Chris Cornell's Daughter Toni Pays Tribute the 30th Anniversary of 'Hunger Strike'

Chris Cornell’s Daughter Toni Pays Tribute the 30th Anniversary of ‘Hunger Strike’

2021-01-16

The Temple of the Dog song "Hunger Strike" just celebrated its 30th anniversary, and Chris Cornell's daughter, Toni, says song is one of her personal favorites.

Chris Cornell – Story by Cat Badra, photo by Anne Erickson

Chris Cornell’s daughter, Toni, says the Temple of the Dog song “Hunger Strike” is one of her “personal favorite” songs

Toni Cornell, the daughter of the late, great Chris Cornell, has shared a tribute to honor the 30th anniversary of her father’s influential Temple of the Dog single, “Hunger Strike.” The song, which marked the lead single from Temple of the Dog’s 1991 self-titled debut, hit the landmark anniversary on Jan. 14.

“It’s not only one of the most iconic songs of all time but one of my personal favorites,” Toni said in an Instagram post. “I love you daddy and I’m so proud of what you created, who you are and everything you believed in. This song represents all of that to me.”

Toni’s tribute also included a video of her cover of “Hunger Strike,” which she performed last spring at a coronavirus (COVID-19) relief concert. Watch the video on Instagram here.

Chris’ widow Vicky Cornell also posted a tribute in honor of the “Hunger Strike” birthday, sharing a video of Chris performing with Pearl Jam for a live performance of the song. She tweeted, “Chris’ contribution to music history is forever. As is his love, inclusion, guidance and support — all of which make him an incredible person, artist and friend. His legacy will live on for eternity.”

“Hunger Strike” featured Cornell alongside his Soundgarden partner Matt Cameron, plus soon-to-be Pearl Jam members Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament. Future Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder famously duets with Cornell on the track “Hunger Strike,” to boot.

Temple of the Dog released just one album together, and while that record wasn’t a blockbuster success out the gate, it gained momentum as the grunge movement went mainstream in the early-’90s. “Hunger Strike” and “”Say Hello 2 Heaven” both eventually reached the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. With band members busy in Soundgarden and Pearl Jam over the years, the group never did a major reunion, but they did join forces for a short tour in 2016.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.