Chris Cornell was penning album before his tragic suicide

It has been revealed that Soundgarden were working on a new album before Chris Cornell tragically took his own life earlier this week.

His band are credited for inspiring Nirvana legend Kurt Cobain. They reunited in 2010 and earlier this year, Chris released a new solo single titled ‘The Promise’.

From the outside looking in, there seemed to be no reason for the 52-year-old pioneer of grunge music to hang himself inside his hotel room at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, on Wednesday.

It came as a huge shock to his family, fans and peers within the music industry and his manager, Brian Bumbery, said his death was “sudden and unexpected”.

But it was surprising, too, for his band mates, as they had been happily writing new tracks together in the run up to his sudden death.

Guitarist Kim Thayil told Billboard before the singer died: “It’s been a couple years of intermittent songwriting sessions. We look for opportunities where all four of us are available and then we get together and we show each other what we’ve been working on.

“Chris [Cornell] has demoed a few things.

“He’s written lyrics for ideas that I’ve written and that Ben [Shepherd, bassist] and Matt have written.

Stars paid tribute to Chris, who also fronted Audioslave.

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry tweeted: “Very sad news about Chris Cornell today. A sad loss of a great talent to the world, his friends and family. Rest In Peace.”

Elton John added: “Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Chris Cornell. A great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man.”

Chris grew up in Seattle, Washington where he formed Soundgarden in 1984 – the first grunge band to sign with a major record label.

He is survived by three children, 17-year-old Lillian Jean, 13-year-old Toni, and 12-year-old Christopher.

Suicide is preventable. If you or anyone you know needs help contact the Samaritans.

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