applauded its homage to ’70s rock icons like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
Audioslave made their live debut on November 25, 2002, performing atop the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater for Late Show with David Letterman, marking the first time a band appeared on Letterman’s marquee. Their initial paid concert occurred at KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas on December 7 after a secret club performance. During this time, Cornell revealed overcoming personal challenges including rehab and credited his bandmates for supporting his recovery.
The second single "Like a Stone", released in early 2003, topped both Billboard's Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts becoming their best-selling single. Directed by Meiert Avis, its video was shot at Jimi Hendrix's former residence in Los Angeles and used visual negative space to evoke musical heritage. The third single's video "Show Me How to Live" was banned by MTV due to scenes depicting a high-speed police chase. Their first DVD release titled Audioslave came out on July 29, 2003.
In 2003 Audioslave toured extensively worldwide receiving positive critical acclaim including an acclaimed set at Lollapalooza which earned them the Metal Edge Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Lollapalooza Band.
Out of Exile (2004–2005)
At the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004, "Like a Stone" was nominated for "Best Hard Rock Performance", while Audioslave contended for "Best Rock Album". The band paused touring to focus on their second studio effort; during this period Morello concentrated on his solo project as the Nightwatchman alongside political activism. Meanwhile, Cornell finalized his divorce and married Vicky Karayiannis, a publicist based in Paris.
Writing commenced during their Lollapalooza tour in 2003 and extended into late 2004. They had leftover material from their debut sessions; Morello remarked they possessed "almost another album's worth" already completed. The lead single "Be Yourself" garnered mixed critical reception but reached number one on both Mainstream and Modern Rock radio charts.
In April 2005 Audioslave embarked on an initial club tour avoiding songs from previous bands to establish their independent identity before incorporating hits such as "Black Hole Sun" and "Bulls on Parade" into their performances. The second single "Your Time Has Come" was promoted via an innovative global radio campaign unlocking downloads after reaching one million clicks.
On May 6, 2005 Audioslave made history as the first American rock band to hold an outdoor concert in socialist Cuba before approximately 50,000 attendees at La Tribuna Antiimperialista José Martí. This trip received approval from both U.S. and Cuban authorities despite prevailing travel restrictions which led to postponement of several U.S. shows. Their extensive setlist included songs from Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine catalogs.
Released internationally on May 23, 2005 Out of Exile debuted at number one on the Billboard 200—their only album to do so—before dropping to number three amid a sales decline of over sixty percent; it eventually attained platinum certification. Cornell attributed more introspective lyrics to personal growth since their debut in 2002. The album featured greater stylistic diversity with less emphasis on heavy riffs compared to its predecessor.
Critics generally responded more positively than to their first record praising Cornell’s vocal improvement—attributed to quitting smoking and drinking—and describing it as "leaner," "harder," "stronger," and "memorable." Nonetheless lyrics received mixed feedback while some found its softer tone less compelling.
Following release Audioslave toured Europe extensively appeared at the Live 8 benefit concert in Berlin on July 2, 2005 then completed their inaugural North American arena headlining tour between September and November. The third single's video "Doesn't Remind Me" premiered online in September. Their second DVD release Live in Cuba, documenting their Havana performance was issued October 11 earning platinum certification within two months.
Revelations and breakup (2006–2007)
In December 2005 Audioslave received their third Grammy nomination for "Doesn't Remind Me". Recording sessions for their third album began with producer Brendan O'Brien aiming for a June 2006 release date. They composed twenty songs—sixteen written within three weeks—but postponed release until September while canceling European tour dates to concentrate on promotion efforts. The lead single "Original Fire" was streamed free online starting July.
Rumors about Cornell leaving surfaced mid-2006 which he initially denied while preparing his second solo record. A unique promotional campaign featured album artwork depicted as “Audioslave Nation,” an imaginary island viewable via Google Earth. Tracks from Revelations appeared across major motion picture soundtracks and video games upon release September 5, 2006 which debuted at number two on Billboard with first-week sales of approximately 142,000 copies but became their least commercially successful album dropping sixty-five percent in week two before achieving gold certification within one month. Musically it incorporated funk, soul, and R&B influences; Morello described it as "Led Zeppelin meets Earth, Wind & Fire," featuring more explicit political themes than earlier works.
Critical reception acknowledged the band's artistic integrity welcoming new stylistic directions though some critics felt it resembled previous material too closely. Cornell delayed touring commitments citing dual promotion duties for both this album and his solo project; Morello planned solo releases for early 2007. The second single "Revelations" was issued October followed by a music video premiere in November.
On January 22, 2007 Rage Against the Machine announced plans for a reunion show at Coachella festival later that year. On February 15 Cornell officially left Audioslave citing personality clashes and creative differences which effectively dissolved the group though he mentioned intentions for a greatest hits compilation due to contractual obligations.
Post-breakup (2008–2016)
Following Cornell’s departure there were disagreements between him and Morello over communication details; Cornell cited frustrations stemming from internal “political negotiations” prompting him toward solo endeavors emphasizing personal incompatibility rather than financial disputes as reasons behind the split. In a 2011 reflection he acknowledged how personal turmoil negatively impacted band dynamics contributing unnecessary drama.
Morello indicated potential future releases of unreleased material during interviews in 2012 while Cornell joined Morello onstage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2013 followed by another joint performance in Seattle during 2014 where they played Audioslave songs together after years apart.
Both musicians expressed openness toward reuniting as Audioslave during interviews in 2015 referencing positive experiences collaborating recently.
Reunion and death of Chris Cornell (2017)
The band briefly reunited for a singular performance at Prophets of Rage's Anti-Inaugural Ball held January 20, 2017 protesting President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Cornell mentioned ongoing discussions about further reunions but cited scheduling conflicts among members’ separate projects limiting possibilities.
Tragically Chris Cornell passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2017 found deceased in his Detroit hotel room effectively ending any hope of future reunions involving original members.
Name
Initially considering “Civilian” as their moniker before settling on “Audioslave,” a name proposed by Cornell himself; despite an existing UK band holding rights to “Audioslave,” a $30,000 agreement allowed both groups continued use while prompting the UK act to rename themselves “The Most Terrifying Thing.” Critics often derided “Audioslave” as uninspired or ranked it among less favorable contemporary rock band names.
Musical style and influences
Audioslave’s sound represents a fusion encompassing hard rock, alternative metal, post-grunge influences alongside alternative rock foundations. Morello highlighted eclectic inspirations ranging from Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to electronic acts like Chemical Brothers along with trip-hop pioneers Portishead plus folk icon Woody Guthrie contributing diverse sonic textures. Their music combined classic ’70s hard rock riffs with modern alternative dynamics driven by Cornell’s extensive vocal range paired with Morello’s experimental guitar techniques.
Lyrically Cornell tended toward existential themes exploring spirituality love or hedonism contrasting sharply with Rage Against the Machine’s politically charged messages though political content occasionally surfaced especially evident on Revelations, influenced by funk/soul stylings inspired by artists such as Sly & the Family Stone or James Brown affecting both instrumentation and vocal delivery.
The band consciously avoided sampling or synthesizers opting instead for organic instrumentation despite Morello's use of effects pedals creating distinctive sounds resembling electronic textures.
Songwriting and recording process
All lyrics were penned solely by Cornell while musical composition credits were shared collectively reflecting collaborative songwriting contrasting with creative tensions experienced previously in Rage Against the Machine sessions. Producer Rick Rubin served as an essential creative collaborator throughout production of their first two albums.
Their songwriting process was notably rapid: crafting twenty-one songs within nineteen days during debut album sessions followed by even quicker output subsequently; sobriety attained by Cornell during recording enhanced focus—he entered rehabilitation after debut completion maintaining abstinence throughout subsequent projects.
Politics
Unlike Rage Against the Machine’s overt activism Audioslave maintained mostly apolitical lyrical content though not entirely devoid of political commentary; Cornell refrained from becoming an outspoken political figure yet supported benefit concerts aligned with causes championed by fellow members.
Tracks like “Set It Off” addressed events such as WTO protests while Revelations contained pointed critiques exemplified by “Wide Awake” condemning governmental response to Hurricane Katrina under President George W. Bush administration whom they openly opposed alongside Iraq War policies since formation.
Live performances frequently included political messaging despite occasional commitments toward neutrality during specific tours; participation at events like Live 8 demonstrated engagement with social issues beyond music alone.
Supporting Axis of Justice—a nonprofit organization co-founded by Morello aiming to unite musicians and fans around social justice initiatives—was regularly promoted during concerts alongside contributions to related charity releases reinforcing activist commitments within their platform.
Members
- Chris Cornell – lead vocals, occasional guitar (2001–2007; reunion:2017; deceased:2017)
- Tom Morello – guitar (2001–2007; reunion:2017)
- Tim Commerford – bass guitar, backing vocals (2001–2007; reunion:2017)
- Brad Wilk – drums (2001–2007; reunion:2017)
Discography
Studio albums
- Audioslave (2002)
- Out of Exile (2005)
- Revelations (2006)
External links
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