Back in April, Soundgarden made a public plea to the Chris Cornell estate to turn over the passwords for the band's social media accounts. It turned into quite the drama, but now it looks like all parties have come to some form of agreement.
Soundgarden just posted the following statement: “Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, the personal representative of the Estate of Christopher Cornell, are pleased to announce that, effective June 15, 2021, they have come to a temporary agreement that will transfer the Soundgarden social media accounts and website to the band's remaining members, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd and their managers, Red Light Management.
“This includes Soundgarden's website (www.soundgardenworld.com), Facebook (facebook.com/Soundgarden), Instagram (instagram.com/soundgarden), and Twitter (twitter.com/soundgarden). The agreement marks a productive first step towards healing and open dialogue, and the parties wish for the social media accounts to celebrate the Band's accomplishments and music, while continuing to honor Chris' legacy.”
Vicky Cornell commented “Through our joint social media efforts and our temporary agreement, my family, along with the surviving members of Soundgarden, hope to celebrate Chris and his music out of mutual respect and love. We all recognize the profound pain caused by Chris's tragic loss and the path it has taken us down.”
Moments later, they posted a plea to fans to respect all the families and keep the focus on the music saying:
Hey Soundgarden friends, fans and family!
Our site is intended to celebrate the music, achievements, career and legacy of the band along with news and information about any current and future plans, including relevant solo work. We encourage our fans to share their comments, praise and criticism, but we do expect these to be appropriate, courteous and respectful to each other and to the band. We are super stoked to have our socials return to discussions and posts about being in a f***ing great ROCK BAND!! Remember the guitars, drums, vocals and volume?!!! No more comments about wives, children, exes, significant others, siblings, parents, great aunts, 2nd cousins… etc. of any of the current or former band members… get it?!! It should go without saying, to the adults in the room, that there won't be any threats, bullying or mocking of any kind, directed at anyone. Furthermore, don't post discussions or inane conspiracy theories casting blame for harm to Chris Cornell. If anybody's comments are inappropriate in these ways, they will be removed. If anybody's comments are threatening, bullying or abusive, OR if we have to remove more than one of anybody's comments, they will lose the opportunity to continue commenting on our site. We admire the character and caliber of all the fans who've supported and grown with us over the years, geez…decades!!
Keep us proud! Peace and love to our brothers and sisters!!
XO Soundgarden
Ultimately, we are glad all the parties came to an amicable agreement for now.