Chris Cornell was celebrated as a “true innovator” at the Billboard Music Awards after the Audioslave and Soundgarden singer’s death at the age of 52.
Dan Reynolds, singer of the rock band Imagine Dragons, told the audience in Las Vegas on Sunday night of the “legendary” performer’s influence before a moment’s silence.
“Although tonight is a time to celebrate the music and artists of the past year, it is also a time to recall a member of our community who we lost this past week,” the 29-year-old said.
“Soundgarden and Audioslave’s Chris Cornell was a true innovator, a musical architect and a pioneer on the cutting edge of the Seattle grunge movement.
“He was a prolific songwriter, a legendary performer, a singer who had a voice for the ages and a philanthropist.
“Even though Chris is gone, his legacy endures. We send our respects as well as our love to Chris’s family at this time.”
Imagine Dragons pays tribute to the late @chriscornell at the #BBMAs. ?? pic.twitter.com/LrBZfRpiMw
— BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) May 22, 2017
The tribute came as Cornell’s lawyer announced that a “celebration of life” service for the grunge pioneer will be held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on Friday.Kirk Pasich said the service will be private, adding: “Details have not yet been determined for a public memorial while the family is still adjusting to their loss.”Cornell was found hanged at the MGM Grand hotel in Detroit on Thursday. The results of a full post-mortem and toxicology tests are being awaited.
