Vicky Cornell, widow of late Audioslave and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, shared a message on social media. She was reacting to Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder and Stephen Wilson Jr.’s recent tribute to Chris, according to a post on instagram.com/vickycornell.
The tribute came during Vedder and Wilson Jr.’s performance of the Temple of the Dog song “Hunger Strike” at Ohana Festival. Vicky Cornell’s message reflected on the performance and its significance to Chris Cornell’s legacy.
“Wow. Watching this incredible performance of ‘Hunger Strike’ is more than a tribute — it is a beautiful reminder of the music, the friendship, as well as the lasting legacy Chris left behind as his songs continue to touch new generations and are embraced by artists today,” Vicky Cornell said.
She went on to thank the performers directly for their tribute.
“Thank you Stephen and Eddie — you honored his voice, his artistry, and the spirit of Temple of the Dog with such love and respect. I know he would have been incredibly proud,” Vicky Cornell continued.
The moment carries weight far beyond a single festival set. It ties directly into the history of the song itself and the event where it unfolded.
Ohana Festival marked its 10th anniversary this year, running September 25 through 27 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. The three-day event brought together more than 35 performances across three stages. The lineup was led by Eddie Vedder & Friends, Tyler Childers, Pearl Jam, Alabama Shakes, Jon Batiste, Fontaines D.C. and Pixies. Vedder’s guest appearance during Stephen Wilson Jr.’s set became one of the standout moments of the weekend.
“Hunger Strike” itself carries deep roots in rock history. The song was originally recorded as a duet between Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder for Temple of the Dog’s 1991 album. The two formed the project as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late frontman of Mother Love Bone. The track has since become one of the most enduring collaborations between the two rock icons, cementing Temple of the Dog’s place in grunge history.
Vedder’s decision to revisit the song alongside Wilson Jr. at Ohana speaks to how deeply the collaboration between Cornell and Vedder still resonates with fans and fellow musicians. The performance echoed the same spirit the duo captured more than three decades ago, when their voices first came together to honor a fallen friend. That connection between past and present struck Vicky Cornell most, reinforcing just how far-reaching her husband’s influence remains within the rock community.
The tribute highlights the continued influence of Chris Cornell’s music and Temple of the Dog’s legacy among fellow artists.
