An enchanting concert by Chris Cornell , Udine June 25, 2012

Seattle’s Chris Cornell, the 47 year-old founding member and front man of the grunge group Soundgarden, enchanted some 2,000 fans in Udine’s splendid little castle during the city’s “Udine&Jazz” event with a 90 minute acoustic performance. 

Few artists who play there DON’T comment on the castle’s wonderful and warm setting.  And Cornell, who also played with the group Audioslave, was no exception to the rule.   Alone and surrounded by six guitars on stage Cornell, famous also for one of James Bond’s best theme songs, “You Know My Name” (from the “Casino Royale” 007 movie starring Daniel Craig as a terrific Bond), soothed fans with his wonderful voice during a cool summer evening with a lengthy repertoire taken from his “Songbook Tour”.  “Black Hole Sun” from his Soundgarden days was everyone’s favorite as was a wonderful cover version of Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You”. 

The American singer ended his performance with two songs from the Fab Four, “A Day In The Life” and John’s famous ballad, “Imagine”.  Oddly enough, “You Know My Name” was missing from his show, a song which no doubt helped Cornell’s global popularity even further (other groups/artists such as Sir Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Madonna, Carly Simon, A-Ha and Garbage have also recorded memorable Bond theme songs). 

The only sad note of the entertaining evening was that in the wee hours of the morning Cornell was rushed to Udine’s local hospital as he suddenly fell ill.  His upcoming Turin show has been momentarily suspended until further notice.